What to play after Death Stranding?

So you’ve conquered Death Stranding, huh? Looking for that same unique blend of lonely exploration, weighty gameplay, and a narrative that sticks with you? Let’s dive into some recommendations that scratch that itch, going beyond the obvious.

Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey: If you loved the feeling of traversing harsh landscapes and overcoming environmental challenges, this is your jam. It’s a challenging survival game focusing on primate evolution, offering a similar sense of vulnerable progress across a beautiful, unforgiving world. It’s less about the social element of Death Stranding, but the feeling of solitary accomplishment is very strong.

Mulaka: For a more focused, but similarly visually stunning experience, consider Mulaka. It’s a stunning action-adventure game inspired by the Tarahumara culture, with a focus on exploration and combat. While the story is quite different, the sense of discovering a rich, unique world resonates with Death Stranding’s sense of wonder.

Hunternet and Projekt 8 are worth mentioning if you are looking for exploration and the feeling of being alone, though they lean more into the horror and mystery aspects compared to DS. More niche, but potentially worth a look for fans of DS’s atmosphere.

Project Hadar: Still in early access, but this promises a similar focus on survival and exploration with a distinct sci-fi twist. Definitely one to keep an eye on if you enjoy that post-apocalyptic feel with a dash of mystery.

Beyond the obvious recommendations, remember Death Stranding’s unique blend of elements. If you enjoyed the connection aspect, explore games focusing on co-op or online interactions. If you loved the cinematic storytelling, look into narrative-driven adventures. If you appreciate the challenging gameplay, seek out games with similarly demanding mechanics. Don’t just stick to the clones; explore the wider world of games, identifying the specific elements of DS that resonated most strongly, and finding games that deliver those in different ways.

Items (mentioned in the original prompt) is too vague for a recommendation, but the idea of checking out similar items might lead to interesting discoveries. Perhaps look for games with similar themes in the same genre(s) like walking simulators, exploration games and post-apocalyptic titles. Happy gaming!

Is Death Stranding an AAA-level game?

Death Stranding’s arrival on Apple devices is a significant move, solidifying its AAA status. While the port itself doesn’t automatically qualify it, the fact that Apple, known for its high standards and demanding porting processes, is releasing the Director’s Cut speaks volumes. This isn’t just a simple port; it’s a commitment to bringing a high-fidelity, AAA experience to a new platform.

Here’s why it reinforces its AAA credentials:

Significant Development Resources: Porting a game like Death Stranding to Apple silicon requires substantial time, expertise, and financial investment. It’s not a trivial undertaking.
Director’s Cut Inclusion: Apple isn’t releasing the base game; they’re launching the Director’s Cut, which means additional content and likely optimization work, further underscoring the dedication to quality.
Platform Expansion: Reaching a completely new audience on Mac, iPad, and iPhone expands the game’s reach and commercial potential, a hallmark of a big-budget AAA title.
Technological Achievement: Successfully porting a game with Death Stranding’s visual fidelity and complex mechanics to Apple’s ecosystem is a notable technological feat.

The January 30th, 2024 release date proves Apple sees value in Death Stranding’s long-term appeal. This isn’t just about a quick cash grab; it’s a strategic move reflecting confidence in the game’s staying power and its potential to perform well on a new market.

What happens if you don’t cremate the body in Death Stranding?

Failure to cremate a body in Death Stranding within 48 hours results in a gruesome process called “necrosis.” This isn’t simply decay; it’s a transformation fueled by the lingering chiral energy of the deceased, birthing a BT (Beached Thing) – a terrifying creature born from the deceased’s lingering essence and the temporal rain’s influence.

Understanding Necrosis and BT Formation:

The 48-Hour Window: This is crucial. After 48 hours, the chiral energy within the corpse reaches a critical point, initiating necrosis and BT formation.
Temporal Rain: BTs are only active during temporal rain. This otherworldly precipitation acts as a catalyst, activating the nascent BT and bringing it into our reality.
Invisibility and Detection: While invisible to the untrained eye, BTs leave telltale handprints – a chilling reminder of their presence, and a vital clue for experienced Porters.

