Death Stranding 2: On the Beach | Review Thread (92/100 OpenCritic)
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So it's this versus Expedition 33 for GOTY then? I feel for Sandfall, that's some unfortunate timing if they end up upstaged by Kojima.
Is being GOTY of any significance? Does it matter?
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Game Information
Game Title: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5 (Jun 26, 2025)
Trailer:
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 92 average - 96% recommended - 48 reviews
Critic Reviews
ACG - Jeremy Penter - Buy
Improved in almost all ways compared to the original but without removing what made fans love the original.
But Why Tho? - Matt Sowinski - 9 / 10
It’s Kojima at his most Kojima, a visionary building a type of experience that only he can. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an adventure worth taking.
CGMagazine - Jordan Biordi - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach takes its predecessor's foundation and builds a bigger, better game on top-keeping everything that worked, and improving what didn't 10-fold.
CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach should have been called Death Stranding 2: Quality of Life, because that's what this game is. From top to bottom, Kojima Productions made so many improvements to the original, making a weird delivery-sim game that is quite relaxing. Those improvements may not be enough to attract people who avoided the original, yet the players coming back are going to find a sense of calmness that you could assume Kojima wanted to deliver with his game.
ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9.5 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is yet another stellar entry from one of gaming’s greatest minds. The whole team at Kojima Productions has delivered a startling project that is massive in scale, building upon the original’s mechanics in interesting ways.
Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a bigger and bolder expansion that will once again split fans and critics. The improvements across the board are felt immediately, bringing about a significant amount of much-needed change to the formula. Between the changes to stealth and combat, the new structures you can build, and the new settings, cast, and music, Death Stranding 2 has proven that Kojima is not only on point but also an auteur of the industry. There is nobody like him doing what he does, and I sincerely doubt there will be.
Dexerto - Brad Norton - 5 / 5
Death Stranding 2 is phenomenal. It’s among Kojima’s very best work not just for its narrative, but for the near-limitless variety in its gameplay opportunities.
While it may very well end up being the final game in the series, at least with Kojima at the helm, we can only hope someone else picks up the mantle and continues to iterate on one of gaming’s most unique experiences. After all, why else would we have connected?
GameSpot - Diego Nicolás Argüello - 7 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is fixated on revisiting past ideas, which limits its impact to being a good but not great sequel
Gaming Nexus - Jason Dailey - 10 / 10
Hideo Kojima once again proves to be a singular creative force in the video game industry, crafting a sequel in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach that is not just essential for fans of the first game, but an essential experience for all gamers.
GamingBolt - Shubhankar Parijat - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2 delivers stunning visuals, refined stealth-focused gameplay, and a richly detailed world brought to life by excellent audio and a memorable cast. It meaningfully evolves the original's mechanics, though its unique style will still divide fans.
IGN Italy - Francesco Destri - Italian - 8 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach boldly expands the philosophical and post-apocalyptic universe created nearly six years ago by Hideo Kojima, enriching and diversifying the gameplay with dynamics, yet without managing to replicate the narrative strength, character charm, and emotional impact of the first, surprising chapter. Technically stunning and artistically inspired, this sequel manages to entertain and engage, but also leaves the impression that its narrative structure cannot always sustain the dozens of hours needed to complete the adventure without lapses in pacing and intensity.
IGN Spain - Alejandro Morillas - Spanish - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2 is a sequel that improves on its predecessor in every way. With sublime technical aspects, smooth and fun gameplay, and an emotional story centered on its characters, Death Stranding 2 is a fascinating experience, whether you liked the first game or not.
INVEN - Kyuman Kim - Korean - 9 / 10
Compared to its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 delivers a far more refined experience in every aspect—from gameplay to narrative pacing. The stunning visual presentation and tightly directed storytelling keep you engaged right up to the end. While the repetitive gameplay may cause a brief sense of fatigue in the middle, the powerful climax makes it all worthwhile.
My 35+ hours with Death Stranding 2: On The Beach was laced with so many emotions and feelings: boredom, excitement, joy, confusion, and satisfaction. It still has the trademarks of a Kojima-written narrative -"Muffin Man"-style dialogue, bats*** insane moments, subtle-as-a-sledgehammer storytelling with obvious symbolism.
But that's what makes this sequel all the more endearing; you may cringe at some moments, but you won't be bored with the thread being spun here. Nor will you be left out of the lurch with the interactive experience you're getting.
