Does Death Stranding Have New Game Plus And What Carries Over

Posted on 13 September 2026 | 7
News

Death Stranding offers a vast open world filled with intricate delivery routes, deep story elements, and complex progression mechanics. Many players completing the main story wonder if they can restart the journey while keeping their hard-earned equipment, upgrades, and connection levels. Understanding how progression works after the credits roll helps players decide how to approach post-game content.

Does Death Stranding Have a Traditional New Game Plus Mode?

Death Stranding does not feature a traditional New Game Plus mode that allows players to start a brand new story save with end-game gear. Starting a new campaign requires creating a fresh save file from scratch, which resets all story progress, unlocked weapons, and structures. Kojima Productions designed the narrative experience around gradual progression and thematic isolation.

Instead of a traditional reboot mode, the game transitions into an extensive post-game state known as Order No. 15. This phase allows players to freely explore the map, complete remaining deliveries, and maximize facility connection levels. Players can continue refining their logistics networks without losing any unlocked content.

Post-Game Content and End-Game Progression Options

In Order No. 15, players retain all unlocked weapons, exoskeleton suits, vehicles, and Chiral Network connections. You can access every facility on the map to complete missed orders and earn higher delivery ranks. This structure functions as an informal endgame mode rather than a traditional restart option.

For players seeking a fresh challenge, difficulty settings can be adjusted at any time during the post-game. Switching to Very Hard level increases delivery strictness and enemy toughness without forcing a complete save wipe. This allows experienced porters to test their skills in established territories.

What Features Carry Over Across Save Files?

When starting an entirely new campaign, almost no gameplay progression carries over between save slots. Story trophies, achievement milestones, and player account statistics remain attached to your profile, but in-game inventory resets completely. Structures built in previous playthroughs will not appear in the new save universe.

Players looking for extra content upon restarting can consider upgrading to the Director's Cut edition. The expanded version introduces new construction tools, firing range challenges, and additional storyline missions to enrich fresh playthroughs. These features provide a renewed experience even without a dedicated carrying system.

Best Strategies for Replaying Death Stranding

If you choose to start a new game, focusing on optimal infrastructure early on significantly speeds up travel times. Prioritizing zip-line networks in mountainous regions makes high-grade deliveries much easier to complete. Understanding terrain mechanics from prior experience also prevents unnecessary cargo damage.

Alternatively, staying in the post-game sandbox offers the most efficient path toward 100 percent completion. Maximizing stars with every prepper unlocks unique customization rewards and upgraded equipment tiers. This approach preserves your completed roads while letting you enjoy every delivery route available.