The next mind-expanding chapter in Hideo Kojima’s post-apocalyptic series is almost upon us, and whilst the barebones of the experience – transporting goods from point A to point B and re-establishing lost connections to ensure humanity’s survival – remain largely the same, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach comes with a boatload of innovation. Mechanically, narratively, conceptually, Death Stranding 2 looks set to be a highpoint in Kojima’s already legendary career. Here’s a rundown of fifteen things we can’t wait to do once we’ve stepped into Sam Porter Bridge’s shoes once again.
Note: All information in this article is through official sources.
Experience faster paced story
Death Stranding doled out exposition at glacial pace, a rate too pedestrian for many players who struggled traipsing through the perceived ‘walking sim’s’ middling first few hours. In fairness to Kojima and co., these hours were spent acclimatising players to highly conceptual ideas and unfathomable world-building. For Death Stranding 2, the scene is already set; this sequel unloads narrative and gameplay elements – including access to useful tools, equipment, structures, and vehicles – at a furious rate in comparison to its predecessor.
Absorb visual splendour
There’s no denying Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is good looking. Maximising the PlayStation 5’s graphical potential via Horizon developer Guerilla Games’ Decima engine, the vibrant depictions of Mexico and Australia in this sequel are a world away from the Icelandic bleakness of Death Stranding. Whether Sam’s trekking through dust-strewn desert, lush jungle, or rocky Alpine-esque valley, nature’s visage in Death Stranding 2 is exceptional. An aerial cam provides a birds-eye view of Death Stranding 2’s vastness and beauty too.
Adapt to nature
Earthquakes, landslides, flash-floods, bushfires; Death Stranding 2’s gorgeous scenery also harbours environmental threat and hazard, the likes of which players must react to and adapt through careful preparation and loadout management. For instance, obviously, ground tremors will unsettle Sam’s balance affecting the stability of his cargo, thus it’d be prudent to consider the weight and distribution of his load before embarking on a trek through Earthquake-prone terrain. Canyons carved by rivers following heavy rain or dry forests after long spells of sunshine may best be avoided, although Sam’s equipment, such as the fire extinguishing tar cannon, will prove useful in surviving whatever nature throws at him.
Impact Sam’s stats via playstyle
An upgrade over Death Stranding’s Porter Grade, in Death Stranding 2 Sam’s proficiency is upgraded by simply doing more of a certain task in a specific way. For example, hiking the less trodden path, often over rough ground, will improve Sam’s capability in establishing a stable foothold. Repeatedly opting for a sneakier approach to hostile encounters sees Sam’s capability for stealth improve at a rate faster than, say, his hand-to-hand combat given he’s choosing to fight from the shadows. These systems aren’t entirely novel, but it’s cool each player’s version of Sam will be unique depending on the choices they’ve made.
Customise Sam via APAS Enhancements
A new system designed to both improve Sam’s capabilities whilst fostering layers of rewarding customisation is being introduced in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The Automated Porter Assistant System, or APAS Enhancements, is represented via a newly designed skill tree which focuses on four traits: combat, stealth, porter, and serviceship. Unlocking new skills via APAS Enhancements requires spending points from memories accumulated during gameplay. Completing missions broadens the memory pool, but be advised the number of memories Sam can acquire isn’t infinite.
Switch between builds via APAS Enhancements
Want to improve Sam’s firearm aiming? Improve his adeptness at moving silently? Quicken up his battery’s recharge? Conjure an alert which warns of attack? There’re skills for these and more, each upgradeable via Death Stranding 2’s APAS Enhancements. Whilst memories are limited, forcing players to choose which skills they want to upgrade, they aren’t permanent. APAS Enhancements can be deactivated and refunded without penalty, opening up the possibility of refining Sam’s build for specific missions and situations.
Enjoy overhauled combat
Gunplay in Death Stranding was oftentimes a tedious affair, frequently annoying, and arguably unnecessary. However, for Death Stranding 2 combat receives a welcome Metal Gear Solid style upgrade, with newfound freedom in how to tackle various situations underpinned by improved gun feel that packs power and punch. Whilst stealth is always a viable option, Kojima-and-team states that avoiding gunplay risks missing out on some of the sequel’s most dynamic and engaging moments.