Loot Level Chill - Chris White - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is one of the greatest games of all time, blending freedom in its gameplay with a story and soundtrack that will be remembered for decades.
Nexus Hub - Sam Aberdeen - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is one of the best games of the generation and Kojima Productions at the peak of its craft - so precisely fine-tuned, emotionally resonant and at times, completely and confidently bonkers.
One More Game - Chris Garcia - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach builds meaningfully upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, delivering a more dynamic and visually arresting sequel anchored by an emotional narrative that doesn't let go until the finish. It invites returning porters and newcomers alike to rediscover its strange, beautiful world with a renewed sense of wonder, reminding us that Kojima magic is very much alive.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is absolutely essential and a must-play title that could easily get Game of the Year nods yet again. Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions have delivered a unique and gripping experience, guiding us through the wilderness and reminding us that every step, no matter how uncertain, brings us closer to connection.
Paste Magazine - Elijah Gonzalez - 9.3 / 10
Between Death Stranding 2's engrossing central loop and genuinely brilliant conclusion, it delivers an affecting mixture of grandiose and heartfelt. Together, it allows you to say something rarely true about big budget games these days, or honestly, most blockbuster media: there’s very little else like it.
PlayStation Universe - Joe Richards - 9.5 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is a triumph in what it sets out to achieve. This isn't a game interested in converting willing consumers into fans, it's a game that takes bold steps in order to succeed what came before it. If you needed proof that Hideo Kojima is still the titan of the industry that he's hailed as, this game is that proof. I was left truly speechless by the end, and I have a feeling that many others will too.
Push Square - Liam Croft - 10 / 10
In what will prove to be one of the defining games of the PS5 generation, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a profound achievement of design, gameplay, narrative, and visuals. As all four meet in the middle, Kojima Productions has crafted a cinematic spectacle that flawlessly transitions between action and traversal, all wrapped up in the most absorbing of narratives. An immense upgrade on the first game, Death Stranding 2 is an unequivocal masterpiece.
Quest Daily - Shaun Fullard - 9 / 10
DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH is a sequel through and through, not straying too far from the style and set-up established within the first game. Instead, choosing to improve upon the formula in almost every way, putting more focus on action, pacing, and enemy encounters.
Restart.run - Jesse Vitelli - 3 / 5
Death Stranding 2 is a game that pulls from the same playbook as the original, one that wants you to know it was made by the creator of Metal Gear Solid, and doesn't use its 55- hour runtime to pull on the threads that are interesting about the world. Instead, its focus on combat and retreading similar ground gets tiring fast. There are moments of something special here, but they can't shine past their own shadows.
SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 9.5 / 10
More of the same when it comes to a quality experience is never a bad thing, but Death Stranding 2 doesn't have the same wow factor that came with every little detail of the first. It is still an incredible, indie-esque realisation of a grand vision that only Kojima can come up with, and being exceptional instead of groundbreaking is still worth giving a thumbs up to.
Sirus Gaming - Kurt John Palomaria - 9 / 10
But even with its stumbles, Death Stranding 2 stuck with me. It’s messy. It’s over the top. It’s absolutely not for everyone. But it moved me. And for a game about carrying things, that feels like the point. It’s strange. It’s human. It’s heavy. Death Stranding 2 is worth the weight.
The Outerhaven Productions - Cody Perez - 3.5 / 5
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach continues the same gameplay from the original without any meaningful innovations or ideas. That said, the brilliant story and unparalleled music and performances make this worth a look.
TheSixthAxis - Tuffcub - 8 / 10
Despite repeating huge chunks of Death Stranding 1, almost beat for beat, Kojima pulls it out of the bag in the end. The core gameplay loop remains satisfying enough to get you through to the good stuff, but I can't help but feel disappointed just how similar this game is to its predecessor.
Toisto - Joonatan Itkonen - 5 / 5
Death Stranding 2 is the encapsulation of Hideo Kojima's ambition to marry films and games into one seamless experience. For the first time, it's not him emulating the cinema he adores. Instead, it's Kojima directing a vast, emotionally charged epic that others will imitate in years to come. It is a masterpiece of storytelling and game design. A peerless exploration of grief, found family, and all that we leave behind.
