| Death Stranding 2 On the Beach | |||
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| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Step into the shoes of Sam once more in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach as you fight to save humanity from the brink of extinction. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
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Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Review Overview
What is Death Stranding 2: On the Beach?
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is an open-world action-adventure game with touches of a walking simulator that will iterate over the core gameplay fundamentals of its predecessor. Playing as Sam Porter Bridges, players balance packages on their person to carefully deliver them across barren landscapes and wastelands. Alongside that, they travel and connect isolated cities together in order to form a network, so communication and travel lines can be established. Players will spend most of their time travelling the open world filled with hostile BTs and raiders in order to safely reach their destination points.
Sam has access to both lethal and non-lethal weapons, allowing him to merely subdue hostiles should they be too important to eliminate. Players will have the choice of whether to use either type of weapon throughout the game as they see fit, similar to the Metal Gear Solid series, which was created by Kojima as well.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features:
⚫︎ PlayStation 5 Exclusive
⚫︎ Hideo Kojima Game
⚫︎ Narrative Driven Game
⚫︎ Third Person
⚫︎ Celebrity Cameos
⚫︎ Walking Simulator
⚫︎ Motion Capture
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Death Stranding 2: On the Beach's gameplay and story.
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| Price | $69.99 | ||||
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Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 A More Personal and Tightly Knit Story Photorealistic Visuals are on Another Level Significant Gameplay Improvement—Especially the Walking Mexico and Australia are Simply Marvelous Atmospheric and Beautiful Soundtrack Surprisingly, a Great Entry Point for Newcomers |
Hardly any Challenge Questionable Story Beat Choices |
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Overall Score - 90/100
Hideo Kojima set out to create a game that would divide, disrupt, and defy expectations—a bold, polarizing statement destined to be dissected for decades. But in reaching for controversy, he may have stumbled upon something far more powerful: a work of quiet, lasting resonance. Death Stranding 2 isn’t without flaws—it inherits some of the first game’s unwieldy moments—but it feels profoundly more personal. There’s a rawness here, as if Kojima laid bare his very essence, his Ka and Ha, inviting players into something deeply human. Whether history will place it among the greats remains to be seen. But in this moment, Death Stranding 2 doesn’t just feel like a sequel—it feels like a culmination. Perhaps even Kojima’s magnum opus.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Story - 9/10
Death Stranding 2 delivers a more focused and emotionally resonant narrative, weaving a story that feels far more personal this time around. The connections Sam forges—especially with Fragile—are stronger and more meaningful, but at its core, this is a tale about the unbreakable bond between Sam and Lou, set against a world still haunted by BTs and existential dread. While Kojima’s signature storytelling shines through with moments of brilliance, some narrative choices may leave players divided. But perhaps that is exactly what Kojima intended—pushing boundaries, even if it means risking polarizing outcomes.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Gameplay - 8/10
If the “walking simulator” label turned you off from the first game, Death Stranding 2 might just surprise you. While the core concept of traversing vast landscapes remains, it now feels more like a grand spectacle—packed with adrenaline-pumping action, intense encounters with BTs and terrorists, and terrain that’s as dynamic as it is dangerous. Add to that a host of quality-of-life improvements, and what was once a slow march becomes an atmospheric, almost meditative experience. That said, it’s worth noting that the challenge has been dialed back. Compared to the original, Death Stranding 2 is noticeably more accessible—even easy at times—which may be a blessing for newcomers, but could leave veterans craving a bit more resistance.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Visuals - 10/10
Thank the gods for photo mode, because Death Stranding 2 is nothing short of breathtaking. There were countless moments where I had to stop in my tracks, open photo mode, and just stare—captivated by the sheer detail, down to the pores on Norman Reedus’ face. It’s genuinely mind-blowing what this game pulls off visually.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Audio - 10/10
All I have to say is—please, put this game’s soundtrack on Spotify now. I didn’t think anything could top the original’s hauntingly beautiful score, but Death Stranding 2 proved me wrong from the very first note. Goosebumps. Instantly. The music and sound design aren’t just background—they build the world, infusing every step, every silence, every storm with emotion. And paired with stellar voice performances that feel more cinematic than ever, the entire experience becomes a sensory triumph. Kojima didn't just craft a game—he composed a world that begs to be heard.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Value for Money - 9/10
Death Stranding 2 is an absolute must-buy for Kojima fans and veterans of the first game—but what’s surprising is just how welcoming it is to newcomers. A thoughtfully crafted recap gets you up to speed, the opening hours ease you into its core systems, and a robust codex breaks down all the lore and jargon you need to know. At $70, it’s more than worth it—not just for the sheer amount of content, but for a story that’s emotionally rich, visually stunning, and proof that Kojima still has that undeniable magic.
