How to preload Helldivers 2

Can you get a jump start on Helldivers 2?

A Helldiver squad explores a foggy zone in Helldivers 2.
Image via Arrowhead Studios

Helldivers 2 is the much anticipated top-down squad shooting sequel to the 2015 game Helldivers, and it is finally releasing on Feb. 8. If you’re looking forward to playing the sequel, you might be wondering if it’s possible to preload it.

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With this in mind, we’re looking at whether it’s possible to preload Helldivers 2 before it comes out. 

Preloading Helldivers 2 

Players sneaking through a forest in Helldivers 2
Image via Arrowhead Studios

Can you preload Helldivers 2?

Helldivers 2 is coming to two platforms—the PlayStation 5 and the PC— but at the time of writing, it is only available to preload on the PlayStation 5. This is a little frustrating for PC users, as the PC file size is much larger than the PlayStation one. 

The PC file is 100GB, while the PlayStation 5 file is a quarter of that size at 25GB. It would be helpful for players to have the chance to start downloading the PC version before the game comes out, but at the moment, this isn’t the case. 

How to preload Helldivers 2 for the PlayStation 5

Helldivers 2 has been available to start preloading on the PlayStation 5 since Feb. 1. If you pre-order the game, all you need to do is find it on the PlayStation store and select the option to download. This should start downloading the game onto your console so that it’ll be ready to play when it releases. 

What time does Helldivers 2 release?

Helldivers 2 has a worldwide simultaneous launch date of Feb. 8, but the times differ across continents, so let’s take a look at the exact times that you can jump into the game if you have preloaded it (or when you can start downloading if you are playing on the PC). 

Helldivers 2 release times

AreaTime ZoneRelease Time
AustraliaAEDT8pm
BrazilBRT6am
ChinaCST5pm
EuropeCET10am
EuropeEET11am
IndiaIST2.30pm
JapanJST6pm
New ZealandNZDT10pm
United KingdomGMT9am
United StatesAT5am
United States CT3am
United StatesEST4am
United StatesMT2am
United StatesPT1am

That is everything you need to know about how to preload Helldivers 2 for the PlayStation 5 as well as what time you can start downloading it. Knowing when you can get started with the download will be useful if you are planning to play on the PC, due to the large file size and the lack of preloading possibilities. Start your download as soon as you can on the PC so you can start playing Helldivers 2 sooner rather than later on Feb. 8. 

Author
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Antonia Haynes
Antonia Haynes is a freelance general gaming writer for Dot Esports who resides in a small seaside town in England where she has lived her whole life. Beginning her video game writing career back in 2014, and having an avid love of gaming since childhood, she became a staff writer in 2018 before becoming freelance in 2023 with her role at Dot Esports. Her ideal day would consist of junk food, fluffy pyjamas and video games because quite frankly going outside is overrated.