Too Much Gaming - Carlos Hernandez - 5 / 5
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach delivers higher visual fidelity, consistent performance across the board, and a few new tricks that make gameplay more accessible, challenging, and fun. If you have the patience and come in with an open mind, you’ll be in an exclusive group of people who will struggle to describe this experience to anyone else.
WellPlayed - Adam Ryan - 10 / 10
Immensely self-assured in the quality of its foundation, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach masterfully iterates and refines, while introducing considered additions that complement the experience, not complicate it.
Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is an improvement over Death Stranding in almost every way I can think of. It's larger, full of more things to do, and generally a more enjoyable experience. The plot is crazier than ever, which might be a plus or minus depending on your tastes, but if nothing else, it isn't boring. The only complaint I can think of is that the game is perhaps a touch too easy at times, and even that isn't a huge problem. If you liked the first game, it's very easy to imagine you liking the sequel. Just be prepared for things to be as unfathomably ridiculous as possible at every turn.
Looking forward the discounted PC port.
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I have a very hard time seeing any of those competing with either Clair Obscur or Death Stranding 2, apart from maybe Silksong (if it actually ever does come out). But even then I'm not sold.
Mina the Hollower will probably duke it out with Blue Prince for the indie game of the year.
The OpenCritic score is a very reliable predictor for winning the Game Awards, which is itself mostly an aggregate of review outlets. Donkey Kong is the next game from (probably) the Mario Odyssey team, and Odyssey has a 97 on OpenCritic, with Bananza looking to have a lot of the same design ethos. If I were a betting man, I'd be putting my money on Bananza winning GOTY. The previous Hollow Knight and Shovel Knight both hover around 90, so it's possible but not the most likely thing in the world that Silksong or Mina exceed 90 by a wide margin, but they've got a better shot than most.
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Is being GOTY of any significance? Does it matter?
FromSoft reported sales of Elden Ring increased by over 200% following its GOTY win, if I remember right. It definitely has an impact. I can't imagine it's irrelevant in terms of attracting or keeping talent either, and it probably would help maintaining creative integrity and sticking to your vision in talks with investors.
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FromSoft reported sales of Elden Ring increased by over 200% following its GOTY win, if I remember right. It definitely has an impact. I can't imagine it's irrelevant in terms of attracting or keeping talent either, and it probably would help maintaining creative integrity and sticking to your vision in talks with investors.
It's interesting to note that the Game Awards started having a tangible effect on sales in the past handful of years. Games that used to come out in November now come out in October at the latest, because that's the deadline for Game Awards nominations.
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So it's this versus Expedition 33 for GOTY then? I feel for Sandfall, that's some unfortunate timing if they end up upstaged by Kojima.
Stellar blade sold more than 3 million copies in less than 10 days ::jiggle::
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Game Information
Game Title: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5 (Jun 26, 2025)
Trailer:
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 92 average - 96% recommended - 48 reviews
Critic Reviews
ACG - Jeremy Penter - Buy
Improved in almost all ways compared to the original but without removing what made fans love the original.
But Why Tho? - Matt Sowinski - 9 / 10
It’s Kojima at his most Kojima, a visionary building a type of experience that only he can. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an adventure worth taking.
CGMagazine - Jordan Biordi - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach takes its predecessor's foundation and builds a bigger, better game on top-keeping everything that worked, and improving what didn't 10-fold.
CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach should have been called Death Stranding 2: Quality of Life, because that's what this game is. From top to bottom, Kojima Productions made so many improvements to the original, making a weird delivery-sim game that is quite relaxing. Those improvements may not be enough to attract people who avoided the original, yet the players coming back are going to find a sense of calmness that you could assume Kojima wanted to deliver with his game.
ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9.5 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is yet another stellar entry from one of gaming’s greatest minds. The whole team at Kojima Productions has delivered a startling project that is massive in scale, building upon the original’s mechanics in interesting ways.
Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a bigger and bolder expansion that will once again split fans and critics. The improvements across the board are felt immediately, bringing about a significant amount of much-needed change to the formula. Between the changes to stealth and combat, the new structures you can build, and the new settings, cast, and music, Death Stranding 2 has proven that Kojima is not only on point but also an auteur of the industry. There is nobody like him doing what he does, and I sincerely doubt there will be.
Dexerto - Brad Norton - 5 / 5
Death Stranding 2 is phenomenal. It’s among Kojima’s very best work not just for its narrative, but for the near-limitless variety in its gameplay opportunities.
