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How Long Does Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Take? Real Playtime from the IGN Team

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is now live on PS5, offering players a breathtaking, continent-spanning journey across Australia as Sam Porter Bridges works to reconnect the world through the Chiral Network. But how long does it actually take to experience the full scope of Hideo Kojima’s latest masterpiece? We asked several IGN team members to share their personal playthrough times — from main story to full completion — and what they prioritized along the way.

Simon Cardy – Senior Editor | 34+ hours (Main Story) | 44+ hours (Full Completion)

Simon wrapped up the core narrative in just over 34 hours, sticking closely to the main mission path and tackling only around a dozen side objectives. While he didn’t dive deep into optional content, he still found the journey challenging—especially in the late-game, where long-distance deliveries and tense combat sequences demanded precision and planning.

Despite finishing the story, Simon hasn’t let go of Sam’s pack. He’s since added 10 more hours to fully connect both Australia and Mexico to the Chiral Network, upgrade every facility to five stars, and clean up every lingering task. “I just can’t leave things unfinished,” he says. “The urge to max out every Prepper rating is real.”

Matt Kim – Senior Feature Editor | 38 hours (Main Story + Credits)

Matt completed the main campaign, including credits, in about 38 hours—and no, that wasn’t just cutscenes. Kojima’s refined storytelling gives Death Stranding 2 a tighter, more immersive rhythm than its predecessor. With only a handful of side quests, Matt stayed focused on the central arc, but he’s already eyeing a full playthrough for a platinum trophy run.

“Kojima cut the fluff,” Matt notes. “The story feels more deliberate. And honestly, I’m not even close to done exploring.”

Nick Limon – Executive Producer | 41 hours (Main Story + Exploration)

Nick took a more leisurely approach, taking 41 hours to reach the credits. He explored Mexico and Australia at his own pace, pausing to enjoy the ambient music, weather systems, and quiet moments between deliveries.

He didn’t fully reconnect all of Australia, but he’s close—just a few outposts remain. Most of his time was spent upgrading gear, customizing his loadout, and building up his Prepper rating through tailored side content. “This game rewards style and patience,” he says. “Unlike the original, the side content here feels meaningful and personal.”

How Does It Stack Up to Other Kojima Games?

Compared to the legendary Metal Gear Solid series, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach lands in a middle ground—longer than most entries, but shorter than the sprawling open-world epics.

While Death Stranding 2 is slightly shorter than the original, it’s far more streamlined. Kojima has refined the core loop: less friction, more focus on atmosphere, story, and player choice.

Final Thoughts: Will You Play to the End?

Whether you’re racing through the story in 35 hours, savoring every quiet moment across the Australian outback, or aiming for a full platinum run with every side quest, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach offers something for every kind of player.

It’s not just about finishing—it’s about connecting. To the world. To the people. To the silence between the notes.

So… will you play it once, or keep returning to patch the network, one delivery at a time?

Let us know in the comments: How long did it take you to beat Death Stranding 2?
And more importantly—what will you do when you reach the end?

🔔 Stay tuned for more guides, tips, and deep dives into the Chiral Network, new creatures, and hidden secrets in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.

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