Producer Ryosuke Hara gives a deeper look at the story and game play in the upcoming visually stunning RPG, the first new entry in the Digimon Story series in ten years.
The game features more than 450 Digimon to fight, collect and tame, and is a perfect entry point for newcomers to the franchise.
"Hello everyone!
I'm Ryosuke Hara, the producer of Digimon Story Time Stranger.
Scheduled for release on October 3, 2025, Digimon Story Time Stranger marks the first new entry in the Digimon Story series in ten years.
But before we dive into the details of the game…
Let’s take a look back at the footage we’ve shared so far!"
"What did you think?
There's quite a variety of Digimon in the footage. In fact, Digimon Story Time Stranger features over 450 Digimon!
This is a monster-taming RPG with a rich story about the bond between humans and Digimon, strategic turn-based battles, and the thrill of collecting and customizing a wide range of Digimon.
Of course, longtime fans will feel right at home—but we also designed this game to be a perfect entry point for newcomers, whether you've never played a Digimon game before or are just discovering the world of Digimon for the first time."
"The protagonist of this game is an agent of a secret organization called ADAMAS, which specializes in investigating and resolving paranormal phenomena.
At the start of the game, you'll choose between two different agents to play as."
The story is set in Tokyo, Japan. It begins in a section of Shinjuku that has been sealed off by the government, where you encounter a mysterious creature—a Digimon. This Digimon becomes your very first ally."
"Your investigation unfolds through a series of strange events that culminate in a mysterious explosion. When you come to, you find yourself eight years in the past!
From there, your journey will take you across both the human world and the Digital World, as you fight to prevent the collapse of world itself."
"At the heart of the story is a bond that transcends time and worlds—a core theme that has always been central to the Digimon franchise.
In particular, pay close attention to the relationship between two key characters: Inori Misono and Aegiomon. The bond they share is one of the emotional pillars of this story.
The story is completely original for this game, so a fresh and compelling experience awaits both old and new fans alike."
"During your journey, you'll travel between the bustling streets of Shinjuku and Akihabara, and a wide variety of areas within the Digital World.
In previous Digimon Story titles, most of the action took place between the real world and cyber space. But in Time Stranger, you'll be able to fully explore the Digital World, brought to life with a level of detail and environments never seen before in the series.
From the lively Central Town at the heart of your adventure, to the towering trees of Gear Forest, and the breathtaking, open waters of the Abyss Area—each map offers a unique look and feel.
One of the highlights of the game is that each area is home to different Digimon species with their own stories and motivations. The diverse and colorful cast of human and Digimon characters will surely add depth and excitement to your journey."
"Of course, no RPG is complete without battles.
In Time Stranger, the familiar elemental damage system seen in monster-taming games is enhanced through a combination of Attributes and Elements. There are seven Attributes in total—including Vaccine, Virus, Data, as well as Free and Variable—and eleven Elements such as Fire, Water, and Plant.
Depending on the synergy between a Digimon’s Attack and Attribute you might deal double damage, or none at all. We’ve also introduced a new system called Traits that further highlights each Digimon’s individuality.
With the right matchups of Attributes and Elements, you can unleash even more powerful attacks. Strategic customization is key. Each Digimon has its own signature Special Skill, and you can also equip interchangeable Attachment Skills. The right combination based on each battle's conditions will be crucial to victory.
Finally, a brand-new feature in this game: Cross Arts.
By syncing the agent’s Digivice with their Digimon, you can trigger powerful support actions or follow-up attacks. It’s a system that lets you truly feel the unity between you and your Digimon in battle."
"One of the greatest appeals of Digimon is that evolution isn’t a straight line.
A single Digimon can digivolve into multiple different forms—and not only that, you can unlock new digivolution paths or even choose to de-digivolve when a Digimon reaches its growth limit.
By digivolving and de-digivolving, Digimon can carry over certain parameters and their Bond Points with the player. You can also raise their Talent, which increases their level cap. Repeating this cycle of digivolution and de-digivolution is a key strategy for raising your favorite Digimon to their full potential.