While it may very well end up being the final game in the series, at least with Kojima at the helm, we can only hope someone else picks up the mantle and continues to iterate on one of gaming’s most unique experiences. After all, why else would we have connected?
GameSpot - Diego Nicolás Argüello - 7 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is fixated on revisiting past ideas, which limits its impact to being a good but not great sequel
Gaming Nexus - Jason Dailey - 10 / 10
Hideo Kojima once again proves to be a singular creative force in the video game industry, crafting a sequel in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach that is not just essential for fans of the first game, but an essential experience for all gamers.
GamingBolt - Shubhankar Parijat - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2 delivers stunning visuals, refined stealth-focused gameplay, and a richly detailed world brought to life by excellent audio and a memorable cast. It meaningfully evolves the original's mechanics, though its unique style will still divide fans.
IGN Italy - Francesco Destri - Italian - 8 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach boldly expands the philosophical and post-apocalyptic universe created nearly six years ago by Hideo Kojima, enriching and diversifying the gameplay with dynamics, yet without managing to replicate the narrative strength, character charm, and emotional impact of the first, surprising chapter. Technically stunning and artistically inspired, this sequel manages to entertain and engage, but also leaves the impression that its narrative structure cannot always sustain the dozens of hours needed to complete the adventure without lapses in pacing and intensity.
IGN Spain - Alejandro Morillas - Spanish - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2 is a sequel that improves on its predecessor in every way. With sublime technical aspects, smooth and fun gameplay, and an emotional story centered on its characters, Death Stranding 2 is a fascinating experience, whether you liked the first game or not.
INVEN - Kyuman Kim - Korean - 9 / 10
Compared to its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 delivers a far more refined experience in every aspect—from gameplay to narrative pacing. The stunning visual presentation and tightly directed storytelling keep you engaged right up to the end. While the repetitive gameplay may cause a brief sense of fatigue in the middle, the powerful climax makes it all worthwhile.
My 35+ hours with Death Stranding 2: On The Beach was laced with so many emotions and feelings: boredom, excitement, joy, confusion, and satisfaction. It still has the trademarks of a Kojima-written narrative -"Muffin Man"-style dialogue, bats*** insane moments, subtle-as-a-sledgehammer storytelling with obvious symbolism.
But that's what makes this sequel all the more endearing; you may cringe at some moments, but you won't be bored with the thread being spun here. Nor will you be left out of the lurch with the interactive experience you're getting.
Loot Level Chill - Chris White - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is one of the greatest games of all time, blending freedom in its gameplay with a story and soundtrack that will be remembered for decades.
Nexus Hub - Sam Aberdeen - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is one of the best games of the generation and Kojima Productions at the peak of its craft - so precisely fine-tuned, emotionally resonant and at times, completely and confidently bonkers.
One More Game - Chris Garcia - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach builds meaningfully upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, delivering a more dynamic and visually arresting sequel anchored by an emotional narrative that doesn't let go until the finish. It invites returning porters and newcomers alike to rediscover its strange, beautiful world with a renewed sense of wonder, reminding us that Kojima magic is very much alive.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is absolutely essential and a must-play title that could easily get Game of the Year nods yet again. Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions have delivered a unique and gripping experience, guiding us through the wilderness and reminding us that every step, no matter how uncertain, brings us closer to connection.
Paste Magazine - Elijah Gonzalez - 9.3 / 10
Between Death Stranding 2's engrossing central loop and genuinely brilliant conclusion, it delivers an affecting mixture of grandiose and heartfelt. Together, it allows you to say something rarely true about big budget games these days, or honestly, most blockbuster media: there’s very little else like it.
PlayStation Universe - Joe Richards - 9.5 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is a triumph in what it sets out to achieve. This isn't a game interested in converting willing consumers into fans, it's a game that takes bold steps in order to succeed what came before it. If you needed proof that Hideo Kojima is still the titan of the industry that he's hailed as, this game is that proof. I was left truly speechless by the end, and I have a feeling that many others will too.
Push Square - Liam Croft - 10 / 10
In what will prove to be one of the defining games of the PS5 generation, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a profound achievement of design, gameplay, narrative, and visuals. As all four meet in the middle, Kojima Productions has crafted a cinematic spectacle that flawlessly transitions between action and traversal, all wrapped up in the most absorbing of narratives. An immense upgrade on the first game, Death Stranding 2 is an unequivocal masterpiece.