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Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Review: A Truly Timeless Journey
“On the Beach” might seem like an odd subtitle—especially if you’ve never touched the original Death Stranding—but in true Kojima fashion, it’s a strange stroke of brilliance. On the surface, it teases Sam’s return to the Beach, that eerie metaphysical space between life and death. But dig deeper, and you’ll find it’s also a nod to the 1959 apocalyptic novel and film On the Beach, set in a dying Melbourne, Australia—eerily close to where much of Death Stranding 2 unfolds.
Kojima, ever the cinephile and symbolist, doesn’t just borrow—he transforms. The title isn’t just a location. It’s a tone. A promise. A quiet dread. A poetic whisper of what’s to come. When I first saw the name, I knew he was up to something—and now, after playing it, I can confirm: Kojima didn’t just cook. He served a full course of existential dread, cinematic wonder, and emotional resonance.
Kojima’s Most Compelling Narrative Yet
This might ruffle a few feathers—especially among die-hard Metal Gear fans—but I genuinely believe Death Stranding 2 is Hideo Kojima’s best narrative to date. While many will stand by Snake Eater as his magnum opus, this sequel feels like the first time Kojima was completely unshackled—free from corporate interference, studio expectations, or the weight of legacy. Death Stranding 2 isn’t just a game. It’s a cinematic experience that bleeds personal vision and emotional resonance in every scene.
Now, to be fair, it’s not flawless. I had my share of nitpicks and a few narrative decisions that left me scratching my head. But overall, this is a deeply compelling, tightly woven story that grabbed me from the first hour and refused to let go. Unlike the original, which had to spend a good portion of its runtime introducing a complex world, lore, and systems, DS2 hits the ground running—building on what came before, rather than explaining it.
The result? A sequel that feels more intimate, more confident, and more emotionally grounded. While the stakes remain high and the set pieces are grand, the heart of this story lies in its characters. Taking place 11 months after the events of the first game, Sam and Lou have left the now-established UCA behind, fearing BRIDGES might see Lou as little more than a valuable asset. What follows is a journey that starts small and personal—and slowly unfurls into something much bigger.
This time, Sam is no longer a government porter. He’s a freelancer, working for a friend. His mission takes him to Mexico at the request of Fragile, but things quickly spiral into something far greater—pulling him into a fractured, haunting version of Australia. There, he's once again asked to reconnect a broken society and expand the Chiral Network—only this time, not for BRIDGES, but for the survival of humanity itself, under threat from new BT outbreaks, voidouts, and a deepening mystery around the Death Stranding.
Yes, there are callbacks—familiar faces like Deadman (played once again by Guillermo del Toro) return—but what stands out is how much heart this game has. The performances feel more natural, more human. Norman Reedus delivers his best performance as Sam to date, capturing both emotional weariness and fierce determination. And the addition of Neil, played brilliantly by Luca Marinelli, is a highlight. New characters feel instantly memorable and layered, helping to make the world feel even more alive.
From the very first moments—Sam and Lou resting atop a mountain, the world sprawling out below them as Woodkid’s haunting new track plays—I was hooked. No explosions, no high-stakes chase. Just a man, a child, a quiet climb, and the fragile hope of making it home. The first 30 minutes are deceptively simple: carrying a child, cooking a meal, heading back to a place called peace. But in that simplicity lies the heart of Death Stranding 2.
Sam isn’t chasing glory—he’s just a man who wants to live a quiet life with Lou. A father figure clinging to the fragments of calm in a world that refuses to let him rest. And yet, he doesn’t just carry Lou in his heart—he carries his friends, too. His bond with Fragile? It’s richer, warmer, and filled with unspoken history. There’s chemistry and comfort, sorrow and strength.
As much as I’d love to dive deeper, it’s hard to talk about the story without veering into spoiler territory. What I can say is this: Death Stranding 2 is cinematic, impactful, and emotionally devastating in all the right ways. The action set pieces are more ambitious than ever, but never at the cost of character development or narrative focus. In fact, some of my favorite moments are the quietest ones—subtle gestures, tired glances, unspoken bonds. Sam’s growing exhaustion is palpable, and yet, his relationship with Lou remains the shining light of his world. Their bond is the emotional core of the game, and it broke me more than once.
