Death Stranding 2: On The Beach – Everything You Need To Know

Developer & Publisher

  • Developer: Kojima Productions
  • Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
  • Director & Writer: Hideo Kojima
  • Engine: Decima Engine
  • Platforms: PlayStation 5 (PS5)
  • Release Date: Expected in 2025

Overview

"Death Stranding 2: On the Beach" is the long-awaited sequel to Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding (2019). The game follows Sam Porter Bridges on the same path in a post-apocalyptic world with supernatural events, mysterious creatures, and the mysterious "Beach." The sequel is to continue the exploration of themes of connection, loneliness, and survival with new gameplay mechanics and characters.

Story & Setting

The story occurs after the events of Death Stranding and follows Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus). The world is still recovering from the catastrophic Death Stranding event, which blurred the boundaries between life and death.

Key Story Insights from the Trailer:

  • Sam is seen accompanying a little girl, possibly an important character in the novel.
  • Fragile (Léa Seydoux) returns as the leader of a new team.
  • A new masked antagonist, resembling Higgs (Troy Baker), suggests the villain’s possible return.
  • The Beach will play an even more important role, perhaps allowing for more extensive inquiry.

Gameplay Features

Hideo Kojima has hinted at new gameplay mechanics as well as building on the original game's traversal and delivery systems. Upcoming features include:

1. Open World Expanded

  • A larger, more complicated world with more environments and places.
  • Possible inclusion of cities and settlements.

2. New Vehicles & Equipment

  • Sophisticated travel gear for negotiating difficult ground.
  • Exoskeletons or mechs were hinted at in the trailer.

3. Enhanced Social Strand System

  • Multiplayer elements where players indirectly assist each other through buildings and deliveries.

4. Improved Combat & Stealth

  • More combat options against human enemies and supernatural beings.

5. Deeper Interaction with the Beach

  • Players have greater control in moving between the world of the living and the Beach.

Cast & Characters

  • Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) – The veteran hero, aged and possibly on his final mission.
  • Fragile (Léa Seydoux) – An old ally turned leader of a powerful group.
  • Higgs (Troy Baker, rumored) – A potential evil comeback in a different guise.
  • Elle Fanning & Shioli Kutsuna – New faces with enigmatic roles.

Development & Technology

  • Utilizes Guerrilla Games' Decima Engine, which delivers breathtaking graphics.
  • Kojima said AI and cloud technology could be used to impact gameplay.
  • Development began following the Director's Cut of Death Stranding in 2021.

Trailer & Teasers

  • The first official trailer was unveiled at The Game Awards 2022, with mysterious imagery and narrative focus.
  • Kojima has teased new philosophical ideas and a new gaming experience, with major innovations promised.

Expected Release Date & Platforms

  • Expected release in 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5.
    • The PC version would be released a year later, similar to the first game.

Final Thoughts

"Death Stranding 2: On the Beach" is shaping up to be another cinematic and contemplative adventure from the mastermind of Hideo Kojima. Deeper gameplay, a more complex world, and a rich narrative have fans eagerly anticipating what this sequel has to offer.