Quest Daily - Shaun Fullard - 9 / 10
DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH is a sequel through and through, not straying too far from the style and set-up established within the first game. Instead, choosing to improve upon the formula in almost every way, putting more focus on action, pacing, and enemy encounters.
Restart.run - Jesse Vitelli - 3 / 5
Death Stranding 2 is a game that pulls from the same playbook as the original, one that wants you to know it was made by the creator of Metal Gear Solid, and doesn't use its 55- hour runtime to pull on the threads that are interesting about the world. Instead, its focus on combat and retreading similar ground gets tiring fast. There are moments of something special here, but they can't shine past their own shadows.
SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 9.5 / 10
More of the same when it comes to a quality experience is never a bad thing, but Death Stranding 2 doesn't have the same wow factor that came with every little detail of the first. It is still an incredible, indie-esque realisation of a grand vision that only Kojima can come up with, and being exceptional instead of groundbreaking is still worth giving a thumbs up to.
Sirus Gaming - Kurt John Palomaria - 9 / 10
But even with its stumbles, Death Stranding 2 stuck with me. It’s messy. It’s over the top. It’s absolutely not for everyone. But it moved me. And for a game about carrying things, that feels like the point. It’s strange. It’s human. It’s heavy. Death Stranding 2 is worth the weight.
The Outerhaven Productions - Cody Perez - 3.5 / 5
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach continues the same gameplay from the original without any meaningful innovations or ideas. That said, the brilliant story and unparalleled music and performances make this worth a look.
TheSixthAxis - Tuffcub - 8 / 10
Despite repeating huge chunks of Death Stranding 1, almost beat for beat, Kojima pulls it out of the bag in the end. The core gameplay loop remains satisfying enough to get you through to the good stuff, but I can't help but feel disappointed just how similar this game is to its predecessor.
Toisto - Joonatan Itkonen - 5 / 5
Death Stranding 2 is the encapsulation of Hideo Kojima's ambition to marry films and games into one seamless experience. For the first time, it's not him emulating the cinema he adores. Instead, it's Kojima directing a vast, emotionally charged epic that others will imitate in years to come. It is a masterpiece of storytelling and game design. A peerless exploration of grief, found family, and all that we leave behind.
Too Much Gaming - Carlos Hernandez - 5 / 5
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach delivers higher visual fidelity, consistent performance across the board, and a few new tricks that make gameplay more accessible, challenging, and fun. If you have the patience and come in with an open mind, you’ll be in an exclusive group of people who will struggle to describe this experience to anyone else.
WellPlayed - Adam Ryan - 10 / 10
Immensely self-assured in the quality of its foundation, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach masterfully iterates and refines, while introducing considered additions that complement the experience, not complicate it.
Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is an improvement over Death Stranding in almost every way I can think of. It's larger, full of more things to do, and generally a more enjoyable experience. The plot is crazier than ever, which might be a plus or minus depending on your tastes, but if nothing else, it isn't boring. The only complaint I can think of is that the game is perhaps a touch too easy at times, and even that isn't a huge problem. If you liked the first game, it's very easy to imagine you liking the sequel. Just be prepared for things to be as unfathomably ridiculous as possible at every turn.
Just finished up expedition 33 and was like whelp to find something new. Forgot this was coming out and couldn’t have been happier.
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Stellar blade sold more than 3 million copies in less than 10 days ::jiggle::
Stellar Blade is a 2024 game, so likely not GotY this year if it wasn't even close last year.
-
Game Information
Game Title: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5 (Jun 26, 2025)
Trailer:
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 92 average - 96% recommended - 48 reviews
Critic Reviews
ACG - Jeremy Penter - Buy
Improved in almost all ways compared to the original but without removing what made fans love the original.
But Why Tho? - Matt Sowinski - 9 / 10
It’s Kojima at his most Kojima, a visionary building a type of experience that only he can. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an adventure worth taking.
CGMagazine - Jordan Biordi - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach takes its predecessor's foundation and builds a bigger, better game on top-keeping everything that worked, and improving what didn't 10-fold.
CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach should have been called Death Stranding 2: Quality of Life, because that's what this game is. From top to bottom, Kojima Productions made so many improvements to the original, making a weird delivery-sim game that is quite relaxing. Those improvements may not be enough to attract people who avoided the original, yet the players coming back are going to find a sense of calmness that you could assume Kojima wanted to deliver with his game.
ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9.5 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is yet another stellar entry from one of gaming’s greatest minds. The whole team at Kojima Productions has delivered a startling project that is massive in scale, building upon the original’s mechanics in interesting ways.
Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a bigger and bolder expansion that will once again split fans and critics. The improvements across the board are felt immediately, bringing about a significant amount of much-needed change to the formula. Between the changes to stealth and combat, the new structures you can build, and the new settings, cast, and music, Death Stranding 2 has proven that Kojima is not only on point but also an auteur of the industry. There is nobody like him doing what he does, and I sincerely doubt there will be.
Dexerto - Brad Norton - 5 / 5
Death Stranding 2 is phenomenal. It’s among Kojima’s very best work not just for its narrative, but for the near-limitless variety in its gameplay opportunities.
While it may very well end up being the final game in the series, at least with Kojima at the helm, we can only hope someone else picks up the mantle and continues to iterate on one of gaming’s most unique experiences. After all, why else would we have connected?
GameSpot - Diego Nicolás Argüello - 7 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is fixated on revisiting past ideas, which limits its impact to being a good but not great sequel
Gaming Nexus - Jason Dailey - 10 / 10
Hideo Kojima once again proves to be a singular creative force in the video game industry, crafting a sequel in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach that is not just essential for fans of the first game, but an essential experience for all gamers.
GamingBolt - Shubhankar Parijat - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2 delivers stunning visuals, refined stealth-focused gameplay, and a richly detailed world brought to life by excellent audio and a memorable cast. It meaningfully evolves the original's mechanics, though its unique style will still divide fans.
IGN Italy - Francesco Destri - Italian - 8 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach boldly expands the philosophical and post-apocalyptic universe created nearly six years ago by Hideo Kojima, enriching and diversifying the gameplay with dynamics, yet without managing to replicate the narrative strength, character charm, and emotional impact of the first, surprising chapter. Technically stunning and artistically inspired, this sequel manages to entertain and engage, but also leaves the impression that its narrative structure cannot always sustain the dozens of hours needed to complete the adventure without lapses in pacing and intensity.
IGN Spain - Alejandro Morillas - Spanish - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2 is a sequel that improves on its predecessor in every way. With sublime technical aspects, smooth and fun gameplay, and an emotional story centered on its characters, Death Stranding 2 is a fascinating experience, whether you liked the first game or not.
INVEN - Kyuman Kim - Korean - 9 / 10
Compared to its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 delivers a far more refined experience in every aspect—from gameplay to narrative pacing. The stunning visual presentation and tightly directed storytelling keep you engaged right up to the end. While the repetitive gameplay may cause a brief sense of fatigue in the middle, the powerful climax makes it all worthwhile.
My 35+ hours with Death Stranding 2: On The Beach was laced with so many emotions and feelings: boredom, excitement, joy, confusion, and satisfaction. It still has the trademarks of a Kojima-written narrative -"Muffin Man"-style dialogue, bats*** insane moments, subtle-as-a-sledgehammer storytelling with obvious symbolism.
But that's what makes this sequel all the more endearing; you may cringe at some moments, but you won't be bored with the thread being spun here. Nor will you be left out of the lurch with the interactive experience you're getting.
Loot Level Chill - Chris White - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is one of the greatest games of all time, blending freedom in its gameplay with a story and soundtrack that will be remembered for decades.
Nexus Hub - Sam Aberdeen - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is one of the best games of the generation and Kojima Productions at the peak of its craft - so precisely fine-tuned, emotionally resonant and at times, completely and confidently bonkers.
One More Game - Chris Garcia - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach builds meaningfully upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, delivering a more dynamic and visually arresting sequel anchored by an emotional narrative that doesn't let go until the finish. It invites returning porters and newcomers alike to rediscover its strange, beautiful world with a renewed sense of wonder, reminding us that Kojima magic is very much alive.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is absolutely essential and a must-play title that could easily get Game of the Year nods yet again. Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions have delivered a unique and gripping experience, guiding us through the wilderness and reminding us that every step, no matter how uncertain, brings us closer to connection.
