Should You Play Death Stranding 1 Before DS2? March 2026 Guide
I’ve been getting this question a lot lately, and honestly, I completely understand the dilemma. With Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launching on June 26, 2026, many gamers are wondering if they need to tackle Hideo Kojima’s 40-hour epic first, or if they can jump straight into the sequel. After diving deep into both games and analyzing what the developers have shared, I’m here to give you the definitive answer.
The Short Answer: Yes, You Should Play Death Stranding 1 First
Look, I won’t beat around the bush here – you absolutely should play Death Stranding 1 before starting Death Stranding 2. This isn’t just my opinion; it’s the overwhelming consensus from gaming experts, the community, and even hints from Kojima Productions themselves. But I know that’s not the answer everyone wants to hear, especially with the sequel dropping so soon. So let me break down exactly why this matters and what your alternatives are if you’re pressed for time.
Why Playing Death Stranding 1 First Is Essential
It’s a Direct Story Continuation
Death Stranding 2 picks up just 11 months after the events of the first game. This isn’t like jumping from Grand Theft Auto IV to V where you’re in a completely different story – this is a direct narrative continuation of Sam Porter Bridges’ journey. The sequel is set 11 months after the events of the first game, and carries over features from DS, as well as characters and plot details.
I can’t stress this enough: the story threads, character relationships, and world-building from the first game are absolutely crucial to understanding what’s happening in the sequel. Imagine trying to watch The Empire Strikes Back without seeing A New Hope – sure, you might follow along, but you’d miss so much context that makes the experience meaningful.
The Unique Terminology and World-Building
Death Stranding isn’t your typical action game. Kojima created an entirely unique universe filled with concepts like:
- The Beach (different from “On the Beach” subtitle)
- BTs (Beached Things)
- Timefall
- The Chiral Network
- DOOMS
- Repatriates
- The Death Stranding phenomenon itself
With the world teeming with unique terminology, bizarre characters, and the original game’s narrative having plenty of confusing twists and turns, there’s a lot for newcomers to try and absorb. Without experiencing how these concepts are gradually introduced in the first game, you’ll likely feel lost in the sequel.
Character Relationships Matter
The emotional core of Death Stranding lies in its character relationships, particularly:
- Sam and BB (Lou): Their bond is the heart of the series
- Sam and Fragile: Their complex partnership
- Sam and Deadman: Their evolving friendship
- The antagonist Higgs: His motivations and history with Sam
You’ll need to have all of that knowledge under your belt to even remotely understand what is going on in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, as well as be acquainted with its unique gameplay style and general atmosphere and tone.
The Gameplay Evolution
Death Stranding has a unique gameplay loop that’s unlike anything else in gaming. The first game teaches you:
- The delivery mechanics and route planning
- How to read terrain and weather patterns
- Combat basics (which are expanded in DS2)
- The asynchronous multiplayer “strand” system
Jumping into DS2 without this foundation would be like trying to play Dark Souls 3 without understanding the basic mechanics of a Souls game.
What Death Stranding 2’s Onboarding Features Offer (And Their Limitations)
Now, Kojima Productions did try to make DS2 somewhat accessible to newcomers. Death Stranding 2 does have plenty of onboarding features to help newcomers get up to speed with the game’s world. These include:
1. Story Recap Feature
Death Stranding 2 also features a story recap of the original game which can be accessed from the main menu. However, this is likely just a remix of cutscenes that covers major plot points – not the full emotional journey.
2. In-Game Glossary
There’s a glossary that allows players to get a deeper understanding of the world by looking up some of the unique words and terminology used by the cast of characters in the game. You can pull this up anytime during gameplay, which is helpful for quick references.
3. Tutorial Systems
The game will teach you the basic mechanics, but it assumes some familiarity with the core concepts.
The Problem: While both the glossary and the story recaps are really useful resources that will help newcomers get acquainted with the world of Death Stranding without having to play the original game, they will still lack some of the contextual understanding that those who played the original game would have.
How Long Does Death Stranding 1 Take to Complete?
I know time is a factor for many of you, so let’s talk numbers:
- Main Story Only: The main story of Death Stranding 1 will take you roughly 40 to 42 hours to complete.
- With Side Content: About 60 hours
- Completionist Run: 120+ hours
If you’re dedicated and the June release is your target, you can definitely complete it this weekend before launch if you push through it.
Alternative Ways to Experience Death Stranding 1’s Story
If you absolutely cannot play the first game, here are your options ranked from best to worst:
1. Watch a Comprehensive YouTube Recap
Several content creators have made detailed story recaps ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. While not ideal, Alright, this might be a little controversial, but technically, you can get away with not playing the first game by watching a YouTube recap of Sam Porter Bridges’ journey to reconnect a fractured America.
