Stray: Release date, UK launch time and pre-order news

"Playing as a cat is great, of course, but Stray doesn’t slack off in any of its other areas. In fact, it’s one of the best games of the year so far. The cat's pyjamas, you could say."

If you're eager to learn more, keep on reading for the key details on the Stray release date!

When is the Stray release date?

The Stray release date is Tuesday 19th July, so we only have a few hours to go until you can get started with the game. You're in for a treat!

Read more:

• Stray review - our final verdict
• Is Stray on PS Plus? Get a free trial
• Stray trophy guide - how to get that Platinum
• Stray platforms - will it come to Xbox and Switch?
• Stray collectables - where to find energy drinks and more
• Stray ending - final moments explained

What time does Stray unlock in the UK?

Stray will unlock at 5pm BST for players in the UK, with these times all being confirmed by the developers:

• UK: 5pm BST
• Central Europe: 6pm CET
• USA: 12pm EST or 9am PDT

Can I pre-order Stray?

You can indeed! You can order your digital copy of Stray right now from Steam or the PlayStation Store.

You can also order the physical edition of Stray at GAME for £34.99, but that boxed version won't arrive until 20th September.

Is Stray on PS Plus?

It's also worth noting that Stray is included in PS Plus Extra and PS Plus Premium, both of which you can get a free trial of at the moment.

If you're a member of PS Plus Essential, however, you won't get Stray included at that particular membership tier.

What consoles will Stray be released on?

Stray is coming to the PS5, and it will also be available for those that have not upgraded past the PS4 yet. A release for Microsoft Windows has also been confirmed.

There's no sign of a Stray release on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S or Nintendo Switch at this point, but we'll let you know if that changes.

What is the storyline like in Stray?

Stray looks to be a game where the developers, BlueTwelve Studio, look keen to keep their cards close to their chest as to the exact story details here - it does look like a game with many surprises - but there are a few things we know.

As we say, the premise here is that a cat has found himself stranded in a strange city overrun with killer robots and he will be doing all he can to fight his way through them in order to make a triumphant return to his waiting family.

While on his travels, the cat will befriend one of the robots, a drone named B12, and together, the two face the onslaught of enemies while learning all sorts of dark secrets about the city they are forced to call home.

What is Stray gameplay like?

Stray is a third-person adventure game that will incorporate open-world elements into the game. There will be lots of platforming to do and there will be many puzzles to solve, while our furry hero will be equipped with numerous things to stop attacks - like a bucket as we saw in one of the latest trailers.

Combat does not seem to be at the forefront of the developer's minds here - it is a cat we're talking about after all - and instead, you will be putting the focus on defending yourself and getting out of dicey situations that will become more intense as the game goes on. Although you do get the ability to blow enemies up later and things like shopping trolleys can be used to wipe evil robots out.

Is there a Stray trailer?

There is indeed. There are a few out there now but here is the initial reveal trailer that got us all excited when it was released last year.

And here is the latest one from the recent State of Play event!

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