The first Death Stranding was one of the most divisive games of its generation. Some players loved its unusual focus on walking, delivering cargo and connecting people. Others found it slow and confusing. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach keeps the core idea but improves almost every part of it. It is still strange, still slow at times and still unlike anything else, but it is also more fun to play.
We completed the main story and spent extra hours building roads and helping other players.
The story
The game is set after the events of the first game. Sam Porter Bridges is drawn into a new mission that takes him beyond the United States to a version of Australia that has been reshaped by strange phenomena. Along the way, he joins a group aboard a large ship that acts as a mobile base.
The story explores themes of connection, parenthood and what it means to move forward after loss. As expected from Hideo Kojima, it is filled with unusual characters, long cutscenes and surprising moments. The cast delivers strong performances, and some scenes are genuinely moving. However, the story can be confusing and heavy, especially for players who did not play the first game.
Deliveries and traversal
At its heart, Death Stranding 2 is about delivering cargo across difficult terrain. You plan routes, balance your load and deal with weather, rivers, mountains and enemies. The sequel adds more variety to environments and conditions. Weather can change dramatically, and natural events like floods and sandstorms affect your route.
New vehicles and tools make deliveries more flexible. The game also introduces more ways to automate or speed up travel once infrastructure is built, which reduces the frustrations some players had with the first game.
Building infrastructure
Like the first game, you can build structures such as bridges, roads and shelters. These structures appear in other players’ worlds through an asynchronous online system, and they can be used and upgraded by others. Seeing a bridge built by a stranger appear exactly where you need it is still one of the most heart-warming experiences in gaming.
Combat
Combat has been expanded. Sam has more weapons and gadgets, and encounters can be approached with stealth or direct action. Enemy camps offer multiple paths, and fighting supernatural threats is more engaging than before. Combat is still not the main focus, but it is more satisfying and flexible.
Visuals and audio
Death Stranding 2 is one of the best-looking games on PS5. Landscapes are stunning, with detailed terrain, lighting and weather. Character models are incredibly realistic. The soundtrack features licensed songs that play at key moments of a journey, creating powerful atmosphere as you cross beautiful scenery.
Pacing
The game is long and often slow. Cutscenes can be lengthy, and deliveries take time. For players who enjoy slow, meditative games, this is part of the appeal. For others, it can feel tedious.
Weaknesses
The story’s complexity and length may frustrate some players. Despite improvements, the delivery-focused gameplay will not appeal to everyone. If you disliked the core loop of the first game, the sequel may not change your mind.
Tips for new players
- Plan routes using the map before long deliveries
- Balance cargo to avoid falling
- Build roads and shelters in areas you visit often
- Use other players’ structures and give them likes
- Upgrade gear and vehicles to make deliveries easier
Who is it for?
Death Stranding 2 is for players who enjoy unique, artistic games and do not mind slow pacing. Fans of the first game will love it. Players looking for fast action may find it too slow.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to play the first game? It helps a lot. The story builds directly on the first game’s events.
How long is it? The main story takes around 40 to 50 hours, with more for side content.
Is it multiplayer? It has asynchronous online features, but no direct co-op.
The joy of connection
What makes Death Stranding special is how it turns loneliness into connection. You travel alone, but you constantly see signs of other players: ladders, ropes, signs and roads. When you help someone by building a structure, you might later receive likes as thanks. These small interactions make the world feel less empty and give a sense of shared effort that few games achieve.
Photo mode
The game includes a photo mode that lets you capture its stunning scenery. Many players spend time framing shots of sunsets, storms and dramatic landscapes, and the results can look like professional photography.
Accessibility and difficulty
Difficulty options adjust combat and other challenges, letting story-focused players enjoy the journey. Various accessibility settings help players with different needs.
A sequel that listens
Many improvements in Death Stranding 2 address common complaints about the first game. Early hours are less slow, combat is more engaging and travel is smoother once you build infrastructure. The developers clearly listened to feedback while keeping the series’ identity. It remains a challenging, unusual experience, but it is more welcoming than before.
The soundtrack moments
One of the series’ signature moments returns: after a long journey, a song begins as you crest a hill and the landscape opens up. These moments are carefully timed and incredibly powerful. They turn a simple walk into something emotional and memorable, and they are one of the reasons fans love this series so much.
How we would describe it to a friend
If a friend asked us what Death Stranding 2 is like, we would say it is a road trip, a strategy puzzle and a strange science fiction film rolled into one. You spend most of your time planning and travelling, with bursts of action and long, surreal story scenes. It is not for everyone, but those who connect with it often call it one of the most memorable games they have played.
Verdict
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a bold, beautiful and improved sequel. It refines delivery gameplay, expands combat and delivers breathtaking visuals and music. Its story and pacing will still divide players, but for those who connect with its unique vision, it is an unforgettable journey.
