Death Stranding was actually a big game for Ninja Refinery. It saw our Twitch streams pick up followers and took us over into affiliate status! A game riddled with that signature Kojima weirdness and I’m still not 100% certain what happened by the end of it.
What I do know, is that I ultimately loved it, and knowing Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is just around the corner. It’s present in my mind, and I’ve been catching-up on all the information there is about it, out there.
Gearing up for its June 26, 2025 release on PlayStation 5, promising a bolder, more action-packed journey through a fractured world. Here’s what we know.
A New Chapter for Sam Porter Bridges
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach picks up 11 months after the events of the first game.
Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus), having seemingly abandoned his role with the United Cities of America and taken his former Bridge Baby, Lou, with him, is drawn back into the fray.
This time, his mission, spurred by the enigmatic Fragile (Léa Seydoux), is to reconnect other parts of the world, specifically Mexico and Australia, which are hinted to be expansive, open-world environments.
The narrative is designed to be more accessible. With a newly implemented “Corpus” system – an interactive encyclopedia similar to Final Fantasy XVI’s Active Time Lore – to help players keep track of the intricate lore and story beats.
Dynamic weather events like bushfires, lightning storms, and avalanches will add new layers of environmental challenge to Sam’s deliveries.
Enhanced Gameplay: More Combat, More Freedom
While the core “porter” gameplay of delivering cargo and traversing treacherous terrain remains. Death Stranding 2 significantly ups the ante on combat and player choice.
The game is said to be more action-oriented, with comparisons being drawn to Kojima’s Metal Gear series.
Players will have a wider arsenal of weapons. Electrified poles and holographic grenades, or engage in direct combat, utilize stealth to simply avoid enemies altogether. You choose.
New enemy types, such as the sight-based “watcher” BTs and lethal “Armed Survivalists,” will challenge players.
Vehicles, including the motorcycle-like Tri-Cruiser, are introduced much earlier in the game, allowing for faster traversal.
The ability to build intricate monorail systems for large-scale material transport further deepens the strategic layer for industrious players.
A dynamic day-night cycle also affects enemy behaviour, adding another tactical element.
The game also features a new progression system with a skill tree. Divided into combat, stealth, and “serviceship” (delivery skills) categories, allowing players to tailor Sam’s abilities to their preferred playstyle.
Unexpected Playtest Feedback: Too Positive for Kojima?
Perhaps the most intriguing revelation comes from the recent playtests. Hideo Kojima himself has expressed a surprising concern: the game is testing too well. While Sony is reportedly pleased with the overwhelmingly positive feedback, Kojima admits he wished for a more “controversial” reception. Like the polarizing nature of the first Death Stranding.
He stated that the original game saw about four out of ten players loving it, while six found it terrible – a balance he considered good. For Death Stranding 2, however, play-testers are largely positive. This hints at a more refined and perhaps more broadly appealing experience. With some early previews suggesting a more consistent and entertaining journey.
A Star-Studded Cast Returns and Expands
The iconic cast from the first game reprises their roles, including Norman Reedus as Sam Porter Bridges, Léa Seydoux as Fragile, and Troy Baker as the enigmatic Higgs Monaghan, who returns with a wild new look.
New additions to the cast include Elle Fanning as Tomorrow, Shioli Kutsuna as Rainy, and in a surprising move, director George Miller (Mad Max) and Fatih Akin as Tarman and Dollman, respectively.
The game also features new characters like Neil, played by Luca Marinelli. He notably bears a striking resemblance to Solid Snake when donning a bandana.
Release Details
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to release exclusively on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025.
Pre-orders are currently available, with special editions offering early access and in-game bonuses.
A limited-edition PS5 DualSense controller, featuring the game’s aesthetic, is also available for pre-order.
With its expanded scope, enhanced gameplay, and Kojima’s signature blend of storytelling, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is poised to be one of 2025’s most significant releases, regardless of whether it’s “controversial” enough for its creator.
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