The agent—that is, the player—also grows alongside their Digimon. As you complete missions, you’ll level up and unlock various skills that affect Digimon training and stats. Your own growth plays a vital role in your team’s strength.
New Digimon can be obtained by defeating enemies in battle to increase their Scan Rate, and then using Convert to add them to your team. The more you battle, the more Digimon you’ll be able to recruit—and the more options you’ll have for training.
With over 450 trainable Digimon available, you can focus on raising a single favorite, or collect and train a wide variety. I'm excited to see how players will raise Digimon to fit their own playstyles!"
"Now, let’s look at the world where Digimon live!
What you’re seeing here is Central Town, the first city in the Digital World: Iliad you'll visit. The town is bustling with Digimon, and features shops where you can pick up essential items for your journey, as well as a stylish bar where Digimon gather and hang out. It’s here that the protagonist receives a mission from Merukimon, the Digimon who governs the town, to investigate a mysterious disturbance at the radio tower.
Central Town serves as your main hub throughout the adventure, so we’ve put a lot of care into its design to make the multi-layered city teem with life, with a lively BGM that makes you feel ready to take on your next quest. The Digital World: Iliad is home to many other unique areas as well, each crafted with both narrative and gameplay significance in mind."
"Next, let's look at some of the systems I mentioned earlier.
In the menu, you can manage Digimon digivolution and de-digivolution, customize your team, and organize your party. Each digivolution or de-digivolution comes with its own set of conditions. For example, digivolving typically requires meeting certain stat thresholds. Some digivolutions, however, have special requirements—such as needing a specific item or having a particular personality type.
Customization allows you to equip Attachment Skills and equipment based on each Digimon’s unique traits. Will you enhance their strengths, cover their weaknesses, go all-out offensively, or take on a support role? The possibilities are endless, and your strategy will also depend on which other Digimon you’ve recruited.
Your party consists of up to six Digimon, with three active in battle at any given time. In addition, Aegiomon from the story joins battles as a special seventh member. How you build your team around Aegiomon and make the most of his abilities will be a key part of your strategy."
"In the field, you’ll encounter various enemy Digimon. Battles begin by touching an enemy on the field.
You can see how Attribute and Element matchups are extremely important. I recommend having a mix of Digimon with different Attributes and Elements in reserve in case your current team has a disadvantage. You can freely switch between your six party members during your turn without using up an action, so take your time and approach each fight carefully. When you win a battle, the Scan Rate of the enemy Digimon increases. Once it reaches 100% or more, you can Convert that Digimon and add it to your team as a new ally. "
"And now, let’s wrap things up with a look at a boss battle.
Each boss fight features unique mechanics that you won’t encounter in regular battles.
For example, in the Parrotmon fight, lightning strikes hurt you—but if they hit Parrotmon, he heals.
Normally, you’ll need to tough it out, but there’s a hidden trick: bring a certain Digimon, and you can stop his healing.
Cross Arts are essential in boss battles. By targeting an enemy’s weakness, you can charge the Cross Arts gauge more quickly—so once again, understanding and managing type matchups is key.
With your understanding of Digimon's strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly, your bond, there is no foe that can't be overcome."
"We hope you’ve enjoyed this look into the world of Digimon Story Time Stranger.
With a story that spans worlds and time, a deep turn-based battle system, and the thrill of collecting and raising a wide variety of Digimon, Time Stranger is a classic RPG experience designed for both longtime Digimon fans and newcomers alike.
The gameplay segment we showed today will also be available to try at upcoming events—so please look forward to it! Digimon Story Time Stranger is now available for Pre-order on PlayStation 5®, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam®.
I can’t wait to see what kind of bonds you’ll form with your Digimon and what adventures await you. As for me—I’ve already decided. I’m starting with Patamon, and I’m aiming to evolve it all the way to Goldramon!
Thank you so much, and stay tuned for more!"
Discover the Game Mechanics of DIGIMON STORY TIME STRANGER by reading our dedicated article!
