Death Stranding 2 has become available for preload on Steam, but an unexpected turn of events has unfolded. A pre-release version of Kojima Productions’ highly anticipated delivery simulation game has leaked, circulating through piracy websites just two days ahead of its official launch.
Details of the Leak
Reports from a piracy-focused subreddit indicate that the leak originated from Steam, where unencrypted game files were inadvertently made accessible. While the duration of this availability remains uncertain, it appears to have been sufficient for users to download the entire game, which weighs in at a substantial 113GB. Although Steam employs its own digital rights management (DRM), it is considered relatively easy to bypass compared to Denuvo, which is notably absent from Death Stranding 2.
This situation has allowed pirates to not only download but also play the game on PC ahead of its scheduled release. Feedback within piracy circles has predominantly centered around the language options available in the pre-release build, which notably lacks Russian voiceovers. Steam’s platform supports the upload of separate language packages, enabling players to select their preferred audio files.
Implications for Players
However, those who opt to pirate Death Stranding 2 will face significant limitations, particularly regarding the game’s extensive online features. Players can engage in a collaborative experience, sharing infrastructure such as roads and bridges, which is a core aspect of the gameplay.
The official release of Death Stranding 2 is just around the corner, set to unlock on March 19 at 7:30 am Pacific (2:30 pm GMT), promising an immersive experience for players who choose to support the developers by purchasing the game legally.
