Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Review

Introduction:

Death Stranding never really appealed to me when I first tried the Director’s Cut version on Epic Games. What eventually swayed me to try Death Stranding 2 was a recommendation from one of my gaming friends. That spark of curiosity turned into a leap of faith, and I decided to order it from Amazon to see if the sequel could win me over.

Story and Setting:

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set primarily in post-apocalyptic Australia, eleven months after the events of the first game. Sam and Lou set out across the vast, desolate landscapes to reconnect humanity through the wireless chiral network. Along the way, Sam encounters both familiar faces and new characters, each adding layers to the story and deepening the mysterious world Kojima has created.

Gameplay Basics:

The game begins with a slow burn, easing you in with several missions in Mexico. It’s only when you reach Australia that the sheer scale of the world hits you — vast, daunting, and beautifully crafted.

Missions, whether main story or side content, almost always involve delivering cargo. Carrying heavy loads across treacherous terrain demands patience and careful planning. On one mission, balancing a heavy load over a rain-slick slope forced me to pay attention to every step, showing just how important preparation is. The new equipment and vehicles are invaluable, although the environment constantly presents challenges.

Unpredictable weather, like sudden storms, can turn even a simple delivery into a serious challenge, forcing you to consider routes, gear, and stamina. A small but delightful feature is Sam’s music player — listening to tracks during long hauls made those journeys feel surprisingly peaceful.

That said, the gameplay loop is very straightforward. You’ll quickly understand what to do, but mission structure doesn’t vary much. Deliver, return, repeat — after a while, the repetition becomes noticeable. Combat exists, but it’s serviceable rather than thrilling, so weapons and gadgets need to be chosen wisely.

Modes and Features:

Death Stranding 2 is primarily a single-player game, but you’re never completely alone. Thanks to the online strand system, other porters from around the globe can indirectly help you on your journey. Roads, ladders, and safehouses built by others often appeared just when I needed them, and I can honestly say they made some of the toughest treks far more manageable. That sense of quiet cooperation — strangers helping one another without ever having met — is something truly unique to this series.

You can stick to the main story if you want, but the game also gives you plenty of side missions along the way. These aren’t just filler — completing them often rewards you with handy upgrades and new equipment, which makes the long hauls across the harsh Australian terrain a little smoother. For me, mixing main missions with side deliveries added variety and gave me more reasons to explore the world.

Characters:

One of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’s biggest strengths lies in its characters. Kojima Productions has once again delivered a cast full of emotional depth, mystery, and personality. Every major character brings something meaningful to the story, whether it’s emotional weight, moral conflict, or moments of quiet humour that break up the intensity of Sam’s journey.

Sam and Lou:

Sam’s bond with Lou is portrayed beautifully. Their relationship feels transparent and heartfelt, like a true father-and-daughter connection. Sam constantly shows care and concern for her, and as the story progresses, you really see how much love he carries. Watching their bond grow gave me some of the most touching moments in the game.

Neil Vana:

Neil is a new character introduced in Death Stranding 2, and from the very start, I found him intriguing. Why was he so indignant toward Sam? What was driving his anger? These questions kept me hooked, and I always wanted to learn more about him. Ultimately, I wasn’t disappointed by what was finally revealed — his arc was one of the most engaging in the cast.

Dollman:

Dollman quickly became one of my favourite companions on this journey. At first, I wondered what a paradoxical little doll could actually add to my adventure. To my surprise, he ended up helping me in plenty of positive ways.

Higgs:

Every time Higgs appeared on screen, I was glued to the performance. His phenomenal acting, as well as his singing, left a lasting impression. How can someone so abominable also be so likeable? From the guitar-weapon to the mask and his entire outfit, Higgs is mesmerising. Some characters just have that instant draw, and for me, he’s one of them. As far as villains go, I couldn’t imagine a better choice — he has it all.

Rainy:

Rainy immediately caught my attention. Something is haunting about a character literally blamed for the rain, yet carrying such a fragile, human presence. Seeing her pregnant, navigating a world that fears and misunderstands her powers, made her feel both vulnerable and incredibly strong. What I loved most was how Rainy isn’t just a passive character — her connection to Timefall and the environment gives her moments of real impact, both narratively and emotionally.

One of my favourite scenes is when she, Dollman, and Tomorrow perform a small song together — a quiet, beautiful moment that adds hope and warmth to an otherwise harsh world. She became someone I genuinely wanted to see succeed and survive, which made her presence in the story very memorable for me.

There are also several strong performances from returning favourites and new faces alike. Familiar characters from the first game make welcome appearances, offering a comforting sense of continuity, while the newcomers add fresh perspectives to the expanding world of Death Stranding. The cast as a whole feels carefully chosen — each one leaving a lasting impression and helping to make this world feel truly alive.

Graphics/Presentation:

Visually, Death Stranding 2 is stunning. The landscapes of Australia feel vast, harsh, and almost overwhelming, but they’re also beautiful in their detail. From the way the sunlight hits the cliffs to the storms rolling in across the desert, every environment feels alive. The character models and motion capture are top-tier, capturing subtle facial expressions and body language that make interactions feel believable.

Sound design is another highlight. Every footstep on gravel, every gust of wind, and the constant patter of Timefall build an atmosphere that’s both immersive and unsettling. The soundtrack plays a huge role, too — whether it’s Sam’s music player during long treks or the carefully chosen licensed tracks that kick in at key moments, the audio always adds weight to the journey.

Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly most of the time, though I did notice the occasional frame drop in larger areas. Loading times were minimal, and I didn’t encounter any game-breaking bugs during my playthrough. Overall, Kojima Productions has delivered a polished experience that matches the ambition of the game’s design. 

Pros & Cons:

✅ Memorable and likeable characters

✅ The main story has gripping, personality-filled cutscenes

✅ Great, engrossing music

✅ Realistic scenery and environments

✅ Sam’s emotions are powerfully conveyed

✅ Unique social strand system

✅ Innovative delivery methods (e.g. monorail)

❌ Story can feel outrageous and unexplained at times

❌ A vast map with little to see between deliveries

❌ Too much side content

❌ Combat feels spongy

❌ Too long-winded to earn platinum (for trophy hunters)

❌ Essentially a “delivery simulator”

Verdict:

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is one of those games that won’t appeal to everyone, but for those willing to take the journey, it’s something special. It’s a slow burn that rewards patience, curiosity, and attention to detail. What stood out to me most was the emotional depth — from Sam and Lou’s bond to the new faces like Rainy and Dollman, every connection felt meaningful.

The gameplay can be repetitive at times, and it’s not the kind of game you can rush through. But that’s part of what makes it unique — it asks you to slow down, to plan, to think, and to reflect. The sense of isolation mixed with quiet cooperation through the strand system gives it an atmosphere no other game quite captures.

For me, Death Stranding 2 felt more focused and confident than the first. It builds on everything that made the original memorable while refining the pacing and emotional storytelling. It’s strange, beautiful, and deeply human.

If you enjoyed the first game, this sequel will feel like a natural evolution. If you’re new to the series, it might take time to adjust — but once it clicks, it’s an unforgettable experience.

⭐ Score: 7/10

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