Helldivers 2: Steam Deck Performance & Size Guide

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Helldivers 2: Steam Deck Performance & Size Guide

Dive into the world of Helldivers 2 on your Steam Deck! This guide provides you with all the essential information about the game's size, performance optimization, and how to get the best experience on your portable gaming device. Let's get started, Helldivers!

Understanding Helldivers 2 Size

Knowing the Helldivers 2 download size is crucial, especially for Steam Deck users managing their storage. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Initial Download Size: Helldivers 2 typically requires around 30-40 GB of storage space for the initial download. However, this can vary slightly depending on the platform and any pre-load bonuses.
  • Post-Installation Size: After installation, the game files may expand, requiring additional space. It's always wise to have a bit of extra room to accommodate patches, updates, and DLCs.
  • Updates and Patches: Like any live-service game, Helldivers 2 will receive regular updates and patches. These updates can range from a few megabytes to several gigabytes, so keep an eye on your storage.
  • DLCs and Expansions: Future downloadable content (DLCs) and expansions will further increase the game's size. Plan ahead by having ample storage if you intend to purchase additional content.

To ensure a smooth installation, check your Steam Deck's available storage before initiating the download. Consider using a microSD card to expand your storage if needed. Regularly clearing unnecessary files from your Steam Deck can also help maintain optimal performance and free up space for game updates.

Optimizing Steam Deck Storage for Helldivers 2

Managing storage effectively on your Steam Deck is essential for playing Helldivers 2 without performance hiccups. The Steam Deck comes in various storage sizes, and while the 64GB model is the most budget-friendly, it might feel restrictive once you start installing multiple games. Here are some tips to optimize your storage and ensure Helldivers 2 runs smoothly:

  1. MicroSD Card Expansion:
    • One of the easiest ways to increase your Steam Deck's storage is by using a microSD card. The Steam Deck supports UHS-I microSD cards, which offer decent read and write speeds suitable for gaming.
    • Consider purchasing a high-capacity microSD card (256GB, 512GB, or even 1TB) to store Helldivers 2 and other games. This prevents you from constantly juggling files between the internal storage and external drives.
    • When choosing a microSD card, prioritize reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar. Look for cards with an A1 or A2 rating, as they are optimized for running applications.
  2. Uninstall Unused Games:
    • Regularly review your installed games and uninstall any that you no longer play. This can free up a significant amount of storage space, making room for Helldivers 2 and its updates.
    • Steam makes it easy to uninstall games. Simply go to your library, select the game, and choose the uninstall option. Consider archiving game files to an external drive if you want to keep them for future use.
  3. Clear Shader Cache and Compatibility Data:
    • The Steam Deck stores shader cache and compatibility data for games, which can accumulate over time and consume storage space. Periodically clear this data to free up space.
    • To clear shader cache, go to Steam Settings > Storage and select the drive where the shader cache is stored. Click on "Clear Download Cache" to remove unnecessary files. Be aware that clearing the shader cache might cause slight performance hiccups when you first launch a game after clearing the cache, as the shaders need to be rebuilt.
  4. Use Proton Compatibility Efficiently:
    • Proton is a compatibility layer that allows you to play Windows games on the Steam Deck. However, Proton files and compatibility data can take up space. Only use Proton for games that require it.
    • For games that run natively on Linux or have a native version, avoid forcing Proton compatibility. This can save storage space and potentially improve performance.
  5. Move Non-Steam Games to External Storage:
    • If you have installed non-Steam games on your Steam Deck, consider moving them to a microSD card. This can free up valuable space on your internal storage for Steam games and system files.
    • You can use tools like Lutris or Heroic Games Launcher to manage and launch non-Steam games from external storage.
  6. Compress Game Files:
    • Some users have found that compressing game files can save storage space without significantly impacting performance. Tools like CompactGUI can help compress game files on Windows, which you can then transfer to your Steam Deck.
    • Be cautious when compressing game files, as it can sometimes lead to longer loading times or performance issues. Always back up your game files before compressing them.

By implementing these storage optimization tips, you can ensure that your Steam Deck has enough space to accommodate Helldivers 2 and other games while maintaining optimal performance. Regular storage management is key to a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience on the Steam Deck.

