Ahead of its upcoming release on 26 June 2025, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has received new information shared by Kojima Productions and Sony Interactive Entertainment. Arguably the biggest news? The sequel to Death Stranding will see protagonist Sam Bridges return in a new narrative that takes him from Mexico to Australia, where he is once again tasked with reconnecting a fractured society.
Set 11 months after the events of the original game, Sam is now living quietly with Lou, his BB (Bridge Baby). Following a call from Fragile, he travels to Mexico, where a new incident ultimately leads him to Australia. The new location seeks to introduce vivid landscapes and local wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies, and even features an animal sanctuary with lush vegetation.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach seeks to shift toward a faster-paced narrative and gameplay style compared to its predecessor. Players will gain earlier access to equipment, structures, and methods of transportation such as motorcycles and trucks. Newcomers to the franchise will be able to catch up through an in-game recap and reference system.
Visually, being a PlayStation 5 exclusive, the game aims to leverage the full capabilities of the console. From rugged deserts in Mexico to expansive Australian terrain, the environment should deliver high fidelity, enhanced by features such as an optional aerial camera that offers a broader view of Sam’s journey.
Gameplay enhancements include increased freedom in traversal and strategy, such as the ability to avoid combat with transportation devices or smoke grenades. The game introduces a dynamic day/night cycle that alters enemy visibility and engagement. Environmental hazards also play a greater role, with events like earthquakes and wildfires posing additional threats. A new item, the ‘tar cannon,’ can be used to put out fires.
Sam’s development throughout the game is influenced by player choice. A new system of 12 ‘proficiency’ levels rewards specific playstyles, such as favouring difficult terrain. Additionally, a new Automated Porter Assistant System Enhancement (APAS Enhancement) allows players to allocate collected ‘memories’ to improve traits in porter, combat, stealth, or servicemanship roles.
Players will also encounter new enemies, including a BT type called the ‘watcher’ and a group known as the ‘Armed Survivalists’. To combat these threats, the game introduces various new weapons, such as electrified poles and holographic grenades. The latter can project illusions, including a BT hologram that causes human enemies to retreat.
A special edition DualSense wireless controller themed around Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was also revealed.