Get to grips with new weapons
Alongside a range of assault machine guns, shotguns, and sniper rifles, Sam’s arsenal in Death Stranding 2 also includes a melange of imaginative new weapons including a BT bruising blood boomerang. The MULE’s electric pole is now usable by Sam as a melee weapon or lobbed like an incapacitating javelin. Disabling enemies, rather than straight-up killing, appears more in-focus for this sequel too, such are the rifles that’re loadable with tranquilising rounds. Coolest of the new weapons though is the ‘Battle’ guitar which, as officially confirmed through ESRB rating, can be wielded by Sam as the game’s most imaginative melee weapon.
Utilise fresh stealth options
Strategically making noise with pinpoint precision to attract unwitting enemies before silently taking down in Death Stranding 2 recalls the best of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’s stealth sensibilities. Boosting the act of sneaking further is a revamped suite of stealth-suited weaponry including new Stealth Holograms which, when thrown, evoke the spirit of Snake’s cardboard box by projecting forms of cover in which Sam can hide inside, so long as his enemies didn’t see him chuck the throwable in the first place. Decoy grenades are another new Metal Gear style projectile, casting holograms of varying design based on certain situations, from wild animals to BTs, and visions of Sam himself.
Battle new enemies
Battling BTs in Death Stranding falls within our aforesaid statement that gunplay in this sequel’s predecessor often fell flat. Avoiding BTs, thus saving yourself from irritation, seldom wasn’t the optimum strategy. However, for Death Stranding 2 a new form of BT is being introduced. Dubbed the ‘Watcher’, this evolved spectral threat can detect Sam through sight before launching its attacks, and should form a more engaging form of fight. A new troupe of human antagonists such as the highly trained, overwhelmingly powered ‘Armed Survivalists’ are just one of numerous groups aiming to scupper Sam’s attempts at establishing Chiral Networks across new continents.
Fight boss battles
More excitement in the sequel’s overhauled combat comes in the form of colossal boss fights. Awestriking spectacles these boss battles promise, Titanic foes which attack with ferocity, although it has been said the challenge in said battles won’t veer too far into overt challenge. They’ll be difficult, sure, but manageable. As dynamic, stimulating, well-designed, and just plain fun these boss battles may be the option to skip is available. Opting out of retrying a boss battle yields a visual novel style presentation instead, so no story beats will be missed.
Ride a monorail (amongst other new modes of transport)
You don’t need to have studied the minutiae of Death Stranding 2’s 10-minute trailer to spot its hulking yellow monorail – a new mode of transporting goods, resources, vehicles, and Sam himself across vast distances. Much like the bridges, roads, and throughways of Death Stranding, players can construct and restore sections of monorail for each other. The Pickup Off-Roader is another new vehicle; slower than the Tri-Cruiser but with larger storage capacity and Timefall protection, this workhorse will prove especially useful when the successful delivery of important cargo is non-negotiable.
Get to know Dollman (amongst other new characters)
Death Stranding 2’s new organisation Drawbridge provides a new team of allies for Sam – over-literally named Rainy and Tarman, childlike Tomorrow, and the mannequin Charlie. The most eye-catching of Sam’s new accomplices however is Dollman, a sentient, stop-motion animated doll whom Sam carries Mimir-like throughout his missions. A clairvoyant human soul somehow imbued into a doll, chatting with Dollman is said to lead to revealing story elements, world building, and amusing anecdotes.
Utilise Corpus
Death Stranding has its fair share of hard-to-remember iconography: Timefall, DOOMs, beaches, BTs, void outs, and so on. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will continue its predecessor’s unconventional lore and terminology, so it’s with relief this sequel comes packed with the comprehensive, encyclopedic Corpus; a helpful glossary which summarises each character, story arc, and event, providing vital context which should aid in understanding the series’ most nebulous themes.
Magellan Man mech battling
The biggest question mark, perhaps, once you’ve watched Death Stranding 2’s 10-minute teaser is just what is going on with the giant headless BTs that’re emerging from dark shorelines, and to what extent does mounting the tar portal traversing DHV Megellan on its head have on gameplay? Well, the answer potentially is going to be one of the game’s standout moments. In a nod to Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim, it appears the headless BT-come-DHV Megallan concoction, dubbed Megellan Man, with incompass gargantuan mech battling. This scene, as we see Heartman piloting the Megellan Man from an afar control room, demonstrates this sequel’s newfound action-heavy direction and is sure to be a highpoint in a game set to be full of memorable moments.
