Death Stranding 2: On the Beach officially launches on June 26, and the review embargo has already lifted. Early reviews are calling it a big step up from the original – more accessible, smoother to play, and packed with wild new tools, enemies, and story moments.
Safe to say that there is a lot to be excited about, even if you barely remember what happened in the first game. So, if you are wondering what kind of game you are actually getting into, here is a quick look at the most important things to know before you start.
Combat Is Way Better This Time
The original Death Stranding was not really known for its combat, but DS2 brings serious upgrades. You can now fully lean into ranged or melee weapons, gadgets, stealth tools, and even power armor. New traversal gear like monorails, floating cargo cannons, and deployable teleporters open up more freedom during encounters, too.
Combat and mechanics feel more responsive, more versatile, and less punishing. There is also a full skill tree system (Automated Porter Assistant System (APAS)), so you can spec into whatever playstyle fits you best.
Sam Is Not Alone Anymore
One of the biggest changes is that you will not always be playing solo. There are missions and areas where you team up with allies – yes, real companions with gear and dialogue, not just cargo or BBs. The social strand system also plays a role again, which is encouraging shared progress across player worlds.
This adds more variety and depth to the journey and gives a nice contrast to the isolation themes of the first game.
Higgs Is Back
Higgs (aka Peter Englert) returns, and this time he is bringing a mech suit, a laser-shooting guitar, and possibly an entire cult with him. He was already one of the most dangerous “villains” in the first game, but Kojima says he is “100 times wilder” now. This probably means that we can expect lots of chaos.
Troy Baker is back in full, and it looks like Higgs will play a major role again – maybe even bigger than last time.
If you want a quick refresher on Higgs and his role in the first game, check out our article: Who Is Higgs? Death Stranding’s Wildest Villain Returns in DS2.
Reviews Are Really Positive
Critics are calling DS2 “Kojima at his best”, with improved pacing, refined systems, and a story that lands harder than expected. Visuals are stunning, exploration feels meaningful, and there are more open-ended systems to discover.
It still leans into Kojima’s usual weirdness, but this time, the moment-to-moment gameplay seems to click for more players.
Most known Review websites give the game amazing rating, and on Youtube, most content creators call Death Stranding 2 an “incredible” sequel.
You Can Skip Bosses if You Get Stuck
One of the nicest surprises? If you die multiple times in a boss fight, the game will offer a skip option. This means no more rage-quitting if a late-game enemy gives you trouble. There are also more accessibility settings, smarter tutorials, and a cleaner codex to help you follow the story.
New Locations: Mexico and Australia
The story now spans across Mexico and Australia, giving players deserts, forests, and other wild biomes to navigate. The map is reportedly much larger than the first game, but with better ways to cross it – fast travel tools, cargo cannons, and even monorails help speed things up.
Traversal is also getting a big upgrade in DS2. You are not just walking across rocks anymore.
But it is still Death Stranding – so careful route planning with your scanner still matters, especially when carrying big loads.
Quality of Life and Accessibility Features
Kojima Productions added a bunch of helpful upgrades for returning and new players:
- A skill tree system to upgrade builds
- A more readable codex for lore and gameplay systems
- A boss skip feature if you fail a fight multiple times
These systems are meant to make things smoother without lowering the challenge for those who want it.
Quick Tips to Start Smart
- Scan everything – marker placement and topography knowledge are a huge help.
- Use the Corpus and Social Strand System, especially if you are new – great for story and mechanics.
- Choose your battles – stealth and evasion are still often better than open fights.
- Build early with the skill tree – diversify into combat, stealth, or portering as you go.
- Build and prep for longer runs. Cargo durability, weather, and terrain still matter.
- You do not need to replay DS1, but it helps. There will be recap options.
- Inventory management is still key. Pack light, think ahead.
- Use fast travel when unlocked. Some areas are huge – walk when needed, but zip across zones when you can.
- Rest often and watch your boots. The game tracks wear and tear. Tired Sam = dead Sam.
If you did not finish the first Death Stranding but loved the setting and vibes, this might be a good moment to try again. And if you were already a fan? Get ready for a sequel that is bigger, better, and full of surprises.
Death Stranding 2 looks like it is keeping the heart of what made the original stand out, while improving on the rougher parts. And with Kojima promising more story twists, more emotional punches, and more wild boss fights, it might just be one of 2025’s best releases.
For more previews, guides, and launch coverage, check out our main gaming news hub!
