Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is Set for Release on June 26 2025
Set 11 months after its predecessor, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach picks up with Sam Bridges, now leading a quiet life with his BB, Lou. However, his peace is short-lived when a request from Fragile takes him to Mexico, where an unexpected incident sends him to Australia. There, Sam faces a monumental challenge: reconnecting a fractured society by traversing the vast and unforgiving continent.
A Faster-Paced Story and Gameplay
Unlike the slow-burn narrative of the original Death Stranding, which meticulously built its world, the sequel’s story unfolds at a much quicker pace. Players gain access to new equipment and structures earlier in the game, streamlining progression and keeping the momentum high. For newcomers, a “Death Stranding Recap” feature on the title menu summarizes the first game’s events, while the in-game “Corpus” glossary explains key terms and concepts.
Enhanced Visuals and a Stunning Soundtrack
Harnessing the full power of the PS5, Death Stranding 2 delivers breathtaking visuals that immerse players in its world. The opening sequence in Mexico, where Sam traverses a rugged desert ridge, showcases the precision of its visual design, from the rocky terrain to the swirling dust underfoot.
His Journey takes him to Australia, where our diverse landscapes and wildlife are brought to life with remarkable detail, including an animal sanctuary lush with vegetation and teeming with kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies. Players can also switch to an “aerial camera” for a bird’s-eye view of the expansive environment, enhancing their appreciation of the terrain’s magnitude.
I think I can see my house from here…
Complementing the visuals is a standout soundtrack. Each time players arrive at a new delivery point, the emotional music elevates the experience, leaving a lasting impression.
Greater Freedom and Strategic Depth
The game offers you more freedom in how to approach challenges, with expanded options for strategy and decision-making.
Equipment and transportation methods, including motorcycles, trucks, and various structures, become available early on which is great news for people who didn’t enjoy the long walks of the first game, I admit I found it very therapeutic.
There are more tools to explore and adapt to the environment. Combat options include a range of bola guns and firearms, but for those who prefer stealth, tools like smoke grenades and transportation devices allow them to bypass enemies entirely.
The newly introduced day-night cycle adds another layer of strategy. Daytime offers better visibility but also makes players more prone to detection, while nighttime allows for stealthier movement at the cost of reduced sightlines.
Dynamic Natural Hazards
Environmental hazards now play a more significant role, keeping players on their toes. Earthquakes can destabilize Sam, causing him to lose balance or face falling debris, while heavy rain can flood rivers, making certain paths treacherous. To counter these challenges, players can use new tools like the “tar cannon,” which extinguishes wildfires and clears obstacles.
Playstyle-Driven Progression
Sam’s abilities now evolve based on player behavior, introducing 12 new proficiency levels. For instance, players who frequently traverse rough terrain will see Sam’s skills in navigating unstable footholds improve more rapidly. This system ensures that each player’s experience and character development feel uniquely tailored to their choices.
Customizable Traits with APAS Enhancement
A new feature, the Automated Porter Assistant System (APAS) Enhancement, allows players to further customize Sam’s traits. Collectible “memories” scattered throughout the game can be used to enhance four key attributes: porter, combat, stealth, and servicemanship. Since memories are limited, players must carefully decide how to allocate them based on their playstyle.
New Enemies and Expanded Combat Options
Death Stranding 2 introduces fresh challenges, including a new BT type called the “Watcher,” which uses sight to detect and attack Sam. Additionally, human foes like the Armed Survivalists wield deadly firearms, presenting a formidable obstacle.
To counter these threats, the game provides an array of innovative weapons. Electrified poles, previously wielded by the MULEs, can now be thrown to disable vehicles and enemies. Holographic grenades also offer creative solutions, such as projecting a BT hologram to terrify human enemies into retreat. These additions make combat more dynamic, blending stealth, strategy, and action.
Redefining the Essence of Video Games
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to build on the foundation of its predecessor while introducing faster pacing, richer visuals, and deeper gameplay mechanics. With its expanded freedom, strategic layers, and emotional storytelling, the game is poised to further cement its place as a groundbreaking experience in modern gaming. We can’t wait for it to arrive in June for us to get fully hands on with it.
