Death Stranding 2 Review (July 2025) 90/100 Masterpiece
I've spent over 50 hours traversing the haunting landscapes of Mexico and Australia in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and I can confidently say that Hideo Kojima has crafted not just a sequel, but a gaming masterpiece that surpasses its predecessor in virtually every way. With a staggering 90/100 on both Metacritic and OpenCritic, this PS5 exclusive has become one of 2025's most critically acclaimed titles.
Table of Contents
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Quick Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 26, 2025 (June 24 for Deluxe Edition) |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5 (PC version likely later) |
| Metacritic Score | 90/100 |
| OpenCritic Score | 90/100 |
| Price | $69.99 Standard / $99.99 Deluxe Edition |
| Developer | Kojima Productions |
| Publisher | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Genre | Action-Adventure / Strand-Type Game |
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Review Scores from Major Outlets
The critical reception for Death Stranding 2 has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers calling it one of Kojima's finest works. Here's how major gaming outlets scored the sequel:
- IGN: 9/10 - "A triumphant sequel that emphatically delivers on the promise of its original"
- GameSpot: 7/10 - "Fixated on revisiting past ideas, which limits its impact"
- TheGamer: 4.5/5 - "A hard game to quantify...it's so much more than delivering packages"
- GamesRadar+: 4/5 - "This tarpunk delivery epic is more Metal Gear Solid than ever"
- Game Informer: 8.8/10 - "Makes big, expensive swings...the world is bizarre and beautiful"
- Dexerto: 10/10 - "A phenomenal offering"
- VGC: Perfect Score - "One of the best sequels in recent memory"
What Makes Death Stranding 2 Special?
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach isn't just an incremental upgrade—it's a complete reimagining of what made the original unique while addressing nearly every criticism. Set 11 months after the first game, Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) finds himself on a new mission that takes him from Mexico to the vast expanses of Australia.
The game opens with Sam living a quiet life with Lou (now a toddler), but this peace is shattered when Fragile (Léa Seydoux) arrives with an urgent request. What follows is a 30-50 hour journey that's equal parts emotional character study and apocalyptic adventure.
Visual Masterpiece on PS5
The graphical leap from the first game is nothing short of breathtaking. Playing on PS5 Pro with the Quality mode enabled delivers a true 4K experience that showcases every strand of Sam's graying hair and every ripple in the otherworldly tar pools. The Performance mode, running at a smooth 60fps at 1440p, is my preferred way to play—the fluid movement makes traversing the terrain feel incredibly responsive.
Digital Foundry's technical analysis praised the game as "one of the most visually stunning games" they've ever seen, and I wholeheartedly agree. The implementation of real-time weather effects and day/night cycles adds layers of strategic depth while creating moments of genuine beauty.
Gameplay Evolution: More Than Just Walking
While the core loop of delivering packages remains, Kojima Productions has transformed nearly every aspect of the gameplay. The most significant change is accessibility—vehicles, exoskeletons, and advanced equipment become available much earlier, reducing the initial grind that turned some players away from the original.
The new Automated Porter Assistant System Enhancement (APAS) adds RPG-like progression across four categories:
- Porter (delivery efficiency)
- Combat (weapon handling)
- Stealth (avoiding enemies)
- Servicemanship (helping other players)
This system rewards specialized playstyles while encouraging experimentation. I found myself naturally gravitating toward stealth early on, but the improved combat mechanics eventually won me over.
Combat That Actually Works
Perhaps the biggest surprise is how much the combat has improved. The sequel doubles down on action with "malleable stealth-action playgrounds" that feel more polished than anything in the first game. New weapons like the Sticky Gun and various non-lethal options make encounters with MULEs and BTs genuinely engaging rather than frustrating obstacles.
Boss fights, while "spectacularly designed but often simple affairs", serve as explosive set pieces that punctuate the quieter delivery moments. The return of Higgs (Troy Baker) as an electric guitar-wielding antagonist adds a layer of camp that somehow works perfectly within Kojima's bizarre universe.
Story and Characters: Emotional Depth Meets Kojima Weirdness
The narrative is where opinions diverge most sharply. While some critics found the story overstuffed with plot threads, I appreciated the more personal, character-driven approach. The DHV Magellan serves as a mobile base where Sam's found family gathers, creating intimate moments between the spectacular set pieces.