BT Types and Necrosis Variation:

The type of BT formed is believed to be influenced by the cause of death and the individual’s emotional state before demise. Further research is needed.
While basic BTs form from standard necrosis, more powerful, mutated variants may result from prolonged exposure to Voidouts or unusual circumstances.

Avoiding Necrosis and BT Creation:

Prompt Cremation: The most effective method is immediate cremation using a crematory device at a distribution center.
Avoiding Temporal Rain: If cremation isn’t immediately possible, avoid areas affected by temporal rain to minimize the risk of BT attacks and the rapid progression of necrosis.

Strategic Implications:

Careful corpse management is essential for long-term mission success. Accumulating uncremated bodies can create dangerous BT hotspots.
Understanding necrosis is key to navigating the treacherous landscape of Death Stranding. Ignoring it can lead to catastrophic consequences.

How many hours does it take to 100% complete Death Stranding?

So, you wanna know how long it takes to 100% Death Stranding Director’s Cut? Alright, buckle up, because it’s a journey.

Main Story Focus: Think around 38 hours. That’s if you’re laser-focused on the main storyline, ignoring most side content. You’ll get the core narrative, but miss a ton of the game’s unique flavor.

100% Completionist Run: Now, this is where things get interesting. We’re talking roughly 111 hours to achieve that platinum trophy/100% completion. This includes:

Every Main Mission: Obviously.
Every Side Mission/Order: Prepare for a LOT of deliveries. Prioritize early game orders; some later ones become exponentially easier with better gear.
All Collectibles: Chiral Crystals, Memories, etc. Some are easy to spot, others are ridiculously well-hidden. Expect to spend significant time exploring the map.
Maxing Out Stats: This requires serious dedication to delivering cargo and completing missions. Your stamina, balance, and carrying capacity will be your best friends (and worst enemies during those treacherous mountain climbs).
Weapon & Gear Upgrades: Don’t expect to waltz through everything on your basic gear. You will need to upgrade considerably, so factor in time for grinding resources.
Post-Game Content: Director’s Cut adds a considerable amount of content, so don’t underestimate the time commitment.

Pro-Tip: Don’t underestimate the importance of base building and upgrading your structures. It massively impacts your gameplay experience and efficiency, particularly during later game missions. It’s also a surprisingly fun aspect to optimize.

Pro-Tip #2: Use the map! Seriously, it’s your best friend for finding collectibles. Don’t just wander around aimlessly; plan your routes.

Realistic Expectation: Aiming for 100% completion means accepting that you’ll be spending a significant chunk of your free time in the world of Death Stranding. It’s a slow burn, but that’s part of its charm (or frustration, depending on your tolerance for methodical gameplay).

What happens if you don’t dispose of bodies in Death Stranding?

In Death Stranding, if you don’t dispose of corpses in time, they’ll undergo necrosis and eventually become BTs (Beached Things). This is a big deal because BTs can trigger voidouts—massive explosions that wipe out everything around them. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with that chaos. Always make sure to transport bodies to an incinerator ASAP. Pro tip: use vehicles for faster transport and plan your route carefully to avoid BT territory; it’s a game-changer. Also, remember that leaving bodies unattended can attract Timefall rain, which accelerates the decomposition process and makes things even more unpredictable.

Does Death Stranding have multiple endings?

Nah, it’s a linear narrative, but the game cleverly stages 2 or 3 potential “endings” to mess with your expectations. Don’t be fooled. Those are just major story beats, checkpoints in your journey. The true ending, the one you’re REALLY after, requires you to complete specific, often hidden, objectives. Think of it as a boss fight with multiple phases – you’ll get a sense of completion, but that’s just a setup for the next stage. Think you’ve beaten the game? You haven’t seen everything. There are post-game elements and hidden lore that significantly impact the overall narrative’s depth. Dig deeper if you want the full picture. Mastering this game means exploring every nook and cranny, not just finishing a chapter. You’ll find different cutscenes and subtle shifts in dialogue depending on your actions. It’s a slow burn, but the payoff for true completion is massive.

What is the purpose of BB in Death Stranding?

