Hi everyone! As we've mentioned many times already, DEATH STRANDING is all about connections, bridging the gap and community. With that in mind, we're excited to announce another Reddit AMA session, this time with Ludvig Forssell, Composer - Audio Director at KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS.

Our last AMA with Aki Saito (Head of Communications) was a huge success, so we're coming back with another member of the team to chat with you all, over on Reddit.

The Reddit AMA session will take place on July 23 at 14:00 JST / 22:00 PST / 07:00 CET right here... https://www.reddit.com/r/DeathStranding/comments/hv6w7l/ama_with_ludvig_forssell_composer_audio_director/

What's more, we're accepting questions NOW to be answered later this week! Of course, Ludvig won't be able to reply to you all and there will be questions he can't respond to but he'll do his very best to cover as many as possible.

Leave your questions over on Reddit.

Keep on keeping on!

IMPORTANT: Please remain respectful, avoid spoilers, think outside the box and Ludvig will answer as many questions on Thursday as possible. The best Q&As will feature as part of our next Community Blog, over on the DEATH STRANDING PC website!

A few days ago, we asked the wonderful DEATH STRANDING PC community to share their first Photo Mode shots with us. And of course, you didn't disappoint! Thank you so much to everyone that submitted a capture. Check out some of our favourites here:

https://deathstrandingpc.505games.com/share-your-first-photo-showcase/

Photo credit: Stef_Gallery_

We cannot wait to check out more of your amazing shots and highlight more of them in the future.

Keep on keeping on!

DEATH STRANDING UPDATE V 1.01 OUT NOW
Hi everyone, we’ve just gone live with DEATH STRANDING Update V1.01 on PC. This post launch patch includes added AVX judgement to CPU check at startup, stability improvements and general bug fixes.

Keep on keeping on!

Yesterday we welcomed the PC community to DEATH STRANDING!

Now, we want to see where you are on your journey and we want to see your first photos! 📸

Want to be in with a chance of being featured on http://deathstrandingpc.505games.com/ later today?

Link us up to your best captures in the comments below.

Keep on keeping on!

Hi everyone! The wait is finally over! We're thrilled to announce that KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS' DEATH STRANDING is OUT NOW on Steam!

From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes an all-new, genre-defying experience. Sam Bridges must brave a world utterly transformed by the Death Stranding. Carrying the disconnected remnants of our future in his hands, he embarks on a journey to reconnect the shattered world one step at a time.

Keep on keeping on!

Hi everyone! Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone for the incredible level of support you've shown us since we announced DEATH STRANDING back in 2019. The response has been super overwhelming for all at 505 Games and KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and we can't believe launch day is finally here!

For those asking, here are our scheduled launch times:

July 14th - 7am PST / 3pm BST / 11pm JST

With that in mind, let us remind you all that there's not long left to pre-purchase, pre-load and take advantage of the exclusive in-game items available. See details below, taken directly from our FAQ guide, which can be viewed here: https://deathstrandingpc.505games.com/faqguide/

What do I get on Day One if I purchase DEATH STRANDING?
All Day One copies of the game will include:
• DEATH STRANDING Original Score Expanded Edition digital soundtrack by Ludvig Forssell, including 10 unreleased bonus tracks.
• “Selections From ‘The Art of DEATH STRANDING’” Digital Book (by Titan Books)
• CHIRAL GOLD and OMNIREFLECTOR “LUDENS MASK” SUNGLASSES (COLOR VARIANT)*
• GOLD and SILVER POWER SKELETON*
• GOLD and SILVER ALL-TERRAIN SKELETON*
• GOLD and SILVER ARMOUR PLATE*

*Items will be unlocked within DEATH STRANDING via story progression.

Why should I pre-purchase DEATH STRANDING?
Pre-Purchase now to receive the below items in addition to the above:
• HD Wallpapers
• CHIRAL GOLD and OMNIREFLECTOR “SAM” SUNGLASSES (COLOR VARIANT)*
• CHIRAL GOLD and OMNIREFLECTOR CAP (COLOR VARIANT)*
• GOLD and SILVER SPEED SKELETON*
• GOLD and SILVER ARMOUR PLATE LV2 AND ABOVE*

*Pre-order items will be unlocked within DEATH STRANDING via story progression.

Keep on keeping on!

https://youtu.be/lk1DOlWiX5Q

Exciting news! Those who pre-purchased on Steam can now pre-load DEATH STRANDING before our scheduled launch at 7am PST / 3pm BST / 11pm JP on July 14.

As a Community Manager nothing brightens my day more than when I see Photo Mode shots in our social mentions. Over the last few years, this incredibly popular in-game feature has allowed gamers to document their journeys in a way that once, just wasn't possible. And we love it here at 505 Games and KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS. With DEATH STRANDING launching next week on PC, our excitement levels are on the up as we look forward to seeing how our PC players capture their adventures with the extensive Photo Mode options available in-game.

