DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT is now available through Xbox Game Pass on both console and PC, marking the first time the expanded edition of the game has launched on Microsoft’s subscription service. Access is included for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Premium subscribers, according to an announcement from KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and publisher 505 Games.

Originally released as an enhanced version of Death Stranding, the Director’s Cut builds on the 2019 title created by Hideo Kojima. Players take on the role of Sam Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus, in a post-apocalyptic United States fractured by a supernatural event known as the Death Stranding. The game centers on traversal, delivery-based gameplay and asynchronous online connections that allow players to influence each other’s worlds indirectly.

The Xbox Game Pass release makes the title accessible without an additional purchase for eligible subscribers, expanding its reach to a broader audience on Microsoft platforms. The standard version of Death Stranding previously launched on PlayStation consoles and PC, with the Director’s Cut debuting later with added content and gameplay updates.

DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT Now Available On Xbox Game Pass Across PC and Console

The Director’s Cut introduces several new features and adjustments not found in the original release. These include a new story location called the Ruined Factory, which adds combat-focused challenges in a closed environment. Additional delivery tools, such as cargo catapults, support ramps and a stabilizer equipped with thrusters, offer more options for navigating terrain and managing heavy loads.

Combat has also been expanded with new melee moves and the addition of the Maser Gun, a non-lethal weapon designed to stun enemies and disable vehicles temporarily. A firing range allows players to test weapons and compete for high scores, while a racetrack mode introduces time-based challenges against other online players. The update also includes Buddy Bots, which can assist with transportation across long distances.

The Xbox version has received optimization updates aimed at improving performance on handheld devices, including ASUS ROG Ally models that support Xbox Game Pass. Players who prefer to own the game outright can still purchase it through the Xbox Games Store.

Death Stranding Director’s Cut joins the growing list of high-profile titles available through Xbox Game Pass, continuing Microsoft’s push to bolster its subscription catalog with established releases.