BB, or Bridge Baby, are essentially preemie ghost-babies in a life support system acting as a makeshift womb. They’re the key to keeping the BTs at bay – think of them as living, breathing, screaming BT repellents. Their connection to the Beach and the living world, coupled with their proximity to the afterlife, is what allows them to mask your presence from the BTs. The further you are from a BT, the more the BB’s effect diminishes. Keep an eye on their stress levels; a stressed BB means you’re attracting BTs like a beacon. Different BBs have varying levels of effectiveness and stress tolerance – some are absolute champs, others are total crybabies that’ll get you killed. Managing your BB is half the battle in this game. Screw up, and those spectral terrors will be all over you.

Strategically using your BB’s calming effects, managing their stress levels using items and actions are crucial to survival. Learning to anticipate BT encounters and knowing your BB’s limits will be the difference between a successful delivery and a very unpleasant encounter with the BTs. They are far more valuable than any weapon or tool; they’re your survival.

Why is Death Stranding so popular on Reddit?

Death Stranding’s Reddit popularity stems from its divisive nature; it’s a game that vehemently either captivates or repels. This inherent polarisation is precisely what makes it so fascinating. Its unique gameplay mechanics, eschewing typical AAA action tropes for a deliberate, methodical approach to traversal and connection, are a key element of its appeal. Essentially, it’s a high-budget realization of an indie game concept, a bold gamble that pays off for many.

The game’s focus on asynchronous multiplayer, through the sharing of structures and resources with other players’ echoes, generates a unique sense of community and shared achievement, subtly woven into the single-player experience. This unconventional design, built upon the compelling themes of connection and isolation, resonates powerfully with a specific audience. While the slow pace and emphasis on exploration might appear tedious on paper, the execution successfully leverages cinematic visuals, a haunting score, and a compelling narrative by Hideo Kojima, the celebrated creator behind the Metal Gear series, to create an unforgettable and deeply personal journey.

Its departure from established game design conventions, combined with its high production values and emotionally resonant story, positions Death Stranding as a true outlier, attracting a dedicated fanbase drawn to its unconventional yet deeply rewarding experience. The discussion it generates on platforms like Reddit is a testament to this unique position.

How long does it take to achieve 100% completion in Death Stranding?

Completing Death Stranding: Director’s Cut hinges heavily on your play style. A focused playthrough concentrating solely on the main storyline can be wrapped up in approximately 38 hours. This approach prioritizes narrative progression and minimizes side activities. However, this leaves a significant amount of the game untouched.

For the completionist, the journey is considerably longer. Expect to invest around 112 hours to achieve 100% completion. This substantial time commitment stems from the game’s rich tapestry of optional content.

Extensive Side Missions: Numerous side orders pepper the landscape, offering diverse challenges and rewarding players with unique items and lore.
Collectibles and Exploration: Hidden treasures, chiral crystals, and breathtaking vistas encourage extensive exploration, significantly increasing playtime.
Crafting and Upgrade Systems: Mastering the intricate crafting and delivery systems requires considerable time investment, particularly for optimizing gear and vehicles.
Photography Mode: The Director’s Cut enhances this feature. Capturing the game’s stunning visuals can become a significant time sink for enthusiasts.
Post-Game Content: Unlocking post-game challenges and achievements adds further hours to the overall completion time.

Therefore, while a brisk playthrough is achievable in under 40 hours, embracing the game’s full depth and unlocking everything will demand a significantly greater time investment, exceeding 100 hours.

Was Death Stranding 1 a success?

Death Stranding’s success is a complex issue, defying simple categorization. While it garnered generally positive critical reception, praising its voice acting, soundtrack, and visuals, the divisive gameplay and narrative prevented universal acclaim. Its awards, including Game of the Year nominations, point towards significant recognition within the industry.

Key success factors included Kojima Productions’ unique artistic vision and the strong performance by Norman Reedus. The game’s striking visuals and haunting soundtrack contributed significantly to its atmosphere. However, its unconventional gameplay, characterized by a focus on delivery and traversal, alienated a substantial portion of players. This slow-burn, methodical style, while praised by some for its immersive qualities, was criticized by others for being tedious and repetitive.

