Death Stranding came out in 2019 and polarized players with its unique gameplay and bizarre, science fiction storyline. It made enough of an impression to prompt a re-release on the PS5, called Death Stranding: Director's Cut.
Hideo Kojima already admitted it's not so much a director's cut in the traditional sense and more of an opportunity to add new features and content. Whether players are going through it the first time or jumping back in, they should be sure to avoid these ten common mistakes. The game is much more enjoyable if one realizes how unique it is and drops the habits they've adopted after years of gaming.
10 Going Too Fast
The main challenge of Death Stranding's gameplay is simply getting from one place to another while carrying cargo. Anyone who jumps into the game thinking it is as simple as pointing in one direction and walking is mistaken.
Players who just try to run to the objective without preparation or consideration of the environment will barely make it by the skin of their teeth. Take it slow and methodically for more success.
9 Ignoring BB
BB, or Lou as Sam Bridges calls them, is not only important for the story; the infant trapped in a pod is a vital part of the gameplay. Players would be wise to keep them happy while traveling the barren environments.
Falling upsets BB, so take time to soothe them before moving on. BB's main purpose is for detecting BTs, the most dangerous enemies in the game. Keeping BB satisfied makes sneaking through BT-infested areas.
8 Skipping The Interviews
Death Stranding is a long game taking place in an incredibly unique world. The main story does its best to explain everything to players, but it is also nice enough to add extra context through interviews and mail.
These documents add so much to the setting and characters, players would be missing out on a lot if they decided to skip these. Read them to understand more about the world, characters, and their motivations.
7 Quitting Once The Credits Roll
After 30 to 40 hours of gameplay, players might want to take a break and move on to something else once the credits roll. However, people should keep trudging along a little longer. The story does not stop after beating the game.
Keep doing orders and building structures to have more emails and interviews come to Sam. These serve as epilogues, telling players where all the characters ended up.
6 Bringing Lethal Equipment
Given the unique circumstances of the world, players are discouraged from lethal combat. This has always been a part of Hideo Kojima's games, but it is especially true here. Killing a Mule or a Terrorist out in the world can have negative repercussions.
Sam can cause a voidout if he kills an enemy and it turns into a BT. This concept is introduced during the prologue. Avoid killing enemies so there is no risk of accidentally causing a voidout.
5 Exhausting Sam
Paying attention to Sam's state is vital to successful deliveries. Players should avoid exhausting Sam through a couple of methods. Don't journey out with too much in the inventory. Even if Sam isn't over-encumbered, bringing an excess of items makes walking more difficult.
Additionally, Sam needs to take a break and rest every once in a while. If there is no bunker available, players can take a rest in the middle of the world and rest Sam's legs.
4 Not Bringing Enough Ladders And Tools
Traversing the world is more complicated than simply running across the terrain. Sam needs to have a healthy amount of ladders and other tools to go over gaps and successfully descend great heights.
Without these, there is almost no way to get through certain areas without Sam or the cargo taking some serious damage. The construction kits are also important and are more durable structures. Once an area is connected to the Chiral Network, other players' structures show up.
3 Jumping Right Into The Director's Cut Content
Players who have already beaten the game might want to jump straight into the Director's Cut content. However, this might be a small mistake. Anyone who is not pressed for time might be better served playing through the game again.
The unique mechanics are hard to come back to immediately if players have not picked up the game in more than 18 months. If players don't feel like playing through it again, they should at least refamiliarize themselves with the controls.
2 Not Using The Odradek Scanner
Sam is not alone in his journey through the ruined United States. The Odradek Scanner is an extremely helpful tool for players. Activate it and it scans the environment, telling players where cargo is and how dangerous certain parts of the terrain are.
When going into enemy camps, use the Odradek Scanner as the enemy scanner activates to counter it and avoid detection.
1 Taking Too Much And Having To Leave It Behind
This one is specific to certain orders. At times Sam has to pick up and deliver an entire body. If players bring too much with them during this trip, they'll just have to leave it behind when they pick up the body.
With this in mind, pay attention to what orders actually want from Sam and then plan accordingly. If players bring a lot with them, make sure to use most of it before picking up the target to avoid being wasteful.
Death Stranding: Director's Cut Is Out Now For PS5. The older version is available for PS4 and PC