Death Stranding 2: On the Beach review: gripping sequel weighs the cost of connection

Death Stranding 2: A Deep Dive into the Gritty Sequel

When Hideo Kojima released Death Stranding in 2019, it was almost prophetic in its portrayal of a politically divided and isolated United States, ravaged by a plague. The game called for human connection, pushing players to come together during dark times. Fast forward a year, and the world was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced global isolation, making Death Stranding seem eerily prescient. The game became a kind of cultural artifact, offering a hopeful message about the importance of human connection when it was needed most.

But in the wake of the pandemic, things have changed. The rise of digital communication, which was meant to unite us, has taken a dark turn. Social media platforms have become hotbeds of misinformation and radicalization, while generative AI has made it easier than ever to deceive people. What once seemed like a hopeful vision of connectivity now feels more like a double-edged sword. It’s in this context that Death Stranding 2: On The Beach arrives—forced to reassess the optimistic message of its predecessor. Does connection still hold the same value in a world so full of chaos, or should we retreat back into isolation?

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The Game’s Evolution: Same Mechanics, New Attitude

In Death Stranding 2, the gameplay remains largely unchanged from the first game. It’s still an open-world adventure about Sam Porter Bridges (played by Norman Reedus) who is tasked with reuniting a fractured world one delivery at a time. The core mechanics—carrying cargo, building infrastructure, and navigating treacherous landscapes—are back, and they still feel as satisfying as ever.

But this time, the game’s attitude has shifted. Death Stranding 2 explores the costs of connection. Sam is no longer the lone hero, eager to unite people for the greater good. He’s become a man of caution, deeply skeptical of the motives behind the Chiral Network, which he once so fervently worked to build. The sequel wrestles with the idea of whether we’re better off connected or if the risks of doing so outweigh the benefits. Should we continue to trust in the idea of unity, or is the safe haven of isolation the answer? These are the kinds of questions that shape the game’s introspective journey.

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Back to the Beach: What’s Happened Since the First Game?

For those who need a refresher, Death Stranding 2 picks up with Sam in a much different place. After helping connect the United Cities of America to the Chiral Network, Sam has gone off the grid to Mexico, hiding out to protect his surrogate child, Lou (the baby in the tank). The world still suffers from the Timefall plague, which causes people to turn into Beached Things (ghost-like entities). Despite the plague’s continued spread, Sam has found safety in isolation, becoming the very prepper he once convinced to join the UCA.

But things aren’t as simple as they seem. Sam is pulled back into the action when his old associate Fragile (played by Léa Seydoux) discovers his whereabouts and enlists his help to connect Mexico to the Chiral Network. From there, Sam is thrust into another journey, this time traveling to Australia on a vessel with Fragile’s crew, all while trying to uncover the truth behind Lou’s origins. The story is deep and engaging, with elements of sci-fi, action, and philosophical reflection all blending together in an unpredictable narrative.

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The Absurd Meets the Grounded: Death Stranding’s Signature Style

One of the things that makes Death Stranding 2 stand out is how it effortlessly blends absurdity with serious societal reflection. In my demo, I encountered bizarre moments like a bad guy with a guitar gun and a character named Tarman, whose hand is off exploring the world (literally, it’s traveling through tar currents). These weird moments add the quirky charm we’ve come to expect from Kojima’s games, yet they never overshadow the deeper, more emotional moments.

What really makes the game shine are the tender, grounded moments. Sam’s interactions with his crewmates aboard the DHV Magellan ship are some of the most compelling parts of the story. Characters like Rainy (played by Shioli Kutsuna) and Tomorrow (played by Elle Fanning) help Sam discover that human connection can bring out the best in us, even in a fractured world. It’s this theme of finding something worth protecting that pushes Sam to come out of hiding, despite the risks.

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Uncomfortable Themes and Bold Choices

Not everything in Death Stranding 2 lands perfectly, though. One of the more uncomfortable themes is the game’s focus on declining birth rates caused by the plague. A significant portion of the story revolves around women dealing with pregnancy crises, which some may find off-putting or overly natalist. It’s unclear whether Kojima intends to make a broader point here or if he’s simply using motherhood as a sci-fi worldbuilding tool. Regardless, it’s a narrative thread that may leave some players questioning its relevance to the larger story.

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Gameplay: Familiar But Refined

In terms of gameplay, Death Stranding 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does refine the mechanics from the first game. The core experience of cargo delivery, balance management, and navigation is still front and center, but with a few key improvements. Driving is now much more viable, with clearer paths for vehicles like the tribike, making the traversal aspect feel more fluid and less frustrating. I spent a lot of my demo cruising around in an offroader, complete with a sticky arm that automatically grabbed packages as I drove by—a clever way to turn the game into a chill trucking simulator.

However, the real standout improvement is the third-person shooting. Combat was a weak point in the first game, but the sequel takes it to the next level, offering responsive shooting mechanics, more weapons, and a greater variety of enemies. It feels like a more polished version of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain—which is no surprise, given Kojima’s background.

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The Social System: Still Connecting Players

Like the first game, Death Stranding 2 continues to focus on its unique social system. Players can still build structures and leave resources for other players, allowing you to connect with the community through shared efforts. These community-driven projects make the world feel more alive and cooperative. You can drop resources into community hubs, build roads, and help other players by entrusting them with lost cargo. It’s a system that truly highlights how much easier life is when we all work together—no matter the risks.

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Conclusion: A Thoughtful Sequel with Room for Debate

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is a game that leans into its weirdness while also providing a thought-provoking reflection on connection, isolation, and the consequences of societal choices. It may not be as revolutionary as its predecessor, but it builds on the original’s themes in a way that feels relevant and necessary in today’s world. Kojima’s blend of philosophical musings and absurd storytelling continues to make for a unique and engaging experience, even if not all of its themes hit the mark.

While the story may have some controversial elements and the gameplay remains largely unchanged, Death Stranding 2 offers a compelling journey that explores human connection in a fractured world. It’s a game worth playing and discussing, and I look forward to hearing what others think as more people get their hands on it.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Death Stranding 2 about?

• Death Stranding 2: On The Beach follows Sam Porter Bridges as he’s pulled back into action to connect Mexico to the Chiral Network. The story explores themes of connection, isolation, and the risks and benefits of mass collaboration in a post-apocalyptic world.

Q2: How does Death Stranding 2 compare to the first game?

• While the gameplay remains largely similar, with cargo delivery and balance management, the story takes on a more reflective tone, grappling with the consequences of societal connection and the emotional stakes of building relationships.

Q3: Does Death Stranding 2 have new gameplay mechanics?

• Yes! The sequel introduces driving mechanics that make traversal easier and a reworked third-person shooting system, making combat feel much more polished and responsive.

Q4: What are some of the themes in Death Stranding 2?

• The game explores the costs of connection in a fractured world, pregnancy crises caused by the plague, and the ethical implications of mass collaboration versus isolation.

Q5: When does Death Stranding 2 release?

• Death Stranding 2 launches on July 18, available for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

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Final Thoughts

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is a thought-provoking sequel that reflects on the complexities of connection, collaboration, and the world we’ve found ourselves in. While it doesn’t revolutionize the formula, it continues to challenge players to consider the bigger picture and the consequences of the choices we make. Whether you’re a fan of the first game or new to the series, this sequel is sure to spark interesting conversations about the future of social connectivity and our place in it.