Death Stranding is one of those games that has been heavily memed ever since it first released. The community around the game has always been somewhat divided, with players debating whether the game is actually good or not. Before the game even launched, the hype surrounding it was massive.
The trailers released by Kojima were incredibly strange and cryptic, and nobody really knew what the game would actually be like. Because of that, expectations were extremely high. When the game finally released, many players felt like it didn’t match what they imagined, which is one of the reasons the fanbase ended up so split.
After hearing so many different opinions about the game, we decided it was time to try it for ourselves. We went into the experience completely blind and were honestly surprised by what we found. That being said, Death Stranding is definitely not a game that will appeal to everyone.
We’ll keep spoilers to a minimum so that if you do decide to play the game, you can experience most of it for yourself. This is Chug from Cubold Gaming, and today we’re answering the question: is Death Stranding actually worth playing?
The Story
One of the most talked-about aspects of Death Stranding is its story. For many players, this is either the game’s biggest strength or its biggest weakness.
The narrative centers around Sam, a courier tasked with reconnecting a fractured America after a mysterious phenomenon known as the Death Stranding changed the world. Along the way, Sam meets a variety of characters and slowly uncovers pieces of what actually happened.
Without getting into spoilers, the story can feel a bit confusing at times. It introduces a lot of ideas and concepts that don’t always make sense immediately. Much of the explanation comes later in the game, which can make the early and middle portions feel a little scattered.
The pacing is also something worth mentioning. There are a lot of cutscenes throughout the experience, and some of them can be fairly long. For us, the game took roughly 30 hours to complete, and a noticeable portion of that time was spent watching story sequences.
That said, the cutscenes are extremely well produced and often feel more like scenes from a movie than a traditional video game. If you enjoy narrative-heavy games with unusual storytelling, you may end up appreciating what Death Stranding is trying to do.
The Gameplay
The gameplay is easily the most controversial part of Death Stranding.
At its core, the game revolves around delivering cargo across a dangerous and unpredictable world. On paper, that might sound pretty simple or even boring. However, the actual experience is much more complex than it initially appears.
You often carry large stacks of cargo on your back, and balancing that cargo while navigating difficult terrain becomes a huge part of the challenge. Finding safe paths, avoiding hazards, and managing your equipment all play a role in reaching your destination.
Traversal is one of the most unique parts of the game. Instead of simply running from one objective marker to the next, you need to carefully think about how you approach the environment. Rivers, steep hills, and rough terrain can all create problems if you’re not prepared.
To help with this, the game gives you various tools that make traveling easier. Ladders, ropes, vehicles, and other equipment can be used to overcome obstacles and make your journeys safer.
Another interesting feature is the game’s online system. Other players can leave behind helpful structures and tools that appear in your world. These shared items can make certain routes easier and create a sense that players are indirectly helping each other progress.
It’s a very unique system that adds an unexpected layer of cooperation to the experience.
The gameplay can definitely feel slow and methodical at times. But for players who enjoy that kind of challenge, it becomes surprisingly satisfying.
Combat and Boss Encounters
Combat in Death Stranding is a bit unusual compared to most action games.
Early in the game, you don’t have access to many weapons. Instead, the focus is more on avoiding danger and navigating situations carefully. As the story progresses, you gain access to more tools that can help deal with threats.
However, combat isn’t always straightforward. Because of how the world works, eliminating enemies can lead to unintended consequences, which encourages players to think carefully about how they approach encounters.
Since you’re often carrying a large amount of cargo, fighting enemies can feel awkward or stressful at times. Managing your balance while trying to deal with threats adds another layer of difficulty.
Boss encounters also appear throughout the game, often tied directly to important moments in the story. Some of these fights introduce unique mechanics or situations that feel very different from the standard gameplay loop.
While boss fights aren’t the main focus of the game, they do add some variety and help break up the pacing during key moments.
Graphics and Performance
Visually, Death Stranding is one of the most impressive games released in recent years.
The game runs on the Decima Engine, which is known for producing extremely detailed environments and realistic character models. The landscapes in particular are stunning, with massive open areas that feel both beautiful and eerie at the same time.
Character animations and facial expressions are also incredibly detailed, especially during the cinematic sequences. The cutscenes blend almost seamlessly with gameplay, which makes the entire experience feel very polished.
We played the Director’s Cut on PC, and the performance was excellent. The game ran smoothly and maintained strong performance throughout our playthrough.
Even players using slightly older hardware have reported solid performance, which shows that the game is very well optimized.
On consoles, the game also runs smoothly and provides a consistent experience. No matter what platform you choose, the overall presentation of Death Stranding is impressive.
Is Death Stranding Worth Playing?
So, the big question: is Death Stranding worth playing?
For us, the answer is yes.
Death Stranding offers a very different experience compared to most modern games. The combination of its unusual story, slow-paced gameplay, and atmospheric world creates something that feels genuinely unique.
That doesn’t mean the game is perfect. The pacing can be slow, the gameplay can feel repetitive at times, and the story can be confusing in certain moments.
However, if you’re open to trying something different, Death Stranding can be a very memorable experience.
We recommend going into the game with an open mind and letting it surprise you. Some of the best moments come from discovering mechanics or story elements that you didn’t expect.
Even if you’re unsure about it because of the mixed opinions online, it’s worth trying for yourself. Sometimes the only way to know if a game is for you is to experience it firsthand.
You might end up enjoying it more than you think.