Kojima’s writing can still lean toward the direct and didactic at times, but when he allows the story to breathe through performance and silence, it's nothing short of masterful. This is storytelling through facial animation, through long walks under dying skies, through simple acts of care and connection.
Death Stranding 2 is another journey—this time with a more seasoned, emotionally burdened Sam Porter Bridges. It weaves together existential questions, political undertones, and the expanding mythology of the Beach into something haunting and profound. If the first game was about forging connections, this one’s about holding on to them, even as the world threatens to fall apart again.
Death Defying, Rewarding, and Refined Gameplay
I’ll be honest—Death Stranding took a while to grow on me. Like many players, I struggled with the first few hours of what essentially felt like a “walking simulator.” The early pacing was slow, the objectives repetitive, and the trekking often felt like a chore. But around the five-hour mark, something clicked. I began to appreciate the rhythm of being a porter: planning routes, managing cargo weight, using tools wisely, and navigating through BT-infested zones. There was depth there—but it took time to uncover.
Death Stranding 2, however, wastes no time. From the start, it feels like the version of the game Kojima always envisioned. The improvements are everywhere, but the most striking is the atmosphere. The original game had moments of beauty, sure—but the sequel feels truly alive. The environments are immersive, dynamic, and constantly evolving. Sandstorms whip across open deserts, timefall alters terrain before your eyes, bandit camps emerge with more complexity, and the day-night cycle adds a sense of realism that pulls you in. Every journey feels like an adventure, not just a delivery route.
Sam himself controls like a dream now. Gone is the ragdoll-like awkwardness—he moves smoothly, responsively, and feels far more fun to play. The reduced friction system means you won’t constantly be stumbling over pebbles, but the challenge remains in how you manage momentum and terrain. There’s a true sense of balance between realism and playability.
Kojima and his team have introduced a robust new leveling system via the Automated Porter Assistant System Enhancement (APASE). It divides Sam’s progression into four traits—porter, combat, stealth, and servicemanship—allowing you to tailor your playstyle while encouraging you to experiment with all the tools at your disposal. Proficiency now matters, and it’s rewarding to feel yourself grow more capable, not just narratively but mechanically.
Multiplayer has also been elevated. The asynchronous system still lets players leave behind helpful structures and gear, but now it feels more intuitive and impactful. Combined with new traversal tools and the Drawbridge Ship—a fast travel system that lets you bring gear with you—the sense of community and cooperation is stronger than ever.
Then there’s your new companion: the Dollman, a support unit that tags enemies, scouts danger, and becomes indispensable as the game ramps up with new threats like mechs and evolved BTs. It adds a layer of tactical depth without ever breaking immersion.
Combat has also seen a complete overhaul. You now have access to a wider arsenal, including electric weapons like the M-Poids and more melee options for close quarters. The stealth, in particular, is a massive standout—feeling like a refined evolution of Kojima’s Metal Gear legacy. Enemies respond intelligently, and overburdening yourself makes you easier to detect, creating an exciting push-pull between risk and reward. Whether you choose to sneak past enemies or go in guns blazing, every encounter feels meaningful.
Exploration, too, has been enriched. The world is far more expansive and diverse, filled with side quests, environmental challenges, and meaningful scavenging. You’ll come across everything from rare materials and abandoned gear to new crafting opportunities and hidden lore—all of which serve to make the world feel lived-in. Even long treks are broken up by fascinating discoveries, thoughtful pacing, and rewarding progression.
In every sense, Death Stranding 2 is the evolution we hoped for. It takes the DNA of the original and builds something smarter, smoother, and more emotionally resonant. It’s clear Kojima knew exactly what he wanted to refine, and he’s delivered a gameplay experience that not only respects the original, but elevates it. This isn't just a sequel—it's a masterclass in iteration, immersion, and innovation.
I CAN SEE SAM’S PORES
My god—Death Stranding 2 is a visual marvel. I thought the original looked incredible when it launched, but this? This blows it out of the water. The Decima Engine has been pushed to its absolute limits—and the result is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Every frame feels handcrafted, bursting with detail, from the subtle pores on Norman Reedus’ face to the smallest environmental elements that shift, glisten, and react like they’re part of a living world. And the best part? Not a single glitch, not a single frame drop. For a game this visually ambitious, that’s a technical triumph.