Optimizing Helldivers 2 Performance on Steam Deck

To achieve the best Helldivers 2 experience on your Steam Deck, tweaking the graphics settings is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the settings you should adjust:

  • Resolution: Lowering the resolution can significantly improve performance. Try setting the game to 1280x800, which is the native resolution of the Steam Deck.
  • Graphics Quality: Reduce the overall graphics quality to “Medium” or “Low.” This will decrease the strain on the GPU and help maintain a stable frame rate.
  • Texture Quality: Set texture quality to “Medium” or “Low.” High-resolution textures can consume a lot of VRAM, impacting performance.
  • Shadow Quality: Shadows are performance-intensive. Lowering shadow quality or turning them off can provide a noticeable FPS boost.
  • Effects Quality: Reduce the quality of special effects. Explosions and other visual effects can cause frame drops, so minimizing their impact is beneficial.
  • Anti-Aliasing: Disable or lower anti-aliasing settings. While anti-aliasing improves image clarity, it can also reduce performance.
  • FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR): Enable FSR and set it to “Quality” or “Balanced.” FSR upscales the image from a lower resolution, providing a performance boost without significantly sacrificing visual quality.

By fine-tuning these settings, you can strike a balance between visual quality and performance, ensuring Helldivers 2 runs smoothly on your Steam Deck.

Advanced Performance Tweaks for Helldivers 2 on Steam Deck

Beyond the basic graphics settings, there are several advanced tweaks you can implement to further optimize the performance of Helldivers 2 on your Steam Deck. These tweaks involve adjusting system settings, using custom Proton versions, and monitoring performance metrics to fine-tune your setup.

  1. Adjusting TDP (Thermal Design Power):
    • The Steam Deck allows you to control the TDP, which determines the amount of power allocated to the CPU and GPU. Lowering the TDP can reduce heat and power consumption, potentially improving battery life and thermal performance.
    • To adjust the TDP, press the three-dot button (...) on the right side of the Steam Deck to open the Quick Access Menu. Navigate to the Performance tab and use the TDP slider to adjust the power limit. Start by reducing the TDP to around 8-10W and see if it improves performance without causing significant frame rate drops.
    • Experiment with different TDP settings to find the optimal balance between performance and battery life for Helldivers 2.
  2. Using Custom Proton Versions:
    • Proton is a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux. Different Proton versions can offer varying levels of compatibility and performance for different games.
    • Consider using a custom Proton version like Proton GE (Glorious Eggroll), which often includes the latest fixes and optimizations for games. You can install Proton GE through the ProtonUp-Qt application, available in the Discover store on your Steam Deck.
    • To select a specific Proton version for Helldivers 2, right-click on the game in your Steam library, go to Properties > Compatibility, and check the box that says "Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool." Then, select your desired Proton version from the dropdown menu.
  3. Monitoring Performance Metrics:
    • The Steam Deck has built-in tools for monitoring performance metrics like FPS (frames per second), GPU usage, CPU usage, and VRAM usage. These metrics can help you identify bottlenecks and fine-tune your settings accordingly.
    • To enable the performance overlay, press the three-dot button (...) to open the Quick Access Menu. Navigate to the Performance tab and adjust the Overlay Performance Level. Setting it to level 4 will display detailed performance metrics on screen.
    • Monitor the FPS while playing Helldivers 2. If the FPS is consistently low, try lowering the graphics settings or reducing the TDP. If the GPU or CPU usage is consistently high, it indicates that those components are being heavily taxed, and you may need to adjust the settings to reduce the load.
  4. Adjusting CPU Governor:
    • The CPU governor controls how the CPU scales its frequency based on the workload. By default, the Steam Deck uses a balanced governor, but you can experiment with different governors to see if they improve performance.
    • You can use tools like PowerTools, available through the Decky Loader plugin, to adjust the CPU governor. Be cautious when changing CPU governor settings, as incorrect settings can lead to instability or reduced battery life.
  5. Disabling Background Processes:
    • Close any unnecessary background processes or applications that may be consuming system resources. This can free up memory and CPU cycles for Helldivers 2, potentially improving performance.
    • Use the Steam Deck's task manager to identify and close any resource-intensive background processes.
  6. Updating Drivers and Firmware:
    • Ensure that your Steam Deck is running the latest drivers and firmware. Valve regularly releases updates that include performance improvements and bug fixes.
    • Go to Steam Settings > System and check for updates to ensure your Steam Deck is up to date.

By implementing these advanced performance tweaks, you can maximize the performance of Helldivers 2 on your Steam Deck and enjoy a smoother, more immersive gaming experience. Remember to experiment with different settings and monitor performance metrics to find the optimal configuration for your setup.

Conclusion

Playing Helldivers 2 on the Steam Deck can be an enjoyable experience with the right optimizations. By managing storage effectively and fine-tuning the graphics settings, you can ensure smooth gameplay on your portable device. So gear up, Helldiver, and dive into the action!