Commercial performance, with 5 million copies sold by July 2025, indicates a solid, though not blockbuster, success. This suggests a dedicated fanbase, but also a limitation in its broader appeal. This relatively modest sales figure, compared to AAA titles, highlights the risk associated with Kojima’s unique creative vision. The game’s sales likely increased further after its PC release and inclusion in subscription services.

In summary, Death Stranding’s success story is nuanced. Its artistic merit and critical acclaim are undeniable, yet its gameplay’s polarizing nature and moderate sales figures demonstrate that it didn’t achieve mainstream, blockbuster-level success. This makes it a fascinating case study in the balance between artistic vision and commercial viability within the gaming industry.

Why do bodies explode in Death Stranding?

Let’s be clear: those aren’t just explosions, they’re matter-antimatter annihilation events courtesy of the BTs’ core. Think of it as a miniature, localized Big Bang. It’s not just some dramatic effect; it’s a fundamental interaction between the BT’s antimatter heart and the matter that makes up a living organism.

The violence of the explosion isn’t just about the raw energy released; it’s also about the complete and utter destruction of both the BT and the unfortunate soul it consumes. It’s not a simple disintegration; it’s a fundamental erasure from reality – leaving behind only the void.

Here’s the breakdown of why things get so messy:

Complete annihilation: The antimatter in the BT core reacts with the matter in the target’s body, resulting in total conversion of mass into energy. E=mc², baby. And that’s a LOT of energy.
Chain reaction potential (rare): While usually localized, under certain circumstances – a high concentration of BTs or a particularly large target – a cascading annihilation could potentially occur. Don’t even think about it.
Voidout implications: The explosion isn’t just about the immediate blast radius. The resulting voidout further disrupts the fabric of reality, leaving behind a crater and possibly affecting the chiral network.

The size of the resulting explosion depends on several factors, including the size and type of BT and the amount of matter available for annihilation. Suffice to say, getting caught in one of these isn’t something you want to put on your resume. A single BT’s explosion can level a substantial area, and larger BTs… well, let’s just say it’s best to avoid them entirely.

Knowing this, and learning the BTs’ patterns are key to survival. Mastering the tools and utilizing the environment are your only chances to avoid becoming a very messy example of physics in action.

Is it possible to kill mules in Death Stranding?

While you can technically engage in melee combat with MULES in Death Stranding, it’s generally not recommended. Some MULES carry spears, significantly reducing the effectiveness of your block. While you can acquire and use their weapons, killing a MULE has serious consequences; their corpse transforms into a BT, creating a much more dangerous threat than the original encounter. This drastically increases the difficulty of the area and can lead to significant resource loss, making the short-term gain of eliminating a MULE far outweighed by the long-term risk. Focusing on non-lethal takedowns, such as stealth or using non-lethal weapons, is a far more strategic approach to dealing with MULES. Remember that navigating the world of Death Stranding is about connection and delivering cargo, not needless conflict. The energy and resources consumed in eliminating a MULE are better spent on completing your deliveries and maintaining your overall stamina and health. Consider the long-term consequences before engaging MULES in combat; the potential reward simply isn’t worth the risk.

Why does everyone cry in Death Stranding?

So, the constant crying in Death Stranding? It’s not just some weird artistic choice, guys. It’s actually a core mechanic tied to the game’s central theme of connection. Think of tears as a literal representation of emotional bonds.

The deeper meaning: Kojima, the game’s creator, isn’t afraid to hit you with some heavy philosophical stuff. He’s exploring how we connect in a hyper-disconnected world. The tears symbolize the fragile, emotional threads that bind us together. It’s about empathy, shared experiences, and the power of human connection in a world increasingly focused on isolation.

Here’s the breakdown of why it works so well:

It’s visceral: Seeing Sam Porter Bridges cry isn’t just a visual effect; it’s a powerful emotional trigger. It forces you, the player, to connect with his experience on a deeper level.
It enhances the gameplay: The emotional connections formed through these shared moments of vulnerability impact how you interact with the world and other characters. It fuels that sense of responsibility and shared purpose.
It’s a reflection of modern society: The game’s commentary on loneliness and the need for human interaction is surprisingly relevant in our increasingly digital age. We’re constantly connected, yet so many feel deeply isolated.

