Death Stranding 2: How to Switch Day & Night Cycle (July 2025)
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach brings a groundbreaking feature that was notably absent from the original game - a fully dynamic day and night cycle. After spending countless hours traversing the post-apocalyptic landscapes of Mexico and Australia, I've mastered the art of time manipulation in Kojima Productions' latest masterpiece. Here's everything you need to know about switching between day and night in Death Stranding 2.
Table of Contents
Why the Day/Night Cycle Matters in Death Stranding 2?
The introduction of a real-time day and night cycle isn't just a visual upgrade - it fundamentally changes how you approach every delivery and combat encounter. Speaking to IGN, Kojima revealed, "We did this in Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain as well, but I wanted to properly include the passage of time in an open world. Gazing at the sky as the sun rises and sets is something that couldn't be done in the first game, in part due to engine-related reasons, but it's been put into the sequel."
This new system affects everything from stealth mechanics to enemy behavior, making time management a crucial survival skill in your journey across the fractured world.
How to Switch Between Day and Night in Death Stranding 2?
The Quick Answer: Sleep in a Private Room
The quickest way to pass time in Death Stranding 2? Well, the obvious option is to sleep. Head over to the nearest Private Room, and Sam will automatically fall asleep as soon as he enters one. Here's exactly how it works:
- Find a Private Room - Located at major facilities and distribution centers
- Enter the Room - Sam automatically goes to sleep upon entry
- Time Passes Based on Entry Time - If you arrive in the room in the evening, you will wake up at night.
- Choose to Sleep Again - After waking, you can sleep once more to reach the next cycle
Advanced Time Control: The Sleep Further Option
What makes Death Stranding 2's system brilliant is the flexibility it offers. If you have changed your mind after waking up, you always have the option to sleep further, highlighted above your bed. This means you're never stuck with an unfavorable time of day.
Natural Time Progression
Time also passes naturally as you explore the world, though at a slower rate. The passage of time is alerted with an audio cue. For example, you can hear a rooster crowing when the sun rises and a wolf howling when the night comes up. These atmospheric touches make the world feel alive and help you track time without constantly checking your menu.
Strategic Advantages of Day vs Night Gameplay
Nighttime: The Stealth Player's Paradise
Enemies are less likely to spot you at night and it is easier to sneak around, but you also must proceed with caution since there's less visibility. Night operations offer:
- Enhanced Stealth Capabilities - Reduced enemy detection range
- Better Infiltration Opportunities - Perfect for raiding enemy camps
- Atmospheric Tension - Limited visibility adds to the survival horror elements
- Strategic Ambush Potential - Use darkness to your advantage
Daytime: Clear Visibility for Complex Deliveries
During the day, the terrain and enemies are more visible, but it is also easier for threats to locate you. Daytime benefits include:
- Better Navigation - See obstacles and plan routes more effectively
- Safer Cargo Transport - Reduced risk of accidental falls or collisions
- Direct Combat Advantages - If you want to make a grand entrance and storm the base of your adversaries, then daytime is the ideal option.
- Easier BT Detection - Spot supernatural threats before they spot you
How the New System Differs from Metal Gear Solid V
Unlike MGSV's cigarette-smoking time advance mechanic, Death Stranding 2 takes a more immersive approach. "Metal Gear Solid 5 had a system where you could smoke to advance time, but this game does it in more natural ways, like going back to bed in a private room after waking up once."
This design choice reinforces the game's themes of rest, recovery, and the importance of safe havens in a dangerous world.
Tips for Mastering the Day/Night Cycle
1. Plan Your Deliveries Around Time
Some deliveries are better suited for specific times:
- Fragile cargo - Daytime for better visibility
- Stealth missions - Nighttime for reduced detection
- Timed deliveries - Consider travel time and rest stops
2. Use Private Rooms Strategically
Private rooms aren't just for time manipulation. When you rest:
- Sam's stamina fully recovers
- Blood levels replenish (crucial for combat)
- Equipment gets repaired
- You can access your personal storage
3. Leverage the Proficiency System
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features 12 new 'proficiency' levels. Similar to how you can upgrade your weapon proficiency by using them more often during combat, your playstyle will directly impact Sam's stats and abilities. Night stealth operations will improve your stealth proficiency faster.
4. Coordinate with Other Players
The Social Strand System means other players' structures are visible at all times. Use lit roads and bridges during night operations to maintain speed while avoiding detection.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Problem: Stuck at Night with Time-Sensitive Cargo
Solution: Not all facilities have Private Rooms. Plan your route to include major distribution centers where you can rest and advance time.
Problem: Can't Find Private Rooms in Remote Areas
Solution: Build Safehouses using PCC Level 2. These structures include Private Rooms and can be placed strategically along your delivery routes.
Problem: Want to Experience Specific Cutscenes at Night
Solution: Kojima notes that "There are times when I want to use film-like backlighting in specific scenes, but this is a game, not a movie. What's being seen will change based on the player." Save before major story moments if you want to experience them at specific times.
Equipment and Tools for Different Times
Night Operations Gear
- Thermal Goggles - Essential for navigation in darkness
- Silenced Weapons - The silenced pistol is one of the most effective early stealth weapons
- Smoke Grenades - Create additional cover in low light
- Lighter Cargo Loads - Maintain mobility in reduced visibility
Day Operations Equipment
- Heavy Weapons - Better accuracy in clear conditions
- Maximum Cargo Capacity - Easier to manage heavy loads
- Vehicles - Safer to operate at high speeds
- Construction Tools - Build during daylight for better placement
The Lore Behind Death Stranding 2's Day/Night Cycle
Interestingly, the first Death Stranding had a lore explanation for its eternal daylight. The chiralium in the atmosphere is dispersing the light across the world, so no night time at all. The sequel's inclusion of proper day/night cycles suggests significant atmospheric changes in the game world, potentially tied to the story's progression.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does each day/night cycle last in Death Stranding 2?
While specific timing varies, a full cycle typically takes about 2 hours of real-time gameplay, though this can be affected by weather conditions and story events.
Can I change the time without sleeping?
Currently, sleeping in Private Rooms is the only way to manually advance time. Unlike MGSV, there's no quick time-skip mechanic outside of rest.
Do different regions have different day/night lengths?
Yes, the cycle can vary between Mexico and Australia regions, with some areas experiencing longer nights during certain weather patterns.
Does the day/night cycle affect BT encounters?
While BTs are present regardless of time, nighttime encounters are more challenging due to reduced visibility, making the Odradek scanner even more crucial.
Can I set the game to always be day or night?
No, the dynamic cycle is a core gameplay feature and cannot be disabled. However, you can always use Private Rooms to maintain your preferred time.
Do online structures from other players have lights for night navigation?
Yes, many player-built structures include lighting elements that activate automatically at night, creating illuminated paths across the landscape.
Conclusion
The day and night cycle is a welcoming and crucial addition that allows you to strategize your playthrough extensively. Whether you prefer the cover of darkness for stealth operations or the clarity of daylight for challenging deliveries, mastering time manipulation in Death Stranding 2 adds a whole new dimension to Kojima's unique vision.
Remember, every delivery tells a story, and now you get to choose whether that story unfolds under the burning sun or beneath the star-filled sky. The choice - and the time - is yours to control.