With that in mind, we recently asked current DEATH STRANDING players for their top tips for Photo Mode. And of course, you didn't disappoint! A huge thank you to all that reached out. Here's a rundown of fan feedback on mastering the Photo Mode techniques in DEATH STRANDING. Enjoy!



The best way to learn how to use the Photo Mode in DEATH STRANDING if you are unfamiliar with photography is to just get tinkering! There are options for everything you would feasibly want in a virtual photography set, so go hog wild with your ideas. DEATH STRANDING is about enjoying the journey, and making your own path on that journey, so if you feel like stopping for a couple hours of photos, do it! (Just make sure any deliveries on Sam's back don't get ruined or lost.)

There's an absolute ton of detail in this game to be discovered. Try messing with engaging photo mode at a time you wouldn't think to, maybe even when a lot of action is going on. Who knows, you might find something you didn't expect to see!

Photography is about exploration, so don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path - also_brink
Moving the camera as far back as it can go, while also lowering the "Field of View" parameter, gives you a lot more options in terms of framing distant objects (Similar to a Dolly zoom). You can get some very heroic portrait shots of Sam this way. It's also best to adjust the Depth of Field manually, even though the automatic setting is quite adequate for most situations. Increasing the DoF blur, combined with the low FoV settings, you can get some very cool close-up shots. The game is full of highly detailed objects with many little rivets and facets, it's all quite photogenic. All in all, I'd say experiment and have fun. Photography is about exploration, so don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q_xkVqZywpU

This may sound like an obvious one, but it's easy to forget about the grid and just focus on the most fun features like filters or facial expressions. Using a grid may actually save you tons of frustration when trying to centre a character, an object or your vanishing point.

Use facial expressions and poses to their full potential: Photography is a form of art and, like actual photographers do, you might want your shot to tell a story. In that case, make full use of the facial expressions and poses for both Sam and BB to tell your story in the best way possible. Oh and don’t forget to turn the lights on in the BB pod, it gives lots of depth, especially in rainy shots.

Have fun! Finally, what I think is the most useful advice of all. Photo mode is just another way to experience a game, have a good time with it and don't feel too anxious about taking the greatest shot at your first try. Do what makes you happy and don't be afraid to share that little moment of joy with the community!

For photo mode try to be creative and use the environmental particle effects (they are absolutely amazing and very well done work by the KJP team!) to your advantage. Not going into specifics here, there are different environments and enemies that all have differing levels of special effect work. When taking amazing photos, I always try to take into account what elements of the world I can insert into my creation. It takes time and effort, but one can also combine these particle effects together to create scenes you might not have thought possible inside the game engine.

Keep on keeping on!

As a hobbyist film photographer, I've found the DEATH STRANDING photo mode to be fairly extensive and very intuitive to use and surprisingly similar to taking photos in real life. I'd first recommend attempting to enjoy the journey of the game as much as you can in real-time when doing your first playthrough (the photo mode is that good that you can end up doubling your playtime simply because you'll feel tempted to take a photo of all the awe-inspiring sights)

When you do take a picture though I'd highly recommend playing around with the focus and aperture settings. It can really add depth and weight to a photograph and allow you to add focus on whatever you'd like on the frame and make it "pop". Secondly, when framing your photograph do your best to bring out the best looking parts of the game, such as the highly detailed character models, and the great work KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS did on some small rock textures, water, foliage and grass, etc just to name a few.

Lastly, try to find a friend who's also playing the game to share your creations to and vice versa so you'll have someone to impress and possibly encourage you to attempt different types of photos too. Maybe you can meet them in the game via the asynchronous multiplayer aspect.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/0bjdiZgt6-8

Living an adventure is something amazing! But to immortalize it and keep memories of it is way better. The "Freedom" that gives you the Photo Mode in DEATH STRANDING is endless. Since you can make absolutely what you want with the camera, this is an infinite tool of creation!

Open your eyes and see bigger with the Angle, take funny poses in a difficult situation, enjoy your time with BB, add filters to give your pictures a perfect style or add a frame to give your shots a professional look. This is just a small panel of possibilities that the photo mode gives you! The Photo Mode in DEATH STRANDING is a second life for the game and a perfect way to forget what's up around you, so do it, LOOK AROUND YOU! The best way to enjoy it, is to take your time, check for a nice background, to immortalise a difficult situation and show it to your friends or followers. If you give yourself time to learn you will see that your shots will slowly but surely become better and better. Don't forget to add the hashtag #DeathStrandingPhotoMode to share your creations with the other Porters.

Don't forget that you can use the photo mode to get a closer look at almost anything that is in the game. If you want to study the intricate designs of the equipment and vehicles or get a closer look at different BTs - you can do it comfortably by picking the right camera angle while the game is on pause. There are amazing vast landscapes in the game but getting up close and personal can also yield some very creative shots full of detail.

DEATH STRANDING launches onto Steam on July 14, 2020.

Hi everyone! Antonela here, Senior Brand Community Manager at 505 Games working on DEATH STRANDING with the team at KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS. I’m here today to tell you about a super exciting opportunity that you can all get involved in later this week.

