It’s been a long time coming, but the digital world is roaring back to life in a big way. Digimon Story: Time Stranger, the first new standalone entry in the beloved RPG series in nearly a decade, is already shaping up to be a massive success before it even hits shelves. Pre-orders for the game have so significantly exceeded Bandai Namco’s expectations, particularly in Japan, that the publisher has issued a rare warning: physical copies might be hard to find at launch.
A Good Problem to Have
On September 30, Bandai Namco announced that “due to popular demand, physical copies might be scarce during the first week of launch.” They advised fans who wanted a physical edition to secure their orders quickly. This isn’t just marketing hype; reports from fans in Japan have confirmed that many local retailers have already run out of pre-order stock, with some customers being told their copies won’t arrive on launch day. It’s a clear sign that Bandai Namco underestimated the immense pent-up demand for a new, traditional Digimon RPG.
After a development cycle that spanned seven to eight years, this is the best possible news for the development team at Media.Vision, the same studio behind the fan-favorite Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth. It proves that despite the long wait, the fanbase is more passionate and ready than ever.
Why Is Everyone So Excited for Time Stranger?
This isn’t just another monster-taming RPG. Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a full-budget, ambitious project that aims to be the definitive modern Digimon experience. The story centers around the mysterious Olympos XII, a group of powerful god-like Digimon, and boasts the largest roster in the series’ history with over 450 trainable digital monsters. Previews and demos have been met with widespread praise, with critics highlighting the game’s deep, strategic combat, polished cinematics, and surprisingly stellar soundtrack. It’s a game designed to be approachable for newcomers while offering the depth that longtime fans crave.
For a franchise that has often lived in the shadow of its bigger monster-collecting rival, this level of excitement feels like a major turning point. The community is buzzing with a sense of validation, thrilled to see their beloved series getting the spotlight it deserves.
A Stacked Release Window
What makes this pre-order success even more impressive is the game’s release date. Time Stranger is launching on October 3, 2025, placing it in direct competition with a packed holiday lineup that includes massive titles like Ghost of Yotei. The fact that it is holding its own and generating this much buzz speaks volumes about the dedication of the Digimon fanbase and the quality of what Media.Vision has shown so far.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Digimon Story: Time Stranger?
It is the seventh mainline game in the Digimon Story subseries of turn-based RPGs, developed by Media.Vision and published by Bandai Namco. It is the first new standalone entry in the series in nearly a decade.
Why are physical copies going to be scarce?
Pre-order demand for the game, especially in Japan, has been significantly higher than Bandai Namco anticipated, leading to potential shortages of physical editions at launch.
Do I need to have played other Digimon games to understand the story?
No, the game features a standalone story and is designed to be accessible to both series veterans and complete newcomers.
When does the game release?
Digimon Story: Time Stranger releases worldwide on October 3, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Who are the Olympos XII?
They are a group of twelve powerful Mega-level Digimon based on the twelve Olympian gods of Greek mythology. They will play a central role in the game’s story.
Conclusion
The incredible pre-order success of Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a heartwarming story of a dedicated fanbase showing up in full force for a franchise they love. After years of waiting patiently, their excitement has created a bona fide hit before the game is even out. It’s a powerful message to Bandai Namco that there is a huge, hungry audience for high-quality Digimon RPGs. For fans, it’s a moment of pure triumph, proving that the Digital World is ready for its long-overdue revival.