Digimon Story: Time Stranger demo release times & how to play

The Digimon Story: Time Stranger demo gives players the chance to begin collecting their favorite digital monsters early.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger is the next chapter in Bandai Namco’s monster-collecting RPG series, sending players on a time-traveling journey that connects the digital and real worlds. The game features revamped turn-based combat, new Digimon to recruit, and a storyline built around exploring different eras.

Ahead of its October 2 launch, Bandai Namco is rolling out a free demo that lets fans dive in early. Here’s exactly when it goes live on PC and consoles, and what to expect when it comes to carrying progress into the full release.

PC release times

The Digimon Story: Time Stranger demo goes live on Steam on September 10 at 3 pm PT / 6 pm ET, which is September 11 at 12 am CEST in Europe and 7 am JST in Japan.

Console release times

On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the demo will unlock at midnight local time on September 11. That means players in North America, Europe, and Asia all gain access as soon as the clock ticks over in their own region.

How to access the demo

The demo will be free to download on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. PC players can grab it directly through the Steam store once it goes live, while console users can find it by searching for Digimon Story: Time Stranger in the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store.

No preorder is required, so if you’re on the fence, this is the perfect chance to try the game before release.

Does demo progress carry over to the full game?

Yes. Bandai Namco has confirmed that progress made in the demo will carry over into the full release. That includes your story progression, recruited Digimon, and any party setups you build while playing.

The official Japanese Digimon account also revealed that the demo contains the entire opening section of the game, meaning players will be able to befriend a large number of Digimon before launch. There’s also a separate mode that lets you freely explore Central Town.

While you wait for Digimon Story: Time Stranger’s release, be sure to check out our 2025 games calendar to see what other titles are releasing this year.