Beyond the surface: The game uses this mechanic in many creative ways. For example, the “BB” (Bridge Baby) is directly connected to Sam’s emotional state, influencing his gameplay experience. Essentially, his emotional connections impact gameplay mechanics. It’s a clever way to weave the theme of connection into the very fabric of the game.

Let’s get specific: The type of tears, their intensity, and the context in which they appear are all carefully considered. It’s not just random crying. It’s a narrative tool, a gameplay mechanic, and a powerful emotional device all rolled into one. It’s nuanced and thought-provoking.

Why are they called BTS in Death Stranding?

So, you’re wondering about the BTs in Death Stranding? They’re not actually called “BTS” in the game; that’s a common misconception. The correct term is Beached Things, or BTs for short.

These aren’t your typical post-apocalyptic monsters. They’re essentially remnants – or maybe manifestations – of the dead, pulled from what the game calls the “Beach”. Think of the Beach as a sort of in-between space, a unique personal afterlife that each individual visits during near-death experiences. The Death Stranding event, a catastrophic occurrence, fractured this boundary, allowing BTs to leak into our world.

Here’s the breakdown of what makes them so unique and challenging:

Invisible unless you’re near them: Their presence is hinted at by subtle environmental cues like oscillating wind or the shifting of tar-like substance. You need to learn to read these clues, it’s crucial for survival.
Tar-based bodies: Their bodies are composed of a sticky, black tar that can grab and pull you under, creating a really intense sense of dread. Getting caught is bad news, trust me.
Time-based attacks: Their presence warps time, which explains their otherworldly and glitching visual effects. If they catch you, they can also pull you into a time-loop-like state, forcing you to do the same route over again.
Vulnerable to high-frequency sounds: Sam’s high-tech equipment, like the BB pod and other gadgets, can be used to either repel them or at least make them easier to avoid. Knowing where to look, and what to use, is key to avoiding them.
Emotional connection to the world: BTs tend to appear in places with a strong emotional connection, often locations where tragedy or death occurred.

Essentially, they’re terrifying, unpredictable, and a core element of the game’s unsettling atmosphere. Mastering how to deal with them is a large part of what makes Death Stranding so challenging and rewarding.

Why does Sam have black fingers?

Sam’s black fingers are a clear indication of severe frostbite, a common injury in extreme cold environments frequently encountered in certain competitive gaming scenarios, particularly those involving prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures. This isn’t a stylistic choice; it’s a critical gameplay debuff.

Understanding Frostbite Mechanics:

Severity: The black coloration suggests severe frostbite, resulting in significant tissue damage and potential permanent loss of function. The intensity of the blackening correlates directly with the extent of the damage.
Impact on Gameplay: Severe frostbite drastically reduces dexterity and precision, making tasks requiring fine motor control (e.g., aiming, rapid button presses) exceedingly difficult. This effectively lowers Sam’s K/D ratio and overall performance.
Recovery Time: Recovery from severe frostbite is a lengthy process, often requiring extended periods of downtime, impacting the player’s ability to participate in tournaments and ranked matches. This “downtime” is a significant competitive disadvantage.

Prevention Strategies:

Environmental Awareness: Players must carefully assess the environmental conditions before engaging in gameplay. Identifying and avoiding high-risk areas is crucial for preventing frostbite.
Protective Gear: Utilizing appropriate protective gear, such as insulated gloves, can significantly reduce the risk of frostbite, even in extreme cold.
Regular Breaks: Frequent breaks allow for warming of extremities, reducing the cumulative effect of cold exposure. This is a key element of effective risk management.
Hydration and Nutrition: Maintaining proper hydration and adequate caloric intake supports the body’s ability to regulate temperature and recover from cold stress.

Foot Injuries: The mention of crushed boots and lost toenails further underscores the importance of environmental awareness and preparedness. These injuries can lead to additional performance penalties and prolonged recovery times. Proper footwear is a critical factor in injury prevention.

What is the best difficulty for Death Stranding?

