Is Death Stranding worth playing in 2025?

Death Stranding was Hideo Kojima's first original IP since his departure from Konami. Details about this action-adventure RPG's release were vague; however, fans knew it would feature some of the most realistic visuals and stellar storytelling. Much has changed since the game launched on PlayStation 4; countless ports to other platforms and a Director's Cut were released, which convinced other players to become porters.

If you're a fan of a stellar ensemble, a mind-bending story, and fond of the outdoors, Death Stranding is the perfect game to revisit in 2025.

Disclaimer: The author has shared some of their personal opinions about the game.

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The gaming community was too harsh on Death Stranding

Death Stranding is a misunderstood gem (Image via Kojima Productions)

When the project was revealed as part of the Sony presentation at E3 2016, no one knew what this was about other than an original new IP from Kojima starring Norman Reedus, renowned for his role as Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead. With other known actors joining the packed ensemble, what could go wrong?

Fans were skeptical about the setting, especially when most previews and trailers featured Sam Porter Bridges traversing a post-apocalyptic America delivering packages from one city to another.

The core of Death Stranding is the story about humanity. It's up to porters like Sam to bring them together as players will meet interesting characters like Heartman, Fragile, Mama, and more, with deep backstories that can pull some heartstrings as they move from one episode to the next.

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Wonky gameplay and confusing mechanics

Delivering packages from one city to another may seem like a simple job; however, some factors out in the open world mean to hamper Sam's progress. From supernatural elements like random attacks from Beached Things to unstable terrain for land vehicles, porters must always leave a city with the proper gear and a contingency in mind.

Being a porter in Death Stranding is not all about just delivering packages (Image via Kojima Productions)

As Sam reaches a certain point in the game, he will be thrown across space and time to fight the undead during World War 1. This is a treat for players who have gotten sick and tired of the premise of being a delivery man, as Sam had to pick up a rifle to defend himself. Most players would refer to this title as a UPS simulator; however, it was all part of Kojima's master plan to throw them off guard.

Sam is a pack mule who can carry tremendous amounts of cargo on his person, and if players are not careful, more often than not, they will likely fall to the ground if the packages are not properly sorted. Players must consider the weapons and equipment they must bring, especially blood bags and hematic grenades.

Death Stranding isn't just a walking simulator, it has a rich world worth exploring and plenty of action. There is a learning curve at the start; however, after playing the game for hours and getting used to the mechanics, everything will become second nature to porters.

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More ports mean more porters

Death Stranding is a game that shouldn't be tethered to one platform (Image via Kojima Productions)

The initial agreement between Sony Interactive Entertainment and Kojima Productions was that Death Stranding would be a PlayStation exclusive; however, Kojima recently bought the full rights to the IP and is now free to port it elsewhere. The game is now finally available on Xbox, and Apple users can play it anywhere on their iPhones or iPads with the necessary OS version.

Hideo Kojima wanted as many players as possible to play his game to see how they would react to certain online mechanics. Yes, Death Stranding has an online multiplayer feature that serves as a weird and expensive social experiment for the renowned director.

Kojima is not a fan of how most online multiplayer games are depicted and used as avenues to share violence and hate. Death Stranding is meant to bring people together regardless of their background. During exploration, some areas can be easily accessed with ziplines, and other porters can set one so those behind don't have to endure the same burden.

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Verdict

It wouldn't be a bad idea to revisit Death Stranding before the sequel (Image via Kojima Productions)

Death Stranding may not appeal to everyone; however, it is another game people will come to appreciate in time. Once players overlook the tedious gameplay mechanics and absorb the story, they can understand Kojima's message. With countless ports available and an upcoming sequel, there is little reason to avoid playing this misunderstood gem in 2025.