Helldivers 2: Storage Space Required On Steam
Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Getting ready to dive into the action-packed world of Helldivers 2 on Steam? One of the first things you'll want to know is how much space you'll need to clear on your hard drive. Let's break down everything you need to know about the storage size for Helldivers 2 on Steam, so you can get prepared and jump straight into defending Super Earth.
Understanding the Initial Download Size
When you first purchase and download Helldivers 2 from Steam, you'll notice an initial download size. This is the compressed version of the game files that Steam transfers to your computer. This initial download size is usually smaller than the actual space the game will occupy once it's installed. Why? Because the downloaded files are compressed to save bandwidth and time during the download process. Once the download is complete, Steam unpacks and installs the game, which requires additional space.
The initial download size for Helldivers 2 is approximately 60 GB. Keep in mind that this number can vary slightly depending on updates and patches released by the developers. So, it's always a good idea to have a bit more space available than the listed download size to ensure a smooth installation process. Having at least 70 GB free before you start the download is a safe bet. This buffer accounts for temporary files created during installation and any potential updates that might be included right away.
Final Installation Size
After Steam finishes downloading and installing Helldivers 2, the game will take up more space on your storage drive than the initial download size. This is because the compressed files are extracted, and additional files are created during the installation process. The final installation size includes all the game assets, textures, audio files, and necessary system files required to run the game smoothly.
The final installation size for Helldivers 2 is around 100 GB. This means you'll need approximately 100 gigabytes of free space on your hard drive to successfully install and play the game. Make sure you check your storage drive to ensure you have enough space. If you're running low, you might need to uninstall some older games or transfer files to an external drive to make room for Helldivers 2. Having enough free space not only allows the game to install correctly but also ensures that it runs optimally, preventing potential performance issues.
Why the Storage Size Matters
Storage size is a critical factor for several reasons. First and foremost, you need enough space to install the game. Without adequate storage, the installation process will fail, and you won't be able to play. Secondly, the amount of free space on your drive can impact the game's performance. When your hard drive is nearly full, your computer has less room to create temporary files and cache data, which can lead to slower loading times, stuttering, and other performance issues.
Moreover, Helldivers 2, like many modern games, receives regular updates and patches that add new content, fix bugs, and improve performance. These updates often require additional storage space. If you're already close to your storage limit, you might encounter issues when trying to update the game. Therefore, it's always wise to have some extra space available to accommodate future updates and ensure the game continues to run smoothly.
Tips for Managing Storage Space
Running out of storage space can be a frustrating experience, especially when you're eager to play a new game. Here are some tips to help you manage your storage space effectively and ensure you have enough room for Helldivers 2:
- Uninstall Unused Games: Go through your Steam library and uninstall any games you no longer play. This is the most straightforward way to free up a significant amount of storage space. Consider archiving games you might want to play again in the future on an external drive.
- Delete Temporary Files: Your computer accumulates temporary files over time, which can take up valuable storage space. Use a disk cleanup tool to remove these files. In Windows, you can find the Disk Cleanup utility by searching for it in the Start menu. This tool helps you identify and remove unnecessary files, such as temporary internet files, system error memory dump files, and more.
- Move Large Files to an External Drive: If you have large files like videos, photos, or documents that you don't need to access frequently, consider moving them to an external hard drive. This frees up space on your primary storage drive and keeps your system running efficiently.
- Upgrade Your Storage Drive: If you consistently run out of storage space, it might be time to upgrade to a larger hard drive or, even better, an SSD (Solid State Drive). SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds, which can improve game loading times and overall system performance. This is a more expensive option, but it can be a worthwhile investment if you frequently play large games.
- Use Cloud Storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive allow you to store files in the cloud, freeing up space on your local storage drive. This is particularly useful for documents, photos, and other files that you don't need to access instantly.
Optimizing Game Performance
Once you've ensured you have enough storage space for Helldivers 2, you'll want to optimize the game's performance to get the best possible experience. Here are a few tips to help you do that:
- Adjust Graphics Settings: Helldivers 2 offers a range of graphics settings that you can adjust to optimize performance. If you're experiencing lag or stuttering, try lowering the graphics settings. Start by reducing the resolution, texture quality, and shadow effects. Experiment with different settings until you find a balance between visual quality and performance.
- Update Your Graphics Drivers: Make sure you have the latest graphics drivers installed. New drivers often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can enhance your gaming experience. You can download the latest drivers from the NVIDIA or AMD website, depending on your graphics card.
- Close Unnecessary Background Applications: Close any unnecessary applications running in the background while playing Helldivers 2. These applications can consume system resources and impact game performance. Common culprits include web browsers, music players, and other resource-intensive programs.
- Defragment Your Hard Drive: If you're using a traditional hard drive (HDD), defragmenting it can improve performance. Defragmentation reorganizes the files on your hard drive, making it easier for your computer to access them. Windows has a built-in defragmentation tool that you can use.
- Monitor System Temperatures: Overheating can cause performance issues. Make sure your computer's cooling system is working properly and that your components are not overheating. You can use monitoring software to check your CPU and GPU temperatures.
What if You Don't Have Enough Space?
So, what happens if you realize you don't have enough space after you've already purchased Helldivers 2? Don't panic! There are several options you can consider:
- Uninstall Other Games: This is the most immediate solution. Identify games you haven't played in a while and uninstall them to free up space. Remember, you can always reinstall them later if you want to play them again.
- Move Files to an External Drive: Transfer large files like videos, photos, and documents to an external hard drive to create more space on your primary storage drive.
- Request a Refund: If you're unable to free up enough space and haven't downloaded the game yet, you might be able to request a refund from Steam. Check Steam's refund policy for eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Helldivers 2 requires approximately 100 GB of storage space on Steam for the final installation. Make sure you have enough free space on your hard drive to accommodate the game and any future updates. Managing your storage space effectively and optimizing game performance will ensure you have the best possible gaming experience. So, get ready to dive in and defend Super Earth, Helldivers! Good luck, and happy gaming!