The provided source material details two distinct promotional offers related to the Death Stranding franchise: a limited-time giveaway of the original game for PC via the Epic Games Store, and a distribution of free PlayStation Network (PSN) avatars for the upcoming sequel. These offers represent digital freebies rather than physical product samples or trials. The game giveaway allows users to claim a permanent copy of the base edition of Death Stranding, while the avatar offer provides digital collectibles for PlayStation users. Both promotions are tied to the marketing cycle of the franchise, specifically surrounding the announcement and development of Death Stranding 2.
Free PC Game Offer via Epic Games Store
The primary freebie detailed in the sources is the distribution of the PC version of Death Stranding through the Epic Games Store. This promotion is part of the platform's Epic Mega Sale event, which features weekly free game giveaways.
Offer Details and Availability The offer grants users a permanent copy of the base edition of Death Stranding, which typically retails for $30. The sources emphasize that this is not a temporary trial but a "keep forever" copy added to the user's Epic Games library. The Director's Cut version of the game, which includes additional content, is not included for free but is available at a discounted price of $24 (down from $40) during the sale period.
Claiming Process and Restrictions To claim the game, consumers must follow a specific process: 1. Navigate to the Epic Games Store via the app or website. 2. Locate the "Free Games" section. 3. Select Death Stranding and click "Get." 4. Sign in to an Epic Games account to finalize the claim.
The sources indicate that there are no strings attached to the claim, though users must utilize the Epic Games launcher to play. The offer is strictly for the PC version and is not available for console platforms through this specific promotion.
Eligibility and Deadlines The deadline to claim the free game is May 25. The sources differ slightly on the specific cutoff time, with one citing 11 a.m. (time zone unspecified) and another citing 4 p.m. BST. The game must be claimed before this time, after which it will be replaced by a different free title as part of the weekly giveaway rotation. The sources do not specify regional restrictions for the Epic Games Store offer, implying it is available to U.S. consumers, though the Epic Games Store generally operates globally.
Context of the Promotion The giveaway coincides with the development of Death Stranding 2, which was announced at The Game Awards. The sources suggest this is an opportune time for new players to experience the original game before the sequel's release. The sequel is confirmed for PS5, with a release window anticipated for 2024 or 2025, though specific dates have not been finalized.
Free PSN Avatar Codes for Death Stranding 2
In addition to the game giveaway, Kojima Productions and Sony Interactive Entertainment are distributing free digital avatars for PlayStation users. These avatars are themed around Death Stranding 2 and are intended to commemorate the studio's seventh anniversary and the sequel's reveal.
Offer Details and Content The freebie consists of a set of PSN avatars featuring the "BB Pod" character. The collection includes at least four different images, two of which feature tentacle designs. These are digital assets that can be displayed on a user's PlayStation profile.
Redemption Process and Region Codes Unlike the Epic Games Store offer, these avatars require specific redemption codes to be used on the PlayStation Store. The sources provide distinct codes for different geographic regions. For U.S. consumers in the Americas region, the code is: * Americas: PRKT-2QNQ-DH4X
To redeem, users must enter this code in the "Redeem Codes" section of the PlayStation Store. Once redeemed, the avatars can be selected and used on the user's profile page. The sources mention that a support article is available for users who need assistance with the redemption process.
Availability The sources state that these avatars are available in all regions. The codes provided cover the Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa, Asia, Japan, and Korea. The sources do not list an expiration date for these codes, but they are described as a current giveaway.
Development Context The sources note that this is not the first time Death Stranding 2 freebies have been offered; a previous set was released to celebrate the studio's anniversary. The development of Death Stranding 2 is described as being tightly under wraps, with motion capture work having begun in the previous year. Norman Reedus, the lead actor, has indicated that fans should not expect a release before 2024 at the earliest.
Consumer Guidance and Considerations
While these offers are straightforward digital giveaways, consumers should be aware of the distinction between the two.
Physical vs. Digital Offers It is important to note that neither of these promotions involves physical mail-in samples, product trials, or brand freebies in the traditional consumer goods sense (e.g., beauty, baby care, or household products). These are software and digital content promotions strictly for gaming platforms.
Platform Requirements * Epic Games Store: Requires a PC and the installation of the Epic Games launcher. * PlayStation Store: Requires a PlayStation Network account and a PS4 or PS5 console to use the avatars.
Timing Both offers are time-sensitive. The Epic Games Store game must be claimed by May 25. The PSN avatar codes are currently active, but the sources do not specify if they are permanent or limited-time. U.S. consumers interested in these specific digital freebies should redeem them promptly to ensure they do not miss out.
Conclusion
The provided sources outline a limited-time opportunity to acquire the PC version of Death Stranding for free via the Epic Games Store and a current promotion offering free Death Stranding 2 PSN avatars for PlayStation users. The game giveaway is available until May 25, after which the offer expires. The avatar codes are available immediately for users in the Americas and other specified regions. These promotions are strictly digital and platform-specific, requiring an Epic Games account or a PlayStation Network account respectively. No purchase is necessary for either offer, though the Epic Games Store offer is time-bound and requires account creation to claim the permanent game license.
Sources
- Tech Yahoo: Free Death Stranding 2 PSN Avatars
- Digital Trends: Death Stranding Free on Epic Games Store
- Player.One: How to Claim Free Death Stranding 2 PSN Avatars
- Rock Paper Shotgun: Death Stranding Free on Epic Games Store
- Epic Bundle: Free Game Death Stranding
- Tom's Guide: Death Stranding Free on Epic Games Store