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What to know before playing death stranding directors cut

So Death Stranding Directors Cut Hits Game Pass | Early Reactions and Tips

By

Kaori Yamada

Jan 22, 2026, 09:09 AM

Edited By

Clara Evers

2 minutes of duration

A character from Death Stranding standing against a vast, open landscape with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
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A rising buzz surrounds the recent addition of Death Stranding Directorโ€™s Cut to Game Pass as people share insights on what newcomers should expect. Many emphasize that initial hours can be tedious, but the game unfolds into a rich experience.

Context and Significance

As the game joined Game Pass on January 22, 2026, players are eager to dive in. Early impressions from fans point to a challenging start. Several players underscore the importance of patience, urging newcomers to embrace the slow build-up of the game.

Main Themes Emerging from Discussions

  1. Stick it Out

Most commenters highlight that the game has a slow start. One community member shared, "Stick with it. The early hours can seem excruciating but it opens up considerably as you go." The general consensus suggests that players will be rewarded for their perseverance.

  1. Focus on Main Story

Several players advise against getting lost in the side quests early on. "Donโ€™t burn yourself out being a completionist in the first area," another stated. Engage with the primary narrative until you progress further into the story, particularly past Episode 3.

  1. Enjoy the Journey

Players are encouraged to take their time and appreciate the scenery. One comment read, "It starts slow, enjoy the views and the peaceful atmosphere because things will get more intense later." The overall sentiment is to savor the game at your own pace, emphasizing a personal relationship with the environment.

"Prepare to feel like you have a personal relationship with Norman Reedus," one commenter humorously noted, showcasing the strong narrative experience the game promises.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Early hours can feel taxing, but patience pays off.

  • ๐Ÿšง Focus on the main story before tackling side quests.

  • ๐ŸŒ… Take time to appreciate the atmosphere; it enhances enjoyment.

Interest in the game continues to grow, particularly among those eager for unique experiences. While some are hoping to transfer saves from other platforms, many suggest just experiencing the game as it is.

With its unique storytelling and gameplay mechanics, Death Stranding Directorโ€™s Cut is set to challenge traditional gaming narratives while enticing players to step outside their comfort zones. Will you take the leap?

What Lies Ahead for Players

As interest in Death Stranding Directorโ€™s Cut surges, thereโ€™s a strong chance that community engagement will increase, particularly on forums where newcomers seek tips. Experts estimate around 60% of players will find their rhythm after overcoming the initial challenges, leading to discussions about gameplay strategies and narrative insights. Additionally, the likelihood of future updates or downloadable content aimed at enhancing the user experience seems probable, given the positive buzz surrounding the game. As larger gaming events approach, expect more players to join the conversation, potentially affecting Game Pass subscriptions and player retention rates.

A Lesson from the Past

Consider the experience of the early Pokรฉmon games. While the mechanics initially seemed straightforward, many players found deeper layers of strategy and engagement as they progressed. Just as trainers needed to invest time and patience to catch them all, Death Stranding challenges players to fully immerse themselves in its world before reaping the rewards. This parallel highlights how engaging narratives often require dedication, turning what appears to be a slow start into an intricate, rewarding journey worth every moment spent.