Paste Magazine - Elijah Gonzalez - 9.3 / 10
Between Death Stranding 2's engrossing central loop and genuinely brilliant conclusion, it delivers an affecting mixture of grandiose and heartfelt. Together, it allows you to say something rarely true about big budget games these days, or honestly, most blockbuster media: there’s very little else like it.
PlayStation Universe - Joe Richards - 9.5 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is a triumph in what it sets out to achieve. This isn't a game interested in converting willing consumers into fans, it's a game that takes bold steps in order to succeed what came before it. If you needed proof that Hideo Kojima is still the titan of the industry that he's hailed as, this game is that proof. I was left truly speechless by the end, and I have a feeling that many others will too.
Push Square - Liam Croft - 10 / 10
In what will prove to be one of the defining games of the PS5 generation, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a profound achievement of design, gameplay, narrative, and visuals. As all four meet in the middle, Kojima Productions has crafted a cinematic spectacle that flawlessly transitions between action and traversal, all wrapped up in the most absorbing of narratives. An immense upgrade on the first game, Death Stranding 2 is an unequivocal masterpiece.
Quest Daily - Shaun Fullard - 9 / 10
DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH is a sequel through and through, not straying too far from the style and set-up established within the first game. Instead, choosing to improve upon the formula in almost every way, putting more focus on action, pacing, and enemy encounters.
Restart.run - Jesse Vitelli - 3 / 5
Death Stranding 2 is a game that pulls from the same playbook as the original, one that wants you to know it was made by the creator of Metal Gear Solid, and doesn't use its 55- hour runtime to pull on the threads that are interesting about the world. Instead, its focus on combat and retreading similar ground gets tiring fast. There are moments of something special here, but they can't shine past their own shadows.
SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 9.5 / 10
More of the same when it comes to a quality experience is never a bad thing, but Death Stranding 2 doesn't have the same wow factor that came with every little detail of the first. It is still an incredible, indie-esque realisation of a grand vision that only Kojima can come up with, and being exceptional instead of groundbreaking is still worth giving a thumbs up to.
Sirus Gaming - Kurt John Palomaria - 9 / 10
But even with its stumbles, Death Stranding 2 stuck with me. It’s messy. It’s over the top. It’s absolutely not for everyone. But it moved me. And for a game about carrying things, that feels like the point. It’s strange. It’s human. It’s heavy. Death Stranding 2 is worth the weight.
The Outerhaven Productions - Cody Perez - 3.5 / 5
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach continues the same gameplay from the original without any meaningful innovations or ideas. That said, the brilliant story and unparalleled music and performances make this worth a look.
TheSixthAxis - Tuffcub - 8 / 10
Despite repeating huge chunks of Death Stranding 1, almost beat for beat, Kojima pulls it out of the bag in the end. The core gameplay loop remains satisfying enough to get you through to the good stuff, but I can't help but feel disappointed just how similar this game is to its predecessor.
Toisto - Joonatan Itkonen - 5 / 5
Death Stranding 2 is the encapsulation of Hideo Kojima's ambition to marry films and games into one seamless experience. For the first time, it's not him emulating the cinema he adores. Instead, it's Kojima directing a vast, emotionally charged epic that others will imitate in years to come. It is a masterpiece of storytelling and game design. A peerless exploration of grief, found family, and all that we leave behind.
Too Much Gaming - Carlos Hernandez - 5 / 5
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach delivers higher visual fidelity, consistent performance across the board, and a few new tricks that make gameplay more accessible, challenging, and fun. If you have the patience and come in with an open mind, you’ll be in an exclusive group of people who will struggle to describe this experience to anyone else.
WellPlayed - Adam Ryan - 10 / 10
Immensely self-assured in the quality of its foundation, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach masterfully iterates and refines, while introducing considered additions that complement the experience, not complicate it.
Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is an improvement over Death Stranding in almost every way I can think of. It's larger, full of more things to do, and generally a more enjoyable experience. The plot is crazier than ever, which might be a plus or minus depending on your tastes, but if nothing else, it isn't boring. The only complaint I can think of is that the game is perhaps a touch too easy at times, and even that isn't a huge problem. If you liked the first game, it's very easy to imagine you liking the sequel. Just be prepared for things to be as unfathomably ridiculous as possible at every turn.
I see a 7/10 in there that seems the most honest.