Pros: Quick, hits major plot points
Cons: Misses emotional depth, character development nuances
2. Read the Death Stranding Novels
Split into two parts and written by Kenji Yano (under the pen name, Hitori Nojima), the co-writer of the video game Death Stranding, these novels pretty much tell the story of the game beat for beat.
Pros: More detailed than video recaps, officially licensed
Cons: Still not the full interactive experience
3. Wait for the Movie/Anime
If you’re setting your eyes on the adaptation instead of playing the first game, I’m afraid to say that you will have to wait a long time. Both the live-action movie and the anime adaptation have just begun production.
Pros: Will be professionally produced
Cons: Won’t be ready for years
Platform Considerations: Is Death Stranding 2 PS5 Exclusive?
Absolutely. Death Stranding 2 is optimized specifically for the PlayStation 5 and currently remains a console exclusive. However, Kojima confirmed that Death Stranding 2 is a timed exclusive for PS5. That means it’ll eventually come to PC (and maybe more).
If you’re planning to play both games:
- Death Stranding 1 is available on PS4, PS5, and PC
- Death Stranding 2 launches June 26, 2026 on PS5 only (initially)
The Hidden Benefits of Playing Death Stranding 1 First
Beyond just understanding the story, here’s what you gain:
1. Appreciation for Quality-of-Life Improvements
DS2 is fixing Death Stranding’s worst features, making it a superior experience, at least when it comes to gameplay. You’ll better appreciate these improvements if you experience the original first.
2. Understanding Kojima’s Vision
Death Stranding is essentially one massive setup for the sequel. The themes of connection, isolation, and rebuilding society hit differently when you’ve experienced the full journey.
3. Community Connection
The Death Stranding community is incredibly passionate. Playing the first game lets you engage in theories, discussions, and shared experiences that enhance the sequel.
My Personal Recommendation
I recently replayed Death Stranding 1 to prepare for the sequel, and I’m so glad I did. I finished the Death Stranding game recently to prepare for the sequel, and it instantly grew on me to become one of my favorite games.
Here’s my suggested approach:
- If you have time: Play Death Stranding 1’s main story (skip side content if needed)
- If you’re short on time: Watch a 2-hour story recap + read a plot summary
- If you’re unsure about the gameplay: Try Death Stranding 1 for a few hours first – if the unique gameplay doesn’t click, at least watch the story
FAQs About Playing Death Stranding Before the Sequel
Can I understand Death Stranding 2 without playing the first game?
While DS2 has recap features and a glossary, you’ll miss crucial context and emotional depth. The consensus is that playing the first game significantly enhances your understanding and enjoyment of the sequel.
How different is Death Stranding 2’s gameplay from the first?
While combat was an afterthought of the first game (though given more prominence in the Director’s Cut release), action is far more inherent to Death Stranding 2. The core delivery mechanics remain, but with enhanced combat and exploration features.
Is Death Stranding 1 worth playing in 2026?
Absolutely! The game holds up remarkably well, especially the Director’s Cut version with its quality-of-life improvements. Plus, understanding the full story makes the sequel much more impactful.
What if I don’t enjoy “walking simulator” games?
Death Stranding is much more than a walking simulator, but if the methodical pace isn’t for you after trying it, at least watch a comprehensive story recap before playing DS2.
Will Death Stranding 2 eventually come to PC?
Yes, it’s confirmed as a timed PS5 exclusive, meaning PC (and potentially other platforms) will get it later, though no specific date has been announced.
Final Verdict: Don’t Skip the Journey
Look, I get it – 40 hours is a significant time investment, especially with so many great games competing for our attention. But Death Stranding isn’t just a game; it’s an experience that fundamentally prepares you for its sequel.
Kojima is known for creating complex narratives with deep thematics, and it seems clear that this will continue in Death Stranding 2. You owe it to yourself to experience this journey properly.
Whether you’re drawn to the star-studded cast, the mysterious world, or Kojima’s unique storytelling, playing Death Stranding 1 first isn’t just recommended – it’s essential for the full experience. The sequel promises to be one of 2026‘s biggest releases, and you don’t want to experience it with half the context missing.
So grab your BB, strap on your boots, and start making deliveries. Trust me, when June 26 rolls around, you’ll be glad you took the time to experience Sam’s complete journey from the beginning.
Ready to dive into more gaming content? Check out our guides on the best multiplayer PS5 games or explore the best cross-platform games to play with friends while you wait for Death Stranding 2!