With Death Stranding 2 on the way and a new story recap trailer just released, we finally have a clearer picture of where the sequel picks up. It is not set immediately after the first game. Quite the opposite.
So, let us go over everything we now know about the timeline, how much time has passed, and how Sam’s world has changed.
11 Months After the UCA Was Formed
The official story recap confirms that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach begins after the formation of the United Cities of America, which only happened at the very end of DS1. That means Sam’s journey west and the reconnection of the chiral network are already behind us.
Now, although this is not a direct continuation, it is still a pretty short gap. The world has had less than a year to grow, change, and respond to the events of the first game.
Sam’s Appearance Reflects the Strain
In trailers and the recap, Sam looks significantly older: grey hair, deeper lines, and a slower, heavier walk. Deadman even comments on how much he has changed.
But based on the timeline, this is not because 5 or 10 years have passed. The official gap is under a year. This means that Sam’s physical change seems to be a reflection of emotional exhaustion, trauma, and the effects of being a repatriate, rather than normal aging.
What Has Happened Since the First Game?
The recap trailer gives a quick overview of what took place after DS1:
- The UCA was successfully reconnected, but the process came at a cost
- Amelie’s true identity was revealed, and she nearly triggered the sixth extinction
- Sam disconnected from the UCA, choosing to live off the grid after bonding with Lou
- Fragile is still around, but her role seems very different now
- BB-28 (Lou) is likely central to the sequel’s events, based on DS2’s earlier teasers
This all lines up with a short time skip; one that lets the sequel pick up where the world left off, without losing momentum.
If you want a full refresher on Sam’s journey, Amelie’s role, and everything that went down with the UCA, Higgs, and Lou, you can watch the official recap video here:
Why the Timeline Matters
Even if it is only 11 months later, the change in tone and stakes is quite noticeable. Let us go over why that matters:
- It helps set the tone – this is not just a straight continuation, it feels like the next chapter
- Gives some context for Sam’s appearance and where his head is at now
- Shows that the UCA is up and running, but already dealing with new problems
- Makes you wonder what role Lou might play now, especially with how much things have changed since DS1
So, how much time has passed?
Death Stranding 2 begins 11 months after the UCA was established, which places it shortly after the end of the first game. The world is a bit more stable, but the pressure is clearly growing, and Sam is pulled back in for reasons that go far beyond deliveries.
For more updates on Death Stranding 2 and other upcoming games, check out our main gaming news hub.