The motion capture work is genuinely next-level. Characters don’t just look real, they feel real—every micro-expression, every flicker of emotion rendered with almost uncomfortable accuracy from Lou’s crying to Fragile’s little smiles. It makes photo mode dangerously addictive. I’ve lost count of how many times I paused just to capture a moment, a glance, a beam of light hitting the ground just right. Cutscenes are breathtaking, not just in visuals but in composition. Kojima’s cinematic eye shines through, turning every sequence into a piece of moving art.
But it’s not just the character fidelity—it’s the world itself that stuns. From the scorched reds and wild terrain of Australia to the lush, vibrant, almost surreal beauty of Mexico, the landscapes make the UCA look almost plain in comparison. The lighting, the weather systems, the way the time of day shifts naturally… this world doesn’t just look alive, it feels alive. There’s an eerie beauty to its desolation—a haunting, visual poetry in the aftermath of voidouts and timefall that tells a story without a single line of dialogue.
And yes, environmental storytelling is absolutely key here. Every ruin, every twisted tree, every weather-worn structure has a tale to tell. Even the BTs have received an unsettling visual upgrade—their movements more jagged, their forms more sinister, making them feel like spectral beings pulled from a fever dream. It’s the kind of world that constantly pulls your attention, urging you to stop, look, and feel.
What I especially love is how these visual upgrades aren’t just for show—they actively impact gameplay. The terrain can be both your enemy and your ally. A flash flood might knock you off course, but a cleverly placed ruin can shield you from a sandstorm or lightning strike. Wildlife like the adorable quokka add personality to the wilds of Australia, while dynamic weather and time-of-day systems make every trek feel fresh and unpredictable. The visuals and systems are in harmony, encouraging players to observe, adapt, and master the environment.
Simply put: screenshots don’t do this justice. You have to play it. Death Stranding 2 isn’t just one of the best-looking games of 2025—it’s a visual and atmospheric achievement that redefines what video game worlds can feel like. If you’re going to make a game about walking, then yes—this is how you make every single step unforgettable.
The Soundtrack Just Leaves You Breatheless
Ludvig Forssell and Woodkid absolutely knocked it out of the park—the soundtrack in Death Stranding 2 is nothing short of stunning. Honestly, I’d even argue it’s on par with, if not better than, the first game’s score. What makes it truly shine is how immersive and thoughtfully timed every track is. The music never feels like background noise; it feels like an essential part of the journey.
My favorite track has to be the opening. I had literal goosebumps—there’s something hauntingly beautiful about the melancholic yet bombastic hymns, especially with the cries of children layered in. It sets the tone perfectly, almost warning you of the emotional weight to come. That soundscape doesn’t just fade into the background—it resonates, deeply. It weaves into the world and story, creating powerful moments like Sam’s reunion with Fragile, which felt both heartbreaking and comforting all at once.
The music captures the emotional state of the characters—particularly Sam—and reflects the lingering pain of a world still reeling from the Death Stranding and the devastation of voidouts. It’s cinematic, it’s intimate, and it’s unforgettable. I need this soundtrack on Spotify immediately—because it’s not just great… it’s an absolute banger.
Surprisingly Accessible for Newcomers
I wrote an article before claiming that Death Stranding 2 absolutely requires you to play the first game—and while I still believe the best way to experience this world is by starting with the original, I have to admit… Kojima wasn’t lying when he said newcomers can jump into the sequel.
One of my biggest concerns was how the original’s complex story, dense worldbuilding, and unique terminology might overwhelm new players. But to my surprise, Death Stranding 2 does an excellent job of onboarding those who missed the first journey. The recap is serviceable, but what really shines is how the intro naturally weaves in exposition, giving new players just enough context to understand the stakes without feeling lost.
What I highly recommend for first-timers—and even returning players—is to make frequent use of the codex. Every time a new piece of jargon appears, the codex offers a clear, concise explanation that not only helps you follow the narrative, but also understand key gameplay systems. Even as someone who played the first game, I found myself checking it often—there’s just that much terminology to keep track of.
What’s also impressive is how Death Stranding 2 doesn’t throw everything at you at once. The pacing, both in story and gameplay, is measured and thoughtful. Mechanics are gradually introduced, and returning ones are reexplained, which is essential given how unique and intricate Kojima’s systems can be. It eases you in instead of overwhelming you—and that alone makes it more inviting to newcomers than you might expect.
So yes, while I’ll always advocate for playing the original to get the full emotional impact, I also understand the reality: not everyone has the time, budget, or energy to dive into another 40-50 hour game. And in today’s economy, that matters. If you’re choosing between the two, Death Stranding 2 is the one that gives you the smoother, more complete experience right out of the box.