DEATH STRANDING is all about establishing connections, so what better way to emphasize that message than to give you all the opportunity to speak to a member of the team.

To celebrate the upcoming PC launch of DEATH STRANDING on July 14, 2020, we’re going to be running an AMA session with Aki Saito, Head of Communications at KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS, over on Reddit.

The AMA session will be held over on the /R/DEATHSTRANDING subreddit, from July 2, 2020 at 14:00 JP / 22:00 PST / 07:00 CET.

https://www.reddit.com/r/DeathStranding/

We’re opening the thread now and taking questions for Aki to look at and answer on Thursday. If there’s time, Aki will also answer some questions in real time on the day.

IMPORTANT: Please remain respectful, avoid spoilers, think outside the box and Aki will answer as many questions on Thursday as possible. The best Q&As will feature as part of our next Community Blog, over on the DEATH STRANDING PC website!

Speak soon and keep on keeping on!

DEATH STRANDING TECH SPECS AND COMMUNITY TOP TIPS

Hi everyone from 505 Games and KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS. We’re thrilled to finally be able to unveil the minimum and recommended specs for the PC edition of DEATH STRANDING, which launches next month on July 14th. Take a look!

What’s more, in the run up to launch, our plan is to put the spotlight on some of the biggest DEATH STRANDING players we know, giving them the opportunity to share their thoughts, knowledge, tips and advice to new and upcoming players.

With that in mind, we took to Discord, Reddit and Twitter and asked some of you to share a personal piece of advice (spoiler free) for PC players. And guess what? You didn’t disappoint! Check out the responses below…

ASK FOR HELP
It’s okay to ask for help. In the beginning this game will be unlike anything you have ever played. You WILL likely get stuck, you WILL likely get frustrated, and you WILL fall down a whole heck of a lot. That's how the game is *trying* to make you feel, frustrated, alone, under-equipped/overworked. You’ll soon understand why. There are several fabulous communities dedicated to this game, just a few clicks away, so if you're ever feeling like you're at wits end, pop into the Discord and chat with some people, share your experiences. Ultimately, that is what this game is about after all: connecting with others.
- Pan1c

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND EXPLORATION
Like and get liked! It takes only a second to show to other Porters that their constructions helped you in your adventure. Keep in mind that DEATH STRANDING is an experience where sharing and helping other players is important! Also, if you see it, go for it! DEATH STRANDING is one of the most beautiful open-world experiences. The fact that everything you see can be reached is an amazing opportunity to give yourself some challenges. Can I go on the top of this mountain? YES, YOU CAN! Pack your boots, ropes and ladders and go for it. (Don't forget to immortalize the moment with a picture!)
- Tarak Ch.

TAKE YOUR TIME
Take your time. Just like in the real world, rushed actions and abrupt decisions are risky. When making deliveries, be careful and pay close attention to the lovingly detailed world around you. When resting in a private room, put on some music, and read the emails — these help you understand the game world and progress further. After all, DEATH STRANDING is a game that hopes to teach you a vital lesson, if you're just willing to slow down and listen. In a constantly stressed and overworked world, that message is especially valuable.
- Irina

SPEAK TO PREPPERS
Throughout the game there are 'Preppers' holed up in various locations. Each Prepper has their own story that you can learn more about as you help them out and they will even reward you with valuable items and equipment. Make sure to fully explore the world and find all of the Preppers as some of the rewards impact your gameplay.
- Brink

TAKE CARE WHEN CROSSING WATER
Not only is the timefall rain dangerous in DEATH STRANDING, but crossing water is also a regular threat for you and your delivery. But this is where your scanner comes into use. Scan the area before you enter the water. Squares in the colours blue, yellow and red will give you information about the water level. Blue water can be crossed easily, while the yellow markers indicate a deeper water level. Be careful about your balance and stamina when entering. Red indicates the deepest water level and you should avoid that entirely. It will instantly sweep you away.
- German Strands

KEEP YOUR FOCUS
DEATH STRANDING may look stunning, but don't let the melancholic beauty of Sam's world fool you – it's unforgiving. From dangerous terrain, cargo hungry MULEs, and disturbing BTs, you'll have numerous obstacles between you and your destination. To give yourself an easier and more enjoyable time, focus on the story for the first few chapters. As with many games, it's easy to get lost in side missions and exploration, but, tackling the story will unlock new items that will make Death Stranding's additional content much more enjoyable.

... And don't forget. No matter how tough the obstacles seem to be, keep on keeping on!
- Enter_the_Fray

Of course, there are more top tips we could share, but here are just a few things to bear in mind before venturing out on your quest to reconnect America. A big thank you to those who offered their wise words of wisdom and stay tuned for another community driven blog soon.

If you have any top tips yourself, be sure to share them with us over on Twitter for a chance to be featured in a future post! Simply use #DeathStrandingPC in your tweet.

Take care and stay safe!