Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is officially in development, confirmed at the 2022 Game Awards by the legendary Hideo Kojima himself. As expected from the creator of Metal Gear and Death Stranding, the sequel promises to be just as enigmatic and thought-provoking as its predecessors. This article compiles everything we know so far about Death Stranding 2, from release windows and platforms to trailers and gameplay glimpses.
Hooded figures traversing a desert landscape.Image used with permission by copyright holder
Release Date and Development Progress
Currently, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has a broad release window of 2025. An update from Kojima during Tokyo Game Show 2024 indicated the game was approximately 30-40% complete, but he reaffirmed his commitment to the 2025 target.
Platforms
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The PlayStation 5 is the only confirmed platform for Death Stranding 2 at this time. This aligns with the initial PlayStation console exclusivity of the original Death Stranding, which later saw a PC port in 2020, even joining PC Game Pass. A similar trajectory for the sequel is plausible, with potential PC and PC Game Pass releases down the line. However, Sony owns the IP, so a release on competing consoles seems unlikely.
Trailer Analysis and Story Hints
Several trailers have offered tantalizing glimpses into the world of Death Stranding 2, though many details remain shrouded in mystery.
Sam Bridges, visibly older, in Death Stranding 2.Kojima Productions
The initial reveal trailer from The Game Awards 2022 showcased Fragile and a baby, potentially Lou, in a room displaying projections of the outside world. Fragile’s seemingly younger appearance suggests a possible flashback. The scene depicts an escape attempt, culminating in a crash and Fragile’s apparent unconsciousness, leaving the baby’s fate uncertain.
The trailer then introduces a visibly aged Sam Bridges approaching Fragile. A colossal floating structure bearing the Drawbridge logo emerges from the oil, prompting Fragile to invite Sam on a mission. The trailer concludes with a masked figure, later revealed to be Higgs, teasing a dramatic reveal.
The February 2024 State of Play trailer provided further context, revealing Sam’s affiliation with Drawbridge, an organization focused on reconnecting a fragmented world. Higgs’ return, wielding a laser-shooting guitar, confirms his quest for revenge against Sam. Kojima has stated that he rewrote the entire script following the pandemic, adding another layer of intrigue to the narrative.
A lengthy trailer from TGS 2024 showcased new characters and gameplay elements, adding to the game’s distinctive and unpredictable atmosphere. The trailer features musical sequences, Heartman’s peculiar research involving tear collection, and the presence of a black-winged cat, among other intriguing details. Whether these elements are spoilers remains unclear, but their inclusion underscores the game’s characteristically surreal nature.
Gameplay Evolution
The revealed gameplay footage suggests an evolution of the core mechanics from the first game, retaining the emphasis on traversal, cargo management, and environmental navigation across a more diverse range of landscapes. Combat against new robotic enemies has also been showcased, although the specifics of their behavior and combat mechanics remain to be seen.
A noteworthy addition is a sophisticated photo mode, allowing players to capture dynamic poses and interactions between characters, resulting in strikingly realistic polaroid images. Kojima hinted that these photos might influence the game’s narrative, encouraging players to actively document their journey.
Preorder Information
A masked figure wielding a guitar-like weapon.Kojima Productions
Preorder details for Death Stranding 2 are not yet available. This section will be updated as soon as preorder information becomes available.
Conclusion
While many questions surrounding Death Stranding 2 remain unanswered, the available information paints a picture of a game that builds upon the foundation of its predecessor while introducing new mysteries, characters, and gameplay elements. Fans can anticipate a uniquely Kojima experience, blending philosophical themes, intricate storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics. As we approach the 2025 release window, more information is sure to surface, further illuminating the enigmatic world of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.
