Wondering when Death Stranding 2 locks you in for good? If you’re the type who likes to tie up every side quest, deliver every lost package, and soak in every weirdly brilliant Kojima moment before things get intense, this guide is for you. While Death Stranding 2 is forgiving in many ways, there’s still a moment where the game subtly says: no going back now.
What Is the Point of No Return in Death Stranding 2?
In most games, the “point of no return” is a crystal-clear warning—big boss fight ahead, are you sure you’re ready? In Death Stranding 2, it’s more… Kojima-esque. There’s no flashing message or “last chance to explore” banner. Instead, the game quietly shifts into a more linear mode, narrowing your freedom and steering you hard into the endgame.
What Changes After That Point?
Once you cross the invisible threshold, here’s what actually changes in gameplay terms:
- You lose access to fast travel temporarily
- Some side missions and optional deliveries become unavailable
- You’ll be locked into a long sequence of main missions, about 5+ hours of continuous story
- You can’t go back to earlier regions until the credits roll
It’s not a full shutdown of the open world, but it does limit what you can do and where you can go until the main plot wraps.
The Mission You Should Pause At
If you want to continue exploring, upgrading gear, or doing deliveries before the final sprint, do not start Main Order 43.Once you accept that mission:
- Fast travel gets locked
- You’ll be locked into several hours of uninterrupted story missions
- Backtracking is off the table until the game is over
Essentially, Order 43 marks the moment where the game says, “Alright, no more distractions — let’s finish this.”
Can You Go Back After the Ending?
Yes. 100%.Once the credits roll, you return to the world with everything unlocked again. Fast travel returns, and all side missions remain available. So don’t worry about missing out — Kojima’s world welcomes you back.Still, if you like a clean slate before the final arc, avoid Main Order 43 until you’re truly ready.Finish everything you care about before Main Order 43. Then strap in and let Kojima take the wheel. This isn’t a game that punishes curiosity. But it does reward timing. Know when to pause, and when to plunge headfirst into the story’s final stretch.