Very Hard is the only way to experience Death Stranding’s true challenge. The core gameplay loop – balancing cargo, navigating treacherous terrain, and managing stamina – is profoundly more engaging at this difficulty. Those who claim it’s “too hard” simply lack the patience to master its unique mechanics. The satisfaction of a perfectly executed delivery after a grueling climb, with BTs snapping at your heels, is unmatched. While the Cliff sections are artificially inflated in difficulty, acting as frustrating bullet-sponge encounters, I recommend temporary difficulty reduction *only* for those segments. It preserves the integrity of the core experience without compromising the overall challenge. Avoiding the flask entirely further enhances this. The strategic resource management demanded by this self-imposed limitation dramatically alters your playstyle, forcing you to optimize every route and anticipate every encounter. Furthermore, the increased reliance on non-lethal methods like stealth and environmental manipulation introduces a unique layer of strategic depth, transforming the game from a simple trek into a puzzle box. Ultimately, the game shines when you are forced to exploit every mechanic at your disposal – your body, your equipment, and the very environment itself – to survive.

What creatures are in Death Stranding?

In Death Stranding, BTs (Beached Things) are essentially the undead, extra-dimensional entities breaching into our reality post-Death Stranding. They’re encountered across the ravaged USA, primarily during timefall.

Visuals and Characteristics: They appear as humanoid, black, ghostly figures, tethered to the Beach via umbilical cords. These cords are key – severing them is often crucial for survival.

Types and Strategies: There’s a variety of BTs, ranging from smaller, easier-to-handle ones to colossal, heavily armored behemoths requiring advanced tactical approaches. Knowing their weaknesses, such as using specific weapons or exploiting environmental elements like tar, is critical for effective engagement.

Smaller BTs: Often dealt with using non-lethal weaponry or quick maneuvers.
Larger BTs: Require a combination of strategic retreats, weapon variety, and potentially, the use of specialized equipment.
Centipede-like BTs: Extremely dangerous due to their speed and area-of-effect attacks.

Timefall’s Role: Timefall enhances BT activity and detection. Staying hidden or utilizing specific gear during timefall is a must, as it heavily increases the risk of encounters.

Beach Connection: The umbilical cord connecting them to the Beach is their life source and vulnerability. Disrupting this connection often leads to their demise.

Advanced Tactics: Mastering the use of grenades, specific weapons, and camouflage gear to avoid detection is integral to advanced gameplay and efficient BT avoidance or elimination.

What is the longest cutscene in Death Stranding?

Determining the longest cutscene in Death Stranding requires nuanced analysis. While a 31-minute cutscene is often cited, Kojima Productions’ history reveals a pattern of exceptionally lengthy cinematic sequences. This isn’t simply about runtime; it’s a deliberate directorial choice reflecting Kojima’s signature style, emphasizing narrative exposition and world-building over traditional gameplay mechanics. Consider the context: these aren’t merely cutscenes; they’re integral narrative events often serving as pivotal plot points, character development opportunities, or significant lore dumps. The 31-minute sequence likely functions similarly, possibly featuring complex character interactions, crucial exposition, or a significant shift in the game’s narrative arc. Comparing it to other titles requires contextualizing it within the broader landscape of cinematic gameplay experiences. Kojima’s other works, notably the 24-minute sequence in *Metal Gear Solid 3* and the record-breaking 71-minute sequence in *Metal Gear Solid 4*, further solidify his reputation for extended cinematic storytelling. Therefore, while a precise “longest” is debatable due to differing definitions of what constitutes a “cutscene”, the 31-minute sequence in *Death Stranding* is undoubtedly a significant example of this approach, showcasing Kojima’s distinct and arguably controversial directorial vision within the gaming landscape.

The significance of these lengthy sequences also extends to the discussion of player engagement and pacing. Such extended cinematic experiences can either enhance immersion and emotional impact, or alienate players depending on their preferences. Analyzing player feedback and reception for each instance, including *Death Stranding’s* 31-minute cutscene, is vital to understanding their overall effect on the player experience and the potential impact on the game’s overall critical and commercial success. The reception of these lengthy segments is thus a vital metric when assessing the overall design and player experience of titles featuring these extended cinematic sequences. Furthermore, the technological advancements needed to deliver such high-quality, lengthy sequences impact development costs and resource allocation, requiring a careful balancing act between cinematic ambition and the overall gameplay experience.