The direct shear test constitutes to be an irreplaceable testing component in conventional geotechnics to deduce the continuum scale shear strength parameters. This study employs the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to capture particle-scale interactions and model the non-linear behavior of granular soil subjected to direct shear tests under two different normal loads and strain rates. By systematically altering confinement levels with time, we investigate the influence of normal stress and shear strain rate on the evolution of shearing behavior and its underlying particle dynamics. DEM provides detailed insights into capturing the evolution of localizations of shear zones. Results reveal that increased normal load enhances interparticle friction, contributing to a higher peak and residual shear strength, while variations in shearing velocity alter the rate-dependent behavior, impacting dilatancy and shearing patterns.