The Game is Hardly a Challenge
Coming off Death Stranding 2, I have to say—the sheer number of quality-of-life improvements genuinely makes the game more enjoyable and accessible. Traversing the world is smoother, combat feels more responsive, and the moment-to-moment gameplay flows better than ever. But with that streamlining comes a clear trade-off: the challenge.
Compared to the first game, Death Stranding 2 feels noticeably easier. Sam is practically overpowered. I never felt in real danger—no deaths, no retries, no high-stakes tension. Terrain is more volatile in theory—with rivers that can sweep you off balance, more frequent environmental hazards like timefall and hurricanes, and an abundance of tar—but they rarely pose any real threat. Even the once-signature element of managing Sam’s balance and cargo has been toned down. There’s far less stumbling, less friction, and far fewer moments where you feel the weight of the journey pressing down on you.
Vehicles now conquer almost any terrain with ease, and the arsenal of weapons—usable not just on terrorists but BTs too—further tips the scales in your favor. The Dollman is an incredible tool, but it also removes most of the tension from enemy encounters. Mistakes feel optional, not inevitable. I had moments where I felt more like Solid Snake mowing down enemies with an assault rifle than the vulnerable, burdened Sam of the original. Stealth is still there, but it’s rarely necessary when brute force works just as well—if not better.
Even boss fights feel easier and more straightforward, lacking the bite and unpredictability of the original. It’s not game-breaking, and it doesn’t ruin the experience—far from it. But if you're looking for a real sense of danger or survival, you’ll want to crank up the difficulty. Trust me, it makes the journey feel much more grounded.
Would It Even Be Kojima Without the Wild Story Choices?
A Kojima game wouldn’t be complete without a few bizarre storytelling choices—and Death Stranding 2 definitely delivers on that front, for better and worse. There are moments that genuinely made me stop and ask, “Wait… did he really just go there?” One particular twist involving a major character still lingers in my mind—not because it was profound, but because I’m still unsure if it was a brilliant subversion or just gratuitously confusing. I won’t spoil it, but brace yourself—this is Kojima at his most indulgent.
And yet, that’s part of what makes his work so compelling. Whether you agree with the narrative choices or not, there’s something admirable about how Kojima fully commits to his vision. He doesn’t play it safe—he trusts the story he wants to tell. Thankfully, none of the more questionable beats here reach the wild, reality-shattering levels of Metal Gear Solid 2’s infamous twists. But that same spirit of “What if?” still lingers throughout.
And honestly? I love that. I love that this game gives you moments where you have to stop, think, maybe even argue with yourself about what it all means. It invites reflection. It dares to be strange. And in that strangeness, it finds something truly beautiful.
Is Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Worth It?
Get on the Beach Right Now
Without a doubt, Death Stranding 2 is a must-play. Despite its flaws—and there are flaws—this is unmistakably Kojima at his most ambitious and emotionally resonant. You’ll absolutely get your money’s worth with just how deeply the game leaves an impact. It’s atmospheric, haunting, and profoundly moving, with characters that evolve in meaningful ways and moments that linger long after the credits roll.
Kojima finds a striking balance here. The Beach, as a metaphysical manifestation of the world between life and death, is more than just a setting—it’s a symbol, a feeling, a question left unanswered. His ability to merge cinematic storytelling with interactive gameplay shines, though there are times when the pacing stumbles or a scene feels like it’s trying a bit too hard to be deep.
Still, when it hits, it hits. It’s beautiful. Avant-garde. Weird in all the right (and sometimes wrong) ways. I may have rolled my eyes at a few moments, but I also found myself genuinely moved. And if this is any indication of where the franchise is going, I seriously can’t wait for the inevitable anime and movie adaptation to explore this world even further.
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| Price | $69.99 | ||||
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Death Stranding 2: On the Beach FAQ
Does Pekora Make a Cameo in Death Stranding 2?
Yes, Hololive VTuber Pekora does make a cameo in Death Stranding 2.
Is Death Stranding 2 Coming to PC?
As of writing, Death Stranding 2 has no new announcements and remains a PS5 exclusive.
Game8 Reviews
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Product Information
 |
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| Title | Death Stranding 2: On the Beach |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 26, 2025 |
| Developer | Kojima Studios |
| Publisher | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Supported Platforms | PS5 |
| Genre | Adventure, Simulation |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | M |
| Official Website | Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Website |
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