My thoughts on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach are quite mixed. While Kojima Productions has undoubtedly expanded upon the original game’s mechanics, enhancing the experience of connecting fractured communities and engaging in courier missions amidst perilous terrain, I find myself yearning for the tension and fear that permeated the first installment. The gameplay is promising, and I eagerly anticipate immersing myself in this enhanced sandbox. However, it seems that much of the campaign diminishes the sense of threat, and at times, the narrative stumbles, diminishing character arcs established in the original. Strikingly, this sequel feels almost overly conventional in comparison to its groundbreaking predecessor.
Editor’s Note: Spoiler-free insights on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach follow. The author has completed the game.
Set against a backdrop of familial bonds, Death Stranding 2 continues Sam and Lou’s journey as they form a close-knit family. Their peaceful existence, however, is disrupted when Fragile approaches with an irresistible proposition. Tasked with connecting remote regions to the Chiral Network while confronting a significant BT threat in Mexico, Sam embarks on this journey, promising Lou a chance at a tranquil life. Yet the adventure does not end there; Fragile reappears, introducing new challenges, including a mission to traverse the Mexican Plate Gate to connect Australia to the Chiral Network with her Drawbridge organization.
I was deeply captivated by the narrative Kojima Productions crafted in the first Death Stranding, where both heroes and villains experienced substantial growth. Each character, even those with limited screen time, felt fully formed and integral to the story, contributing to a rich lore. Unfortunately, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach left me somewhat disappointed by its narrative direction. The initial hours were engaging and coherent, maintaining momentum as Sam journeyed towards Australia.
However, as the storyline progressed, I felt a significant decline in its quality. Without revealing too much, I must express regret at the underutilization of several engaging new characters like Charlie, Rainy, and Tarman. Despite the close interactions Sam shares with them, opportunities for deeper exploration of their backgrounds felt lacking. Additionally, some characters experienced a regression in development compared to the first game, making their arcs feel contrived. Frustratingly, I couldn’t shake off the sense of predictability that permeated the narrative. While there were moments of genuine surprise and enjoyment, particularly concerning two plot twists and the treatment of beloved characters from the previous game, the overall experience felt somewhat formulaic.
It’s disappointing that the story trended toward familiar tropes, especially since numerous new delivery mechanics and opportunities were engaging. True to form, players can accept primary missions at designated locations, assist with side quests at hubs and prepper homes, and retrieve lost packages throughout the expansive landscapes. A noteworthy addition is the option to rescue animals in the outback at specific campaign points. Despite limited visibility regarding package contents, the delivery system resonates well. The soundtrack remains exceptional, adding a layer of joy during traversal through Chiral Network-connected locales.
Additionally, the control over delivery missions appears to be more varied and accessible in Death Stranding 2. Players return to utilizing familiar modes of transport, such as early-access bikes and four-wheel vehicles, while also employing accessories like floating carts for enhanced mobility. Enhanced options, including skeletons to improve stability and the ability to construct ziplines, bridges, and roads, add depth to the gameplay. Monorails are also introduced at strategic points. Overall, the assortment of transport methods available provided a welcome variation, and new fast-travel opportunities proved beneficial in some challenging scenarios.
The weather acts as the primary challenge during deliveries in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Violent windstorms can sap stamina and obscure visibility, while river currents become treacherous, presenting navigation challenges. Maintaining bridge infrastructure is crucial, especially when transporting fragile cargo. Earthquakes can also pose a threat by destabilizing footing and damaging cargo without warning. While the stunning visuals of these extreme weather conditions frame the chaos beautifully, the gameplay experience can become frustrating amidst such peril.
However, the element of fear associated with combat and BT encounters feels diminished in Death Stranding 2. Although BTs are scattered throughout certain areas and can pose a threat, Sam’s heightened DOOMs level and a diverse arsenal often allow for swift eradication of these entities if encountered. Encounters with brigands, while potentially problematic, are easily managed through less-than-lethal tactics, significantly reducing the risk of Voidouts and subsequent consequences. Engaging in combat lacked the intensity that was once prevalent, especially when navigating through unpredictable environments.
The cooperative elements remain, allowing players to benefit from the assistance of others. By utilizing online garages or nearby vehicles at facilities, I found no need to fabricate my own transportation for much of my journey. Frequent charging stations further supported this collaborative gameplay, significantly enhancing my experience during lengthy deliveries. Given that vehicular travel became my primary method of moving through the environment and engaging enemies, the assortment of jump ramps, roads, and bridges proved invaluable.
While Death Stranding 2: On the Beach enriches gameplay in many respects, the narrative quality and overall challenge feel lacking compared to its predecessor. Deliveries themselves are enjoyable and varied, offering engaging exploration opportunities. Nevertheless, the diminished stakes and altered character arcs cast a shadow over the experience. I appreciated accompanying Sam on his stunning journey, yet the sequel frequently veered into predictability.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach commenced early access on the PS5 on June 24, 2025, with the full release date set for June 26, 2025. A limited-edition DualSense controller is also available for fans.
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