New characters like Tomorrow (Elle Fanning), Rainy (Shioli Kutsuna), and the scene-stealing Dollman add fresh dynamics to the cast. Dollman, a consciousness trapped in a ventriloquist dummy that rides on Sam's belt, provides both comic relief and surprisingly touching commentary throughout the journey.
However, GameSpot noted that "the new cast of characters...isn't as compelling as the old crew", and I partially agree. While the newcomers are interesting, they lack the immediate impact of characters like Deadman or Heartman from the original.
Technical Performance and Settings
Death Stranding 2 runs exceptionally well on PS5, offering two distinct modes:
Graphics Modes
- Prioritize Quality: Native 4K resolution at 30fps with enhanced visual effects
- Prioritize Performance: 1440p resolution at 60fps with slightly reduced effects
I strongly recommend adjusting these settings immediately upon starting:
- Camera Speed: Increase from default 50 to 70-80 for more responsive controls
- Minimum Button Hold Duration: Reduce for snappier interactions
- Brightness: The HDR implementation is stellar—calibrate carefully for best results
One technical issue worth noting: PC Gamer reported that playing at 30fps "was literally giving me headaches" after extended sessions. The Performance mode completely eliminates this issue while maintaining visual fidelity.
The Australian Open World
The shift from America to Australia brings dramatic environmental variety. From scorching deserts to lush rainforests, each biome presents unique challenges and opportunities. The implementation of native wildlife adds another layer—you can now rescue endangered species and transport them to sanctuaries, adding a conservation element to your deliveries.
The world feels more alive than ever, with dynamic weather events that can drastically alter your planned routes. Sandstorms obscure vision, flooding creates new waterways, and the terrifying Timefall rain ages everything it touches. Planning deliveries requires genuine strategy, especially when managing time-sensitive medical supplies or fragile cargo.
Multiplayer and Social Features
The asynchronous multiplayer returns stronger than ever. Other players' structures, vehicles, and helpful signs populate your world, creating a genuine sense of community despite never directly encountering another person. The new "memory chip" system lets you leave more detailed messages and even short audio recordings for fellow porters.
During my playthrough, I discovered a perfectly placed charging station just as my truck's battery died—a reminder that Death Stranding's "relief and gratitude you can feel toward someone you don't even know is an unrivaled multiplayer experience".
Celebrity Cameos and Easter Eggs
Kojima's love for celebrity appearances reaches new heights in Death Stranding 2. From Ma Dong-seok as the Golden Fist to VTuber Usada Pekora, the game features over 13 celebrity cameos. Kojima revealed he actually had to start turning down cameo requests because they ran out of scanning time.
Notable Appearances Include:
- Ma Dong-seok (Train to Busan) as Samson Hook
- Woodkid as The Mechanic (also composed the soundtrack)
- CHVRCHES as Animal Shelter staff
- Lauren Tsai as an artist prepper
- George Miller as Tarman
- Fatih Akin as Dollman
Post-Game Content and Replayability
After completing the main story (which took me roughly 35 hours), Episode 17 opens up the entire map for continued exploration. All 42 facilities can be maxed out for connection rewards, unlocking exclusive gear and APAS enhancements. The "Connecting Hearts and Minds" trophy requires reaching 5-star connections with every location—a task that easily adds another 20+ hours.
Currently, there's no New Game+ mode, so completionists should plan accordingly. The game's "Corpus" encyclopedia tracks discovered lore, while the recap feature helps newcomers understand the complex backstory.
Soundtrack and Audio Design
The soundtrack, composed by Woodkid and Ludvig Forssell, features procedural music that dynamically adapts to player actions. This creates moments of perfect synchronicity—swelling orchestras during dramatic ridge crossings, tense electronic beats during BT encounters, and melancholic melodies during quiet moments with Lou.
The loss of Low Roar's Ryan Karazija (who passed away in 2022) is felt, but Woodkid's contributions create a distinct identity for the sequel. Songs from Caroline Polachek, CHVRCHES, and others round out an eclectic but cohesive soundtrack.
