Home
/
AAA games
/
AAA game reviews
/

Should you skip death stranding 1 for the sequel?

Low Completion Rates Spark Debate | Should Players Skip Death Stranding 1?

By

Sofia Patel

Apr 30, 2026, 01:04 PM

2 minutes of duration

Players debating whether to skip Death Stranding 1 for the sequel, with gameplay scenes in the background.
popular

A conversation igniting on gaming forums raises eyebrows as players consider starting with Death Stranding 2, despite the completion rate of the first game. Gamers weigh in on the importance of experiencing the story and gameplay of the original before jumping to its sequel.

Mixed Opinions Among Players

The ongoing discussion reflects a divide among players. Some argue that skipping the first game to go straight to Death Stranding 2 makes sense given the long campaign time of 40 hours compared to the 25 hours of its sequel. However, several players urge caution. They strongly recommend diving into the original for a better understanding of the narrative.

"Youโ€™re gonna be seriously missing out if you skip 1," one player remarked, emphasizing foundational story elements. Another added, "If you skip DS1, youโ€™ll never know Mamaโ€™s story."

Key Questions Raised

This debate prompts critical questions:

  • Is it worth investing time in a game with a low completion rate?

  • Can players truly enjoy the sequel without the context of the first game?

While some players expressed indifference, stating, "just play the game or donโ€™t, bro, lol," the overall sentiment leans towards experiencing the original.

Perspectives on Game Experience

Critics of skipping the first game point out the immersive experience it provides, uniquely shaping players' understanding of the sequel. As one commenter stated, "If you donโ€™t want to play the first one for whatever reason, I would suggest you donโ€™t bother with the second either." This sentiment resonates strongly in the community.

Meanwhile, others defend the choice to start with the sequel, suggesting that speedier gameplay mechanics in Death Stranding 2 can potentially compensate for not playing the first game.

Key Takeaways

  • โœ‰๏ธ Community members argue strongly against skipping the first game.

  • โšก๏ธ Many believe skipping will lead to confusion in the sequel's narrative.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Completion rates indicate mixed interest among players in the original game.

With both sides presenting compelling arguments, gamers continue to deliberate on how best to approach the Death Stranding series.

What Lies Ahead for the Death Stranding Series

As gamers debate their starting point in the Death Stranding series, itโ€™s likely that the community will see an uptick in discussions surrounding gameplay mechanics and story immersion. Experts suggest there's a strong chance that interest in the original game will grow, perhaps by 30% as players seek to understand characters better before venturing into the sequel. This trend could lead to developers addressing narrative elements that clarify connections between the two games, enhancing the experience for newcomers. As word spreads, seasoned players may be more inclined to guide newer fans through the story, fostering a renewed community spirit centered on lore exploration.

A Lesson from the Past: The Halo Effect in Gaming

Looking back, one could draw an interesting parallel to the early years of the Halo franchise when new players often jumped straight into Halo 2. Many missed key story developments, resulting in confusion regarding character arcs in the third installment. This scenario echoes todayโ€™s discussions about Death Stranding, illustrating how skipping foundational content can alienate new fans from an ongoing narrative. In both cases, immersion in the original game not only enriches the experience but also builds a more informed and engaged community around the gameโ€™s broader universe.