After leaving Konami, acclaimed video game designer Hideo Kojima launched his very own studio, Kojima Productions. In 2019, he unleashed a groundbreaking, genre-defying title, Death Stranding, on PlayStation. This game elicited mixed reactions from gamers and critics alike. However, over time, it has won an expanding fanbase and is now celebrated for its captivating narrative and immersive experience. With the release of its sequel, Death Stranding: On the Beach, just hours away, the buzz is palpable.
You might be wondering: Should I play the original Death Stranding before diving into the sequel? In this post, we’ll help you settle this pressing question and explore whether experiencing Death Stranding 1 is crucial for understanding Death Stranding 2.
Should You Play Death Stranding 2 Without Playing the First Game?
Set in a post-apocalyptic United States, Death Stranding unfolds in a world shattered by a cataclysmic event. As Sam Bridges, a porter, your mission is to unite a fractured society, rebuilding America piece by piece. The sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, picks up just 11 months after the original, continuing Sam’s journey alongside his BB, Lou, in a bid to connect Mexico and Australia to the Chiral network.
The storytelling in Death Stranding is intricately woven, with characters and plot points that cannot be fully grasped through a simple recap. While the sequel offers an official recap of Death Stranding 1, it lacks the depth and nuance experienced while playing the game. This means that playing Death Stranding 1 is essential if you want the fullest experience and understanding of the sequel.
For those who have already traversed the life of a porter, get ready for our insights into the upcoming adventures in Death Stranding 2 through our detailed review.
New Death Stranding Adaptations Are on the Horizon, But Patience Is Key
If you’ve been following Kojima-san’s updates and the Death Stranding universe, you already know that a live-action film and an anime adaptation are on the way. However, if you’re hoping to jump into those adventures without playing the original, be prepared for a long wait, as both adaptations are still in early production stages.
Currently, the only available adaptation is the Death Stranding novels by Kenji Yano, known as Hitori Nojima. He co-wrote the original game and has authored Metal Gear novels. While reading these can be an alternative, keep in mind that they may not fully capture the depth and subtleties of the game. Many readers have commented that they feel like a recap of the main events.
The core gameplay, story elements, and characters transfer seamlessly from Death Stranding 1 to its sequel, showcasing how essential the original is for an enriched Death Stranding experience. Moreover, the game’s uniqueness means it’s not for everyone, and playing the original can help you determine if it resonates with you.
Having recently completed Death Stranding, it has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in what Kojima envisioned. Expect to invest approximately 35-40 hours to finish the main storyline of the first game. So, before diving into the sequel, I strongly suggest playing Death Stranding 1 to embark on this meaningful journey.
Recap videos might help with most games, but they can’t replace the immersive experience you’ll get from playing Death Stranding firsthand. Are you considering playing Death Stranding (2019) before the sequel? Share your thoughts in the comments below.