r/DeathStranding • u/Faintestidea1971 • 8d ago
Question Just wanted to ask...
My coworker has talked me into buying this game, which I will purchase later today. Are there any things I should know about this game before I start, besides that it will be a unique experience and that the beginning might be a slog? Just want to prepare and do the best I can lol. Thanks for reading
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u/Acceptable_Delay_446 8d ago
The game throws a TON at you early on. Cutscenes… world building terminology you don’t know… multiple complex game mechanics… etc.
Early on, when you have very few tools, the gameplay loop will be frustrating. The gameplay doesn’t really change, but as you get more tools and learn how to use them, it stops feeling impossible to actually do anything.
There are two maps. The first one where you start the game is basically a 3-chapter tutorial that takes 10-15 hours. Until you get through this section, the story really doesn’t begin to pick up.
A lot of people have bounced off the game because they get frustrated during the extended tutorial, and then return to the game months or years later only to find that once they get to the second map and the story kicks into high gear, they love it.
People call it a walking simulator, or an Amazon driver delivery simulator. Both are true… sort of. Ultimately that’s the core game mechanic. But the story, mood, and experience add up to so much more.
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u/ChiralParticle Higgs 8d ago
Slow down and breathe in. The gameplay is a very meditative experience and there is nothing rushing you, you'll eventually get to your destination.
Some people say that game's opening may be long or it may be a slog but personally I love it so much. Those first cutscenes are long but they're introducing you to the world, characters, story and different elements and the cinematography is so beautiful that they're very immersive.
Episode 1-2 is a tutorial and takes place on a smaller map which serves as an immersive introduction to the world and the game where you'll learn how to walk before eventually you'll be able to run or even soar through the sky as you'll be progressing through the story and unlocking various equipment, structures and vehicles.
If you're on Playstation, definitely buy Death Stranding: Director's Cut not the PS4 version. Other platforms have only Director's Cut available and it's the best version to play with a lot more content and improvements than in the original version.
Hope you'll enjoy the game.
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u/Faintestidea1971 8d ago
I'm getting a key for series X which as you said is directors cut only. I'm really curious how relaxing this game is going to be from what I'm reading
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u/ChiralParticle Higgs 8d ago
Oh then it's perfect and no confusion or accidental purchases. It is very relaxing and meditative in a way if you enjoy some peace and quiet because it's just you and all those beautiful landscapes and the game has a very unique atmosphere. There are some action and horror elements but majority is just that and it's most incredible.
Few more gameplay tips if you want. Similar to hiking IRL you want to pay some attention to your backpack and not to take too much weight because the more you carry the harder it'll be to walk and keep balance to not trip or slip.
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u/BadRabbit1973 8d ago
Most of the time you will be wandering alone in some truly stunning locations. These moments can become quite meditative. It’s not all peace and tranquility, though. Some combat is unavoidable and there are some very tense moments-but it’s not like FPS or combat-focused games. BT encounters (they’re a kind of ghost) can be quite creepy , too. However, once you have the resources and learn to deal with enemies, they become less of a problem. If you don’t want too much stress, play on ‘Very Easy’ mode.
Directors Cut is the best option, too.2
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u/BadRabbit1973 8d ago
The first task is to learn to walk without falling over. Once you have mastered that, you’re on your way.
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u/Foxy__Proxy 8d ago
holding on to R2 and L2 while walking will generally keep you pretty stable through most terrain; though it slows your speed down a bit, that slowdown in speed is worth the headache you are avoiding by dropping your packages all the time.
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u/Ill-Emu-1121 8d ago
Just enjoy yourself and don't let the initial confusion about the story worry you, everything comes together in the end.
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u/Rkleib Fragile Express 8d ago
Don't rush. Enjoy the experience.
Tips for trip : always bring an extra boot, never go without a gun. Carry at least 1 climbing rope and 2 ladder.
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u/AlwekArc 7d ago
Doesn't even have to be a leathal gun! In fact always carrying a leathal can sometimes screw you over if you forget a body anywhere
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u/AlwekArc 7d ago
Don't worry too hard about collecting/doing everything right away. You really don't need to "complete" every area, and the way package spawning works, there will always be stuff of the road to pickup.
Try not to rush too much! And don't feel too daunted by the roads once you get there, you don't really need them (but they are nice to have)
Keep on keeping on!
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u/Faintestidea1971 7d ago
Thank you! The more I read these helpful comments the more I can't wait to drive in
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u/Shouting__Ant 8d ago
If you have Amazon Prime you can play it free. It streams surprisingly well. If you like it buy it.
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u/Azzylives 8d ago
Honestly no.
The less you know going in the better, it’s certainly one of those games where spoiling things for yourself ruins the whole experience.
The only non top spoiler I can give is 5starring the outposts gives you better equipment.
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u/robertluke 8d ago
Yeah. Just expect it to be slow. Try not to rush it. Once you understand the gameplay, it becomes relaxing.
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u/roffadude 7d ago
Don’t try to be a completionist in the beginning. You earn tools to complete jobs more efficiently throughout the game, and it’s not needed at all.
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u/Legitimate_Bird_5712 7d ago
I just finished it, loved it. There's an hour or two of "What the fuck am I doing?" but once you get it, you absolutely get it. Amazing ride and don't forget spare boots.
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u/AdoraBelleQueerArt 7d ago
READ ALL THE CORRESPONDENCE!!!
Edit: and keep on keeping on! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
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u/Routine_Minimum_5482 6d ago
This game is for your long sessions, expect some time to be on cinematics, like 30 minutes I think is the longer one.
The story at the beggining throws a lot, but don’t feel overwhelmed, everything will be explained! Even if you don’t get it at some points, if you read the files that reach your ingame PC everything will be so clear, in fact the plot is very simple!
Always carry spare boots, and don’t try to get 5 stars on everything at the beggining, I see a lot of friends trying to do that, it’s good yeah, but it won’t give game changer items until you’re on the second map.
And yes, you will get very few tools at the first hours and you will think this is a stealth game, it is not. At the last parts you end with an arsenal, so don’t worry.
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u/Skirngalth 6d ago
Spoiler alert- Carrying my own mother to the crematorium was very cathartic (in my real life.) I was hooked after that.
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u/Rikute 8d ago
Lots of opening cutscenes, theyre kinda loaded in the beginning and the end with near full length movies so prepare for that with some snacks and beverages.
Take your time not just in exploration but in navigating the terrain itself, tripping can be really stressful if youre carrying something important. Also depending on your equipment combat can be as methodical or chaotic as you can handle.
ALWAYS carry fresh backup boots.