The First Hours of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach are a Delight

Death Stranding 2 on the Beach: Minus Sixty One’s Inspiring Debut

The opening minutes of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, featuring Woodkid’s “Minus Sixty One,” prove even more inspiring than the trailer accompanied by “To the Wilder.” In this sequel, Hideo Kojima fully embraces the idea of a musical game, shifting Sam Porter Bridges’ narrative away from the pessimism of the first installment towards a new perspective.

Six months after the events of the first game, Sam Porter Bridges and Lou enjoy a peaceful family life. However, this tranquility is shattered, compelling Sam back into a mission to mend a fractured world once more. Characters from the first game, such as Die-Hardman, no longer hold their positions within the UCA (United Cities of America), the unified continent players conquered previously. The world has changed drastically, and Sam’s new journey takes him to fresh landscapes filled with new mechanics and deadlier foes. Key new settings include Australia, a hauntingly beautiful place that showcases Sony’s Decima Engine, and Kojima’s fictional apocalyptic universe, which now extends to Mexico. Sam, having saved Lou’s life and developed his radar for the world of the dead, is pulled back into this fight after abandoning his peaceful domestic life.

Death Stranding 2: A Pacifist’s Odyssey in a Post-Apocalyptic Landscape

Death Stranding 1 was, at its core, an anti-Metal Gear experience—a game about learning to walk, about burdens, and much less about facing or killing enemies, which was actively discouraged by the presence of the dead and their beaches. Essentially, it was a pacifist game, and Death Stranding 2 maintains this approach from its initial hours. While Death Stranding 2 embraces its creator’s history with titles like Metal Gear Solid and Snatcher, and the fact that Sam is an apocalypse survivor, it diverges from some of the philosophical pacing and deliberate design choices prominent in the first game. Kojima Productions released Death Stranding 2: On the Beach on June 23, exclusively for PlayStation 5. The game provides a vast continent to traverse, allowing players to haul cargo, chat with preppers, and aid in constructing a giant road system for other players. This engaging experience is estimated to take around 60 hours to complete.

Death Stranding 2: Enhanced Gameplay, Faster Traversal, and Detailed Combat on the Beach

Gameplay in Death Stranding 2 feels significantly improved from its predecessor, cutting down on many of the hassles that made deliveries challenging. With enhanced mechanics, players may find themselves eager to take on more side quests. New additions include motorcycles for faster traversal. While the resting room and its features remain consistent, the combat is more detailed in this installment, though some players might find the large cast of characters overwhelming. The game simplifies overall gameplay and immediately teaches players how to use weapons, though its menus remain bureaucratic. These refinements contribute to Death Stranding 2: On the Beach offering a unique and captivating experience that builds upon its original foundation.

In Case You Missed It

For those who love compelling narratives in gaming, you won’t want to miss “Neil Druckmann Captivated by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Enchantments” (July 7, 2025) by Bruno Pferd. In this piece, we explore how Neil Druckmann, renowned for his narrative genius at Naughty Dog, heaps praise on the RPG “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,” developed by Sandfall Interactive. This game is not just a critical hit but also a standout contender for Game of the Year honors. Don’t miss out on this insightful read about why one of the industry’s leading creatives has been captivated by Clair Obscur’s enchantments (Neil Druckmann Captivated by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Enchantments). For all the creative minds out there who are fans of Death Stranding 2, don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity! Jonathan Dubinski presents a unique contest (published July 7, 2025) where PlayStation Portugal and Eurogamer Portugal are inviting Portuguese gamers to submit their original boss ideas for the game’s “On The Beach” edition. Show off your imagination and contribute to Hideo Kojima’s universe by submitting your entries before July 14th. Winners will see their creations featured across both companies’ platforms. Head over to Death Stranding 2 Contest: Challenge Hideo Kojima’s Universe with Your Creativity to learn more and join in on the fun! For fans eagerly awaiting more from the world of The Last of Us, Marcus Thompson’s latest piece, “The Last of Us Season 3 is the Series Fans Deserve,” offers an insightful look into the future direction of the HBO series. Published on July 4, 2025, this article explores Craig Mazin’s ambitious plans for the upcoming season and his dedication to maintaining fan expectations in the absence of Neil Druckmann’s direct involvement. Dive deeper into what lies ahead by checking out The Last of Us Season 3 is the Series Fans Deserve.