Does Death Stranding Have New Game Plus: Save and Replay Options

Hideo Kojima's genre-defining open-world title offers a unique journey focused on logistics, connection, and rebuilding society. As players reach the end of Sam Porter Bridges' journey, many wonder if they can restart the story while keeping their hard-earned upgrades. Understanding how the game handles save files, post-game exploration, and replay mechanics is essential for anyone planning a second run.

Is There a New Game Plus Mode in Death Stranding?

Despite being a highly requested feature from the community, Death Stranding does not feature a dedicated New Game Plus mode. Players cannot carry over their unlocked weapons, upgraded exoskeletons, or constructed infrastructure into a fresh campaign. Starting a new game requires resetting all story progress, forcing porters to rebuild their network entirely from scratch.

Exploring the Post-Game and Freeplay Features

Although there is no traditional carry-over mode, the game provides a robust post-game experience after the credits roll. Players are returned to the open world in an endless sandbox phase where they can complete remaining deliveries, max out prepper connection levels, and finish building roads. This allows completionists to achieve total victory without needing to restart the narrative from the beginning.

Managing Save Files and Starting Fresh

If you choose to start a brand new game, it is crucial to manually back up your completed save file first. Creating a separate save slot ensures that your fully developed chiral network and high porter rank remain safe. Interestingly, starting a new run while online still grants passive benefits, as social structures and Likes from previous interactions can occasionally assist your new journey.

Replaying Boss Fights and Special Encounters

For players who want to re-experience action-packed moments without replaying the entire story, specific replay options exist in Sam's private room. The Director's Cut edition allows porters to revisit major boss encounters and combat simulations directly from the menu. Additionally, virtual firing ranges and racing tracks provide extra replayability for those seeking action-focused challenges.