Arrowhead Game Studios and support studio Nixxes Software have released a major optimization update for Helldivers 2 on Steam, reducing the overall file size from roughly 154 GB to just 23 GB—an 85% decrease. Steam users can opt into a technical beta branch of Helldivers 2 on Steam to reduce the file size and test out the new update before its global deployment.
However, it’s worth noting that the update may break the installation for users who have mods installed, and mod support for Helldivers 2 is not ensured with the beta build. Players have the option to roll back to the legacy version while the beta build is still ongoing, but the plan is for Arrowhead Game Studios and Nixxes to deploy the complete update in 2026. As a result, the legacy version will no longer be supported after the update’s deployment next year, according to the developer’s latest technical blog.
Here are the steps you need to follow to install the beta build:
- Step 1.
- In your steam library, right click on Helldivers 2 and select ‘Properties’.
- Step 2.
- Next select the ‘Betas’ tab.
- Step 3.
- In the Beta Participation drop down list, select “prod_slim”
- Step 4.
- Finally just close the properties dialog and wait for the game to download the patch!
Lastly, Helldivers 2 launched on February 8, 2024 for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam, followed by August 26, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S.
