Digimon Story: Time Stranger Release Date, Editions, and Pre-Order Bonuses Explained

Sagar Mankar
Sep 20, 2025
3 min read

Digimon Story: Time Stranger poster. — Digimon Story: Time Stranger (Credit: Bandai Namco)

Digimon Story: Time Stranger, the next major entry in Bandai Namco’s long-running RPG series, is officially set to launch next month.

Developed by Media.Vision, the game will first release in Japan on October 2 for PlayStation 5, followed by a worldwide release on October 3 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Notably, it will also be the first Digimon Story title to include a full English dub, marking a big step forward for international fans.

Players step into the role of an agent from the ADAMAS Special Investigation Bureau, tasked with investigating a cataclysmic event known as the Shinjuku Inferno.

The story promises to explore the bonds between humans and Digimon while weaving a mystery-driven plot about the world’s collapse. Even if this is your first Digimon Story game, you won’t feel lost. Producer Ryosuke Hara has confirmed that Time Stranger is a standalone experience, though returning fans will notice Easter eggs from earlier entries.

If you’ve played previous Digimon Story titles, the monster-collecting and turn-based battle systems will feel familiar, but with some notable expansions in Digimon Acquisition, Training & Customization, Digivolution System, and Attributes & Elements.

Players will also be able to recruit over 450 Digimon and use deeper customization systems compared to past games.

Release Times and Preload

The game will roll out globally at midnight local time on October 3, meaning regions like New Zealand will get in first, while U.S. West Coast players will wait until their own midnight.

Preload begins 48 hours before launch, so you can start downloading on consoles from October 1. A free demo is already live across platforms, and progress carries over to the full release.

Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses

Pre-orders are live now, and Bandai Namco is offering four editions:

Standard ($69.99/£69.99) - Base game + pre-order bonus pack.
Deluxe ($99.99/£84.99) - Standard + Season Pass (3 Additional Digimon & Episode Packs, Golden Moai farm item), Cyber Sleuth costume set.
Ultimate ($119.99/£99.99) - Includes Deluxe + extra costume packs (Swimwear, Chosen Children, Digimon, Public Safety), Cyber Sleuth BGM pack, early Special Agumon & Gabumon unlock.
Collector’s ($199.99/£169.99) - Everything from Ultimate + physical items: 15cm Jupitermon figurine, 100-page artbook, 4 premium Digimon cards.

No matter which edition you choose, pre-ordering gets you:

Black Agumon and Black Gabumon as recruitable Digimon
School uniform costumes for Dan and Kanan Yuki
Adventure Item Set
Medical Spray DX ×3
Multi-Recovery DX ×3
Full Revival Spray ×3
Attacker Attachment I & Guarder Attachment I equipment

FAQs

When does the preload start?

Digital preloads are expected to begin 48 hours before launch, around October 1, 2025, at 12:00 AM local time for consoles. For PC (Steam), preload timing hasn’t been officially confirmed, but based on the demo’s release pattern, it may unlock at a fixed global time (e.g., 3 PM PT) rather than midnight local.

When will reviews be published?

The review embargo lifts on September 25, 2025.

Do I need to play previous Digimon Story games first?

No. Producer Ryosuke Hara has confirmed it’s a standalone story. You may notice Easter eggs or familiar Digimon from Cyber Sleuth and other titles, but newcomers won’t feel lost.

Does the game have multiplayer?

No. It’s a single‑player only experience with no online PvP, co‑op, or MMO-style features. The focus is entirely on a solo, story‑driven adventure.

Is there cross‑play or cross‑progression?