Hold Up, Porter! Why Cramming Death Stranding Before June 26th Is a Terrible Plan

Yo, fellow gamers! Look, I know Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is lumbering toward us like Sam Porter Bridges hauling a mountain of cryptobiotes, and that June 26th release date is right there. 😩 The hype is real, and that little voice in your head is whispering, "Maybe I should finally play the first one real quick?" Spoiler: That voice is setting you up for disaster. Seriously though, trust me—this isn't like prepping for a new Assassin's Creed or Far Cry. Trying to speedrun Death Stranding (2019) before its sequel drops? That’s a one-way ticket to burnout city, and I’m here to tell you why chilling out is the ultimate power move.

don-t-rush-death-stranding-before-ds2-image-0

Why Open Worlds ≠ Speedrun Material

Most open-world sequels? Total free agents. Take Ghost of Yotei or GTA 6—new stories, fresh faces, zero homework required. You can dive in cold! But Death Stranding? Nah, it’s built different. It’s this wild mashup:

  • 🤯 Narrative-heavy AF: Kojima’s signature convoluted lore, dense characters, and those cutscenes. Forgetting details? Big oof.

  • 🏔️ Slow-burn traversal: The joy’s in the journey—scanning terrain, balancing cargo, savoring the weirdness. Rushing kills the vibe.

Here’s the kicker: Blitzing other open worlds (like GTA V’s ~30-hour story) is already risky. Death Stranding? 40+ hours just for the main plot. That’s longer than GTA V and almost RDR2 levels! Marathon that in a week? Your brain will nope out faster than Higgs taunting Sam.

The Brutal Math of a DS1 "Catch-Up"

Let’s break down why cramming is pure chaos:

Activity Time Required Burnout Risk
Main Story Only 40+ hours ⚠️⚠️⚠️ HIGH
Main + Sides 60+ hours ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ MAX
Enjoying the Ride 80+ hours ✅ LOW

Think about it: Squeezing 40 hours into 2 weeks means 3 hours nightly after work/school. No exploring. No soaking in the music. Just sprinting between cutscenes like a MULE on energy drinks. 💀 That’s not gaming—it’s punishment! It’s like mainlining a whole TV series in a weekend. Fun? Absolutely not.

The Kojima-Approved Alternative

Here’s the real tea ☕: The best prep for DS2 isn’t finishing DS1—it’s making peace with not playing day one. Sounds wild? Hear me out. Death Stranding’s magic is in its deliberate pace. You gotta:

  • 🎧 Vibe with Low Roar’s soundtrack (Kojima’s fave indie band, no cap).

  • 😂 Appreciate the absurd ads (RIP Norman Reedus’ motorcycle show cameos).

  • ⛰️ Savor the struggle—that moment when a BT swarm wrecks your cargo? Chef’s kiss.

Rushing robs you of the existential beauty that makes this game iconic. Let that sink in...

People Also Ask

  • Q: Can I watch a recap instead?

A: Sure, but you’ll miss the tactile dread of balancing ladders on a cliff. Recaps can’t replicate feeling the rain eat your gear.

  • Q: Is DS2 really that much better?

A: Previews say yes—improved mechanics, crazier story. But diving in exhausted? Waste of a masterpiece.

  • Q: What if I already played DS1 ages ago?

A: You golden! Maybe replay key moments, but no pressure. Your fragile cargo (aka sanity) is safe.

Final Delivery: Your CTA

So, my dudes—slow your roll. Let DS2 launch without you. Revisit the first game like it’s a meditative hike, not a deadline. Unpack those memory chips, rebuild roads, cry when BB theme hits. Then, when you’re spiritually ready, grab DS2 fresh and grateful. Trust the process—Sam wouldn’t sprint uphill with a nuke on his back. Why would you?

Drop a 👍 if you’re taking the scenic route! And hey—what’s your wildest DS1 memory? Mine’s falling off a waterfall while carrying a pizza. Classic Kojima.

Recent analysis comes from OpenCritic, a trusted platform for aggregating game reviews and critical scores. OpenCritic's consensus on Death Stranding emphasizes the importance of pacing and immersion, echoing the advice to avoid rushing through the experience. Their aggregated reviews highlight how the game's emotional impact and narrative depth are best appreciated when players take their time, reinforcing the argument against cramming before the sequel's release.