Hey there Legend! Just to bring to your notice that some links and ad banners on this page are affiliates which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We greatly appreciate your support!
The Real Challenges Behind Why Helldivers 2 on PC Takes Up Triple the Space of the PS5 Version
October 26, 2025Helldivers 2 players on PC are facing a glaring difference: the game demands 110GB of storage, compared to just 39GB on PS5. That’s not a typo; it’s nearly three times more, and it’s left plenty of fans confused and frustrated.
The debate flared up again after Arrowhead Game Studios, the force behind Helldivers 2, announced its latest upcoming update. PC gamers started asking the question that’s been simmering since launch: “Why is the PC version so much bigger?”
Arrowhead’s Technical Director Lays It Out: ‘Not An Easy Fix’
Peter Lindgren, Arrowhead’s technical director, stepped in to explain. In a refreshingly honest Reddit thread, Lindgren broke it down: “There are no quick or easy solves here,” he said. According to Lindgren, the main culprit is a process called “cooking data”. It’s how the studio packages every file for the game, textures, models, audio, specifically for the platform it’s going to run on.
For the PS5, Arrowhead can use proprietary compression tools and optimisation techniques exclusive to Sony’s console. These tools let them pack assets tightly, sometimes even removing files that other platforms still need.
For PC, it’s just not that simple. Arrowhead has to account for a wider range of hardware and system configurations. Lindgren explained, “We have to include a lot more versions of each graphical asset to make sure the game works for most hardware.” That means duplicating files for different resolutions, textures, and presets, ballooning the total install size.
Lindgren admits the team would love to slim things down, but he’s clear: “We can’t promise quick wins here. The difference between PC and PS5 is real, and we’re not happy about it either.”
Why PC Gamers Get the Big Download for Helldivers 2
The outrage isn’t just about hard drive space; it’s about expectations. When modern games come with gigantic file sizes, it can mean longer download times, more pressure on storage, and frustration if you ever need to reinstall. But Lindgren insists that the gap comes down to technical realities, not laziness.
His comments have sparked new discussions across the community, with some fans disappointed but others appreciating the transparency. As one gamer on Reddit put it, “I’d rather have the devs tell us upfront than make promises they can’t deliver.”
Lindgren also hinted that the studio sees the issue. But until tech changes, either in how PC games are built or compressed, it’s not a quick fix. “We never want to waste your space,” Lindgren said. “But for now, this is the best we can do.”
The takeaway? If you’re playing Helldivers 2 on PC, clear out some room. And don’t expect a miracle patch to shrink that install size overnight.
Share this:
While games are fun, it’s highly important to note that there’s more to life than sitting countless hours playing video games – there’s a purpose and more to life; seek out that purpose more often!
