Xbox Game Pass Revives Death Stranding's Popularity on Xbox

Xbox Game Pass has dramatically revived interest in Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding: Director's Cut on Xbox consoles. Added to the service on January 21, 2026, the game has skyrocketed from the 501st to the 16th most popular Xbox title in the United States, according to Circana's Player Engagement Tracker.

The game's unconventional gameplay and a previously problematic save bug likely made Xbox players hesitant to purchase it after its 2024 port. The Game Pass subscription model has removed that barrier, allowing a massive new audience to experience the acclaimed title risk-free.

This successful revival on the platform could influence the release strategy for the upcoming sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, potentially bringing it to Xbox alongside its PC launch.