Death Stranding 2: Key Facts

Release Date: The game is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively for the PlayStation 5.
Platform Specific: Death Stranding 2: On The Beach will only be available on PlayStation 5, with no PS4 version planned.

Global Journey: Sam Porter Bridges’ new adventure takes him far beyond the UCA (United Cities of America) to new regions, including confirmed locations like Mexico and Australia. Expect diverse environments, from deserts to lush animal sanctuaries featuring native wildlife like kangaroos.
Faster Paced Gameplay: Unlike the often slower, more contemplative pace of the first game, Death Stranding 2 promises a faster overall tempo for both its narrative and gameplay. New equipment and structures will be unlocked more quickly.
Dynamic Environments: The world features a real-time day/night cycle and introduces spontaneous natural hazards like “gate quakes” (earthquakes) and sandstorms, which will directly impact traversal and visibility. Rivers can also expand due to rainfall.
Freedom of Approach: Players will have more freedom and choice in how they approach situations, whether through direct confrontation, stealth, or choosing to avoid encounters entirely.

Fragile’s New Venture: Fragile has founded a new company called “Drawbridge” and operates a massive mobile base known as the DHV Magellan (Deep-Tar Hunting Vessel). This will serve as a central hub for the player, suggesting large-scale expeditions.
Higgs’ Transformation: The antagonist from the first game, Higgs, returns in a drastically altered form as a cyborg, adding a new layer of mystery and threat to his character.
Unique New Characters: The game introduces several intriguing new characters, such as “Tarman,” whose likeness is based on Mad Max director George Miller and is accompanied by a flying pet cat, and “Dollman,” a sentient ventriloquist dummy.

Questioning Connection: A central theme of the story is the provocative question, “Should we have connected?”, exploring the potential downsides and unforeseen consequences of a hyper-connected society.
COVID-19’s Influence: Hideo Kojima revealed that he rewrote the game’s story after the COVID-19 pandemic to reflect its global impact and changes in human connection.
Enhanced Combat: Kojima has emphasized a greater balance between “the stick and the rope,” indicating a more significant focus on combat. Players will have an expanded arsenal, including electrified poles, holographic grenades, sniper rifles, and assault rifles.
APAS Enhancement System: A new skill tree system, “APAS Enhancement,” allows players to specialize in combat, stealth, or “serviceship” (delivery skills). Skill points can be refunded, encouraging experimentation with different playstyles.