If you’re planning to dive into Death Stranding 2, you’re probably wondering: how long will it take to beat the game? Whether you’re just in it for the story or you want to explore every side mission and unlock every trophy, knowing the estimated playtime can help you plan your journey.
The original Death Stranding was known for its long and slow-paced storytelling, deep mechanics, and cinematic gameplay. So it’s no surprise that the sequel is expected to follow a similar pattern—but with even more layers of complexity, upgraded graphics, and more things to do.
Let’s break down the expected playtime for Death Stranding 2 in a simple, clear format.
Main Story Length
If you’re the kind of player who just wants to stick to the core storyline—no distractions, no side content—you can expect to spend around 30 to 35 hours finishing the main campaign.
Hideo Kojima is known for crafting deeply emotional and cinematic narratives. So while the game might not have traditional “missions” like in some action titles, each chapter is expected to be packed with cutscenes, dialogue-heavy scenes, and emotional storytelling moments.
Expect a slower pace, similar to the original game, especially in the beginning hours. But once the story picks up, the hours will start to fly by.
Main Story + Some Side Content
For most casual players who enjoy exploring a bit more, doing some side missions, and unlocking a few optional upgrades, the game will likely take 45 to 55 hours.
This includes things like:
- Delivering optional cargo
- Helping out side characters
- Exploring open areas
- Unlocking useful equipment and vehicles
This mid-range playstyle is probably the most common for Death Stranding fans who enjoy a balance of story and world exploration without committing to 100% completion.
Completionist Run (100% Completion)
If you’re aiming to do everything—every delivery, every hidden collectible, every trophy—then you’re in for the long haul. A full 100% completion run is expected to take 70 to 100+ hours, depending on your play style and how quickly you adapt to the game’s mechanics.
This includes:
- Completing all side deliveries
- Finding and scanning all memory chips
- Fully upgrading every structure and connection
- Earning all S-Rank ratings for deliveries
- Unlocking all trophies/achievements
It’s worth noting that Death Stranding is not a game you rush through. A lot of the experience lies in its slower, meditative pace. You walk, you plan, and you connect with the world and its people. The time can feel long, but it’s often immersive.
Factors That May Affect Your Playtime
The final number of hours can vary depending on:
- How you play – Do you rush through missions, or take your time to explore?
- Difficulty level – Easier modes may allow faster progress; harder ones might slow you down.
- Use of online features – In Death Stranding, other players’ structures (like bridges and roads) appear in your world. If you’re playing online and take advantage of this, it could save time.
- Familiarity with the original game – If you played Death Stranding 1, you may move faster through tutorials and understand the mechanics quicker.
Is Death Stranding 2 Longer Than the First Game?
At the time of writing, official reviews and gameplay lengths haven’t been released, but early industry estimates and leaks suggest Death Stranding 2 will be as long or slightly longer than the first game.
The original took about 35 hours for the main story and over 100 hours for full completion. The sequel introduces new environments, upgraded AI, more gameplay layers, and an expanded cast—so naturally, the experience is expected to be even more immersive and time-consuming.
Bottom Line: What Kind of Player Are You?
To help you decide how much time to set aside, here’s a quick summary:
| Play Style | Estimated Hours |
|---|---|
| Main Story Only | 30–35 hours |
| Main + Side Content | 45–55 hours |
| 100% Completionist | 70–100+ hours |
So if you’re planning a weekend gaming marathon or looking at weeks of evening sessions, you now know what to expect from Death Stranding 2.
Final Thoughts
Death Stranding 2 isn’t a short or fast-paced game. But that’s the charm of it. It offers a meditative, thoughtful experience in a post-apocalyptic world. Whether you want to soak in every cutscene or just get through the main story, the game gives you the freedom to choose your pace.
Set aside the time that fits your play style and enjoy the journey. Because with Kojima’s games, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about the walk, the story, and the strange beauty of the world you travel through.
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