Performance Issues and Bugs
While generally polished, I encountered a few technical hiccups:
- Occasional texture pop-in when using vehicles at high speed
- Audio issues where music wouldn't start playing during specific moments
- One crash during a 10-hour session (thankfully with generous autosaving)
- Frame rate dips in heavily populated areas with many player structures
A day-one patch addressed some issues, though Kojima Productions didn't release patch notes, leaving players guessing about fixes.
Who Should Play Death Stranding 2?
Definitely Play If You:
- Loved the first Death Stranding
- Enjoy unique, experimental gameplay
- Appreciate slow-burn narratives with emotional payoffs
- Want to experience cutting-edge PS5 graphics
- Have 40+ hours to invest in a singular experience
Maybe Skip If You:
- Found the first game boring or tedious
- Prefer constant action over methodical gameplay
- Dislike lengthy cutscenes and exposition
- Need immediate gratification from your games
- Haven't played the first game (it's essential for story context)
How Death Stranding 2 Compares to the Original
| Feature | Death Stranding (2019) | Death Stranding 2 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Metacritic Score | 82/100 | 90/100 |
| Setting | Post-apocalyptic USA | Mexico and Australia |
| Gameplay Focus | Delivery simulation | Delivery + Action hybrid |
| Pacing | Slow burn throughout | Faster start, variable pacing |
| Combat | Basic and clunky | Refined and engaging |
| Vehicle Access | Late game | Early game |
| Story Tone | Somber and philosophical | Campy sci-fi adventure |
| Length | 40-60 hours | 30-50 hours |
Final Verdict
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a remarkable achievement that validates Kojima's vision of games as a unique artistic medium. While it won't convert those who bounced off the original, it rewards fans with a bigger, bolder, and more emotionally resonant experience.
The game succeeds by embracing its weirdness while smoothing out the rough edges that made the first game divisive. It's simultaneously more accessible and more complex, more action-packed yet still contemplative, more Metal Gear Solid yet uniquely Death Stranding.
Critics have called it "a masterpiece of storytelling and game design" and "a peerless exploration of grief, found family, and all that we leave behind". After my time with it, I can't disagree.
Score: 9.5/10
Pros:
- Stunning visuals that push PS5 to its limits
- Dramatically improved combat and gameplay systems
- Emotionally resonant story with memorable characters
- Excellent soundtrack with dynamic implementation
- Meaningful multiplayer integration
- Tons of post-game content
Cons:
- Story can feel overstuffed at times
- Some new characters lack development
- Requires playing the first game for context
- Occasional technical issues
- 30fps mode may cause discomfort for some
- No New Game+ at launch
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play Death Stranding 1 before Death Stranding 2?
Yes, absolutely. While DS2 includes a recap feature, the story is a direct continuation that assumes familiarity with the first game's events, characters, and terminology. The emotional impact relies heavily on established relationships.
How long is Death Stranding 2?
The main story takes 30-35 hours, but completionists can expect 50-70 hours to max all connections and explore everything. Post-game content adds significant playtime.
Is Death Stranding 2 PS5 exclusive?
Currently yes, but based on the first game's release pattern, a PC version will likely arrive within 6-12 months. No Xbox or Switch versions are planned.
Does Death Stranding 2 have difficulty options?
Yes, the game features Very Easy, Easy, Normal, and Hard difficulties that can be changed at any time. Very Easy is perfect for those who want to focus on story and exploration.
Can I play Death Stranding 2 offline?
Yes, but you'll miss the asynchronous multiplayer features that are core to the experience. The game is fully playable offline with AI-generated structures replacing player contributions.
What's the best graphics mode for Death Stranding 2?
Performance mode (60fps) is recommended for most players. The smoother framerate greatly enhances gameplay, and the visual difference from Quality mode is minimal on standard displays.
Is Death Stranding 2 scary?
While not a horror game, it features tense moments with BTs (ghostly enemies) and unsettling imagery. The atmosphere can be creepy, but it's more eerie than frightening.
Does Death Stranding 2 support PS5 Pro features?
Yes, PS5 Pro owners get enhanced ray tracing, improved resolution in Performance mode, and more stable framerates across all modes.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches June 26, 2025, for PlayStation 5, with early access beginning June 24 for Deluxe Edition owners. Will you be reconnecting the world, or is this journey too strange for your tastes? Let me know in the comments below!