Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Review – Kojima’s Emotional Odyssey Evolves with Combat, Customization, and Community

When Hideo Kojima first delivered Death Stranding in 2019, it polarized players with its courier-core gameplay and cryptic narrative. Now, with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, released on June 26, 2025, Kojima doubles down on the series’ soul but expands the scale dramatically. Featuring a drought-stricken Australia, a war-torn Mexico, and more emotionally raw performances from Norman Reedus and Léa Seydoux, this sequel leans into pandemic-era themes of isolation and healing, while enhancing the gameplay loop with sharper combat and deeper customization.

🎮 Death Stranding 2 Gameplay Review: From Tedious Trekking to Tactical Thrills

At its core, the gameplay still revolves around carrying cargo across hostile terrain. But now it’s turbocharged: vehicles, exosuits, and mechs expand traversal; combat finally feels substantial; and the new APAS (Advanced Player Attribute System) makes every playstyle viable. You gain APAS points by completing missions and leveling your “Porter Grade,” which unlocks skills across stealth, combat, and traversal.

This turns what was once a niche walking sim into something far more dynamic. One mission might have you building bridges and zip lines with minimal resistance; the next, you’re sneaking past BTs in a ghost-infested swamp or gunning through a Drawbridge outpost.

Standout gameplay features:

• Combat Overhaul: More satisfying gunplay, better melee, and strategic depth.
• APAS Customization: Build your Sam as a stealth ghost, combat beast, or delivery god.
• Environmental Challenges: Weather systems, timefall zones, and hostile territories evolve as the game progresses.

The tension between preparation and improvisation makes each delivery feel like a mini-campaign.

🎨 Death Stranding 2 Graphics and Sound Design: A Cinematic, Sonic Triumph

Built on Guerrilla’s Decima engine, On the Beach is visually stunning. The arid, cracked Australian outback contrasts beautifully with high-tech Drawbridge settlements and ruined cities. Lighting and terrain deformity are especially impressive, lending every trek a real sense of physicality.

But it’s the sound design that elevates the game to art. Ludvig Forssell returns with emotional orchestral tracks, while Woodkid’s procedural music changes dynamically based on player movement and environment. Whether you’re cresting a hill or escaping a BT storm, the soundtrack hits at just the right moment.

And yes, this soundtrack is going live: the Strands of Harmony concert tour kicks off in Sydney on November 8, with special guests like Jenny Plant and Ludvig Forssell performing the game’s most iconic tracks.

⚙️ Death Stranding 2 Performance and Technical Analysis

Running on PlayStation 5, Death Stranding 2 maintains a consistent 60 FPS even during large-scale action sequences. Load times are brief thanks to the SSD architecture. There are minor bugs—floating cargo, occasional clipping—but nothing game-breaking.

Kojima Productions has already acknowledged some issues and a performance patch is reportedly in the works. Overall, the game feels technically polished out of the gate.

📖 Death Stranding 2 Story and Characters: Personal, Poetic, and Occasionally Pretentious

Narratively, On the Beach continues where the original left off, focusing on Sam, Fragile, Lou, and the aftermath of the original Chiral Network. But where Death Stranding was about connection, this sequel is about reconnection—repairing bonds broken by grief, trauma, and fear.

Key narrative strengths:

• Emotional Core: Sam’s grief over Lou and his fractured psyche are powerfully depicted.
• Themes of Recovery: The game addresses pandemic trauma, climate anxiety, and the healing power of community.
• Star Power: New cast members like Elle Fanning and George Miller deliver strong performances, even if some Kojima dialogue remains impenetrable.

It’s not for everyone—the metaphysical rambling and visual symbolism can feel overwrought—but for those willing to dig deep, there’s emotional gold here.

✅ Final Verdict: Should You Play Death Stranding 2?

Pros:

• Enhanced combat and traversal mechanics
• Deep APAS skill customization
• Gorgeous environments and dynamic music
• Emotional story with pandemic-era resonance

Cons:

• Pacing issues persist
• Occasional technical bugs
• Story may alienate newcomers or impatient players

Score: 8.8/10

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a rare sequel that enriches its predecessor’s DNA without compromising its artistic vision. It won’t convert those who bounced off the original, but for fans of systems-heavy, slow-burn storytelling, it’s a must-play journey.