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Game Information
Game Title: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5 (Jun 26, 2025)
Trailer:
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 92 average - 96% recommended - 48 reviews
Critic Reviews
ACG - Jeremy Penter - Buy
Improved in almost all ways compared to the original but without removing what made fans love the original.
But Why Tho? - Matt Sowinski - 9 / 10
It’s Kojima at his most Kojima, a visionary building a type of experience that only he can. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an adventure worth taking.
CGMagazine - Jordan Biordi - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach takes its predecessor's foundation and builds a bigger, better game on top-keeping everything that worked, and improving what didn't 10-fold.
CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach should have been called Death Stranding 2: Quality of Life, because that's what this game is. From top to bottom, Kojima Productions made so many improvements to the original, making a weird delivery-sim game that is quite relaxing. Those improvements may not be enough to attract people who avoided the original, yet the players coming back are going to find a sense of calmness that you could assume Kojima wanted to deliver with his game.
ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9.5 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is yet another stellar entry from one of gaming’s greatest minds. The whole team at Kojima Productions has delivered a startling project that is massive in scale, building upon the original’s mechanics in interesting ways.
Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a bigger and bolder expansion that will once again split fans and critics. The improvements across the board are felt immediately, bringing about a significant amount of much-needed change to the formula. Between the changes to stealth and combat, the new structures you can build, and the new settings, cast, and music, Death Stranding 2 has proven that Kojima is not only on point but also an auteur of the industry. There is nobody like him doing what he does, and I sincerely doubt there will be.
Dexerto - Brad Norton - 5 / 5
Death Stranding 2 is phenomenal. It’s among Kojima’s very best work not just for its narrative, but for the near-limitless variety in its gameplay opportunities.
While it may very well end up being the final game in the series, at least with Kojima at the helm, we can only hope someone else picks up the mantle and continues to iterate on one of gaming’s most unique experiences. After all, why else would we have connected?
GameSpot - Diego Nicolás Argüello - 7 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is fixated on revisiting past ideas, which limits its impact to being a good but not great sequel
Gaming Nexus - Jason Dailey - 10 / 10
Hideo Kojima once again proves to be a singular creative force in the video game industry, crafting a sequel in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach that is not just essential for fans of the first game, but an essential experience for all gamers.
GamingBolt - Shubhankar Parijat - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2 delivers stunning visuals, refined stealth-focused gameplay, and a richly detailed world brought to life by excellent audio and a memorable cast. It meaningfully evolves the original's mechanics, though its unique style will still divide fans.
IGN Italy - Francesco Destri - Italian - 8 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach boldly expands the philosophical and post-apocalyptic universe created nearly six years ago by Hideo Kojima, enriching and diversifying the gameplay with dynamics, yet without managing to replicate the narrative strength, character charm, and emotional impact of the first, surprising chapter. Technically stunning and artistically inspired, this sequel manages to entertain and engage, but also leaves the impression that its narrative structure cannot always sustain the dozens of hours needed to complete the adventure without lapses in pacing and intensity.
IGN Spain - Alejandro Morillas - Spanish - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2 is a sequel that improves on its predecessor in every way. With sublime technical aspects, smooth and fun gameplay, and an emotional story centered on its characters, Death Stranding 2 is a fascinating experience, whether you liked the first game or not.
INVEN - Kyuman Kim - Korean - 9 / 10
Compared to its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 delivers a far more refined experience in every aspect—from gameplay to narrative pacing. The stunning visual presentation and tightly directed storytelling keep you engaged right up to the end. While the repetitive gameplay may cause a brief sense of fatigue in the middle, the powerful climax makes it all worthwhile.
My 35+ hours with Death Stranding 2: On The Beach was laced with so many emotions and feelings: boredom, excitement, joy, confusion, and satisfaction. It still has the trademarks of a Kojima-written narrative -"Muffin Man"-style dialogue, bats*** insane moments, subtle-as-a-sledgehammer storytelling with obvious symbolism.
But that's what makes this sequel all the more endearing; you may cringe at some moments, but you won't be bored with the thread being spun here. Nor will you be left out of the lurch with the interactive experience you're getting.
Loot Level Chill - Chris White - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is one of the greatest games of all time, blending freedom in its gameplay with a story and soundtrack that will be remembered for decades.
Nexus Hub - Sam Aberdeen - 10 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