How Long Does It Take To Beat Death Stranding 2? July 2025 Guide
Wondering exactly how many hours you'll spend traversing the post-apocalyptic landscapes of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach? I've compiled everything you need to know about the game's length, from a focused story run to a completionist playthrough.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: Death Stranding 2 Playtime
Death Stranding 2's main story takes 40-50 hours to complete if you focus primarily on the critical path. However, your actual playtime can vary dramatically based on how you approach this massive open-world adventure.
Here's the breakdown by playstyle:
- Main Story Only: 40-50 hours
- Main Story + Some Side Content: 50-70 hours
- Completionist (100%): 90-100+ hours
Death Stranding 2 Chapter & Episode Count
The game features 48 Main Orders spread across 17 Episodes (chapters). Here's what you need to know:
- 16 Story Episodes: These contain the main narrative
- 1 Post-Game Episode: Episode 17 allows free-roam after credits
- 42 Facilities to Connect: Most are part of the main story, but several are optional
The episode structure mirrors the first game, where chapter lengths vary wildly - some take hours of deliveries while others are mostly cutscenes.
Detailed Playtime Breakdown
Main Story Focused (40-50 Hours)
If you're rushing through just to see the story, expect around 40-50 hours. GamesRadar's reviewer finished in 42 hours with minimal side activities. This includes:
- Following critical path missions only
- Watching all cutscenes (which can be lengthy)
- Minimal facility upgrades
- Using vehicles when possible
- Playing on Story or Normal difficulty
Standard Playthrough (50-70 Hours)
Most players will fall into this category. A typical Normal difficulty playthrough while connecting optional facilities takes about 50 hours. This includes:
- Main story missions
- Connecting all facilities (including optional ones)
- Some side deliveries
- Building basic infrastructure
- Moderate exploration
Completionist Run (90-100+ Hours)
For those who want everything, you're looking at 90-100 hours minimum to achieve 100% completion. This involves:
- All 48 Main Orders completed
- All 42 facilities at 5-star connection level
- Every side delivery and lost cargo returned
- Full road construction across the map
- Finding secrets like the mysterious "Lord of the Lake" BT
- Platinum trophy requirements
How Death Stranding 2 Compares to the Original
Death Stranding 2 is notably longer than its predecessor, which took roughly 40 hours for the main story. Here's the comparison:
| Game | Main Story | Completionist |
|---|---|---|
| Death Stranding 1 | 40-45 hours | 110-120 hours |
| Death Stranding 2 | 45-50 hours | 90-100+ hours |
Despite having fewer total Orders (48 vs 70), Death Stranding 2 manages to be longer due to:
- Larger map spanning Mexico and Australia
- More complex mission structures
- Enhanced combat sections requiring more time
- Additional cutscenes and story content
What Affects Your Playtime?
Difficulty Settings
On the easiest Story difficulty, you can finish in under 40 hours if skipping cutscenes. Higher difficulties add challenge and time.
Online Features
Playing online speeds things up as you benefit from structures built by other players. Roads, bridges, and zip-lines created by the community can significantly reduce travel time.
Transportation Choices
Your preference for vehicles vs. hiking dramatically impacts completion time. Some players spend dozens of hours just building highways for smoother deliveries.
Cutscene Viewing
Kojima's signature lengthy cutscenes are present. Skipping them saves hours but sacrifices story comprehension.
Post-Game Content
After completing the main story, Episode 17 serves as a free-roam chapter where you can finish any remaining content. This includes:
- Reaching 5-star ratings with all facilities
- Completing remaining standard orders
- Finding all memory chips
- Building complete infrastructure networks
- Trophy cleanup for Platinum
Tips to Optimize Your Playtime
- Use Online Features: Let other players' structures help you
- Build Zip-Lines Early: Invest in zip-line networks for faster travel
- Focus on Main Orders First: Side content will always be available
- Manage Inventory Efficiently: Fewer trips mean less time
- Learn Combat Mechanics: The improved combat system with stealth options can speed up MULE encounters
Is Death Stranding 2 Too Long?
While some preview coverage mentioned concerns about a potential 75-hour story based on early estimates, the actual game is more reasonably paced. The 40-50 hour main story hits a sweet spot for an open-world game, especially one with Kojima's cinematic ambitions.
For context, this puts Death Stranding 2 in line with other major PS5 exclusives - longer than a typical action game but shorter than massive RPGs.
Should You Play Death Stranding 1 First?
While not strictly necessary, playing the original enhances the sequel experience. The first game takes about 40 hours and provides crucial context for Sam's journey. Plus, both games frequently go on sale, making it affordable to experience the complete saga.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chapters are in Death Stranding 2?
Death Stranding 2 contains 17 Episodes (chapters) total - 16 story episodes plus 1 post-game free-roam episode. The game also features 48 Main Orders that progress the narrative.
Can you keep playing after beating Death Stranding 2?
Yes! After completing the main story, you enter Episode 17 which allows free-roam. You can finish side quests, max out facility connections, and complete any remaining trophies.
What's the file size of Death Stranding 2?
Death Stranding 2 has a file size of 91.476 GB on PS5, nearly double the original game's 55 GB, reflecting the expanded content and improved visuals.
Is Death Stranding 2 longer than the first game?
Yes, Death Stranding 2's main story is about 5-10 hours longer than the original. However, the completionist time is actually shorter (90-100 hours vs 110-120 hours) due to more streamlined side content.
Does difficulty affect game length?
Absolutely. Story difficulty can reduce playtime to under 40 hours, while Very Hard difficulty adds significant challenge and time to combat encounters and deliveries.
How long are Death Stranding 2's cutscenes?
While specific cutscene lengths vary, expect Kojima's signature lengthy cinematics. The final act alone can feature several hours of story sequences, similar to Metal Gear Solid games.
Final Thoughts
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach offers substantial content that justifies its 2025 release. Whether you're here for Sam's story or the meditative delivery gameplay, there's enough content to keep you engaged for weeks. The game respects both story-focused players and completionists, offering a satisfying experience regardless of your playstyle.
Ready to start your journey? Make sure to check if crossplay is available for co-op features, and prepare for one of 2025's most unique gaming experiences!