Even though Death Stranding was widely praised by gamers worldwide, Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid series is still appreciated.
However, Death Stranding is still groundbreaking in gameplay, according to fans since it’s built on new age tech.
After the success of the first part, Hideo Kojima came up with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.
Death Stranding 2, popularly known as DS2 by the gamer’s community is a PlayStation 5 exclusive sequel of Death Stranding.
Death Stranding introduced gamers to a post-apocalyptic world with the United States as the game’s location setting. It introduced fans to the game’s lore and terminology like Chiralium, BTs (Beached Things), UCA, and more.
Gamers played Sam Porter Bridges, a freelance porter who took the mission of reconnecting destroyed United Cities of America (UCA).
The mission was offered to Sam by the company Bridges who wanted to spread chirality in UCA and connect people.
Sam connected those cities through a chiral network, in a lonely, isolated journey, experiencing grief, hope and despair.
The game was built on Humanity’s Connection Vs Disconnection theme that mixed Sci-Fi and political subtext to add flavor.
DS1 is referred to as ‘Walking simulator’ by fans since the main part of the game is cargo management and traversal mechanics.
Death Stranding 2 by Kojima Productions has an apocalyptic Mexico and Australia as its location setting. In DS2, the character Sam will connect with others and work for Drawbridges.
This PS5 exclusive sequel builds on Hideo Kojima’s environmental storytelling style and has a core question, “Should we have connected?”
Moreover, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach also explores the themes of Homo Ludens which means ‘man the player’.
What is Death Stranding 2?
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach or DS2 is a sequel survival game designed, directed and produced by Hideo Kojima.
This action-adventure game is a sequel to Death Stranding, released by Kojima Productions.
The release date of the game was 26th June 2025.
The story details of DS2 are more refined and nuanced than the Death Stranding and picks up from where it left.
After the 11 months leap, UCA are reconnected, and human porters are out of business due to APAS automated delivery system.
Protagonist Sam Porter Bridges enjoys a secluded life with his adopted daughter, Lou, after leaving porter work. His adopted daughter is a Bridge baby (BB).
However, in DS2 he is appointed by Fragile (Léa Seydoux) who has formed Drawbridge.
Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) is tasked to spread the wireless chiral network in Australia’s post-apocalyptic regions.
But the journey this time is crazier with danger looming like BTs, Timefall, and ghost mechs, the supernatural robots.
Moreover, Higgs (Troy Baker) is reborn to lead the ghost mechs and scare Australian survivors.
According to Kojima’s Homo Luden philosophy, DS2 is not just a game but a chance for pondering over human connections.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach came back with main characters Sam, Fragile and Higgs played by Norman, Léa and Troy respectively.
The extended cast of DS2 includes Elle Fanning and Shioli Kutsuna playing mysterious new characters.
Moreover, George Miller and Fatih Akin appeared in the game as guest appearances.
The gameplay revealed in the official trailer included new threats, high-level combat scenes and new equipment for this season.
The iconic villain of the game, Higgs, is back in a clown look, with more power. The new trailer has shown him with an electric guitar that amplifies his evilness.
Lurking humanoid danger with puppets led by Higgs makes it difficult for Sam Porter Bridges to accomplish his mission.
This PS5 exclusive version is action-oriented and deals with environmental storytelling themes of human emotion.
The main character Sam will be seen battling with emotions like anxiety and isolation after Lou’s death.
Moreover, the main premise of this sequel Japanese game questions the consequences of bridging and building human connections.
Is Death Stranding 2 better than the first one?
The moment DS2 came out fans were debating over the quality of the sequel and the predecessor. However, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a richer and more refined version of DS known as ‘walking simulator’.
What are the key improvements?
Here’s what changed in gameplay with DS2:
Expanding Chiralium
The most exciting feature of Death Stranding 2 is that they have new location settings like Australia and Mexico. Sam is tasked with expanding the chiral network in the fractured regions of apocalyptic Australia.
With this feature, audiences were provided a visually pleasing experience with varied landscapes and the game’s environmental storytelling.
Fast travel with DHV Magellan
Thanks to Drawbridge, DS2 introduced a modern mobile base for players, the DHV Magellan.
This ship is used by players for fast travel, managing inventory, interacting, and resting.
It also ditched the beach jumping method used by Fragile because of her DOOMS ability.
Since the method was risky and attracted Beached Things while doing the teleportation, known as beach jumping.
Refined Gameplay
The gameplay revealed through trailers hinted at enhanced combat mechanics including strand combat.
The strand combat Sam used to do with ropes is more flexible than Death Stranding. He can dodge, counterattack or block the attacks by the enemies seamlessly.
Moreover, the traversal mechanics and cargo management of the survival game are refined, giving a seamless user experience.
The game also came up with better stealth systems this time.
Dialogues and Teamplay
Players build connections and bridges together with cooperation through the Social Strand system.
Moreover, unlike Death Stranding you won’t be playing solo and get dual missions with allies during several points.
This means that you get the chance to exchange dialogues with real players while playing.
Music Player
Players will have a portable music player in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. You can listen to the game’s available and unlocked soundtracks when you’re not in a combat situation.
Automated Porter Assistant system
Players can now use APAS, a skill tree system used to customize the playstyle according to the individual players.
Dynamic world
The game world is built with more dynamic functions in DS2. It comes with better day and night functionalities.
The users can leverage the dark mode at night for sneaky activities and to avoid MULEs.
Moreover, the refinement of visuals means more disastrous situations for the players like Timefall, avalanches, earthquakes and more.
Pee-and-pee upgrades
Adds to the humor in the game and upgrades how bodily functions can become weapons against BTs or Extinction Entities.
Progressive storyline
Death Stranding 2 built up on the storyline with much more nuance. Covering psychological themes as the protagonist Sam goes through a constant inner turmoil regarding the cost of bridging connections.
The premise of the game is built on the question, “Should we be connected?”
Highlighting Sam’s anxiety and isolation after losing Loe in between the mission.
Moreover, he went to expeditions while dealing with Chiral Creatures in the Mexican and Australian regions.
DS2 is very Kojima style, letting players experience a sense of meditation and human connection throughout while playing.
Beyond the huge changes, the survival game DS2 came with several minor yet refined updates, providing seamless user experience.
According to a gamer review, Death Stranding 2 is one of the best games and Kojima production really outdid themselves.
We can safely say that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach just doesn’t lead in features but the entire gaming experience.
What to store in the Magellan in Death Stranding 2?
The DHV Magellan in Death Stranding 2 is a mobile base given to players by the Drawbridge company.
The Magellan can be used as a home while carrying out expeditions in Australia to spread chiral networks.
Through DHV Magellan, players as Sam can rest, interact with others, and manage the Death Stranding 2 inventory.
You can recycle the items you don’t need in the storage facility of this ship.
Store survival equipment for future expeditions, such as boots, protective gear, ladders, and other stuff.
Store items for the Social Strand system used for building structures like roads, and bridges in the DHV ship.
The Magellan helps with fast travel to carry out large-scale expeditions in destroyed Australian regions.
Moreover, you can also carry vehicles with you in DHV Magellan’s storage facility.
Is Death stranding 2 only for PS5?
Yes, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Moreover, the game was built exclusively for PlayStation 5 with modern technology.
It is available to purchase on PlayStation store for $69.99 or you can get it locally from retailers.
However, if you have a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, you can get a 5-hour game trial of DS2.
There is no official statement by Kojima Productions or Sony regarding its availability for PC or Xbox.
However, its predecessor also made it to Xbox and PC eventually, so fans can hope to play it there as well.
Moreover, if you use a PS4 then forget about playing Death Stranding 2 since it’s probably not coming there. The game is a PS5 exclusive, it has technicalities that cannot be handled by PS4.
What is the Death Stranding 2 collector’s edition?
Death Stranding 2 comes with three editions: the Standard, Digital Deluxe edition and the Collector.
The Standard edition is available to purchase for $70. It includes:
- Battle Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
- Boost Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
- Bokka Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
- Custom Hologram: Quokka
The Digital Deluxe Edition is available for $80 and includes:
- Machine Gun
- Battle Skeleton: Gold (Levels 1, 2, 3)
- Boost Skeleton: Gold (Levels 1, 2, 3)
- Bokka Skeleton: Gold (Levels 1, 2, 3)
- Quokka
- Chiral Cat
Kojima Productions have also released a Death Stranding 2 Collector’s edition for the ultimate fans of the game.
It includes almost everything from other editions plus a Collector’s box with physical merch items.
The Collector’s Edition is around $230 and includes:
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Game download
- In-game collectibles
- Deluxe Edition essentials
- Collector’s Box, that includes:
- A 15-inch Magellan Man statue
- Art cards
- Letter from Hideo Kojima
- A 3-inch Dollman figurine
How long is Death Stranding 2?
According to howlongtobeat, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is more than 34 hours in length.
If you play the game with the main part as well as sides, it will be 60+ hours.
However, if you’re a gamer who plays the game from every angle, you might need 114 hours for absolute completion.
Is Death Stranding 2 worth it?
The survival game by Kojima Productions is worth your money and time, with the upgrades.
DeathStranding 2: On the Beach, dig deeper into the themes of Connection and Humanity.
It allows the player to ponder over elements of human emotion mixing it with Cosmic Horror and Sci-Fi for the thrill.
Moreover, having Sam as the strong protagonist while a reborn Higgs as an evil villain is exciting yet thrilling.
Plus, the lore of the game extended from Guns to Dragons, Guitars and other supernatural entities.
Death Stranding 2 is indeed worth the shot!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When did Death Stranding 2 come out?
Death Stranding 2 On the Beach is a game developed by Japanese developer Hideo Kojima. It was released on 26th June 2025 for PlayStation 5 by Sony Interactive entertainment.
Q. Is Death Stranding 2 coming to Xbox/PC?
There’s no official news regarding the release of Death stranding 2 for Xbox and PC. It was made exclusively for PS5. However, the previous part of Death Stranding was released for Xbox and PC after some time. So, we can hope for the release of Death Stranding2 for PC and Xbox eventually.
Q. What is the beach in Death Stranding 2?
The Beach in the game Death Stranding 2 is the world between the living and the dead. A pure Sci-fi concept. Every character has their own beach, which is connected to near-death experiences and the afterlife.
Q. How to download Death stranding 2?
Death Stranding 2 On the Beach is a PS5 exclusive survival game which was released by Sony Interactive entertainment. The game is available for a 5-hour trial, if you’ve subscribed to PlayStation Plus Premium.
The game is available to purchase through the PlayStation store for $69.99 or can be purchased through a retailer.
Q. What is the other name of Death Stranding?
Death Stranding is also known as Walking Simulator or the delivery simulator by fans of the Japanese game.
Q. What are BTs in Death Stranding?
BTs or Beached Things are invisible entities from the lore of Death Stranding. They originate due to the Death Stranding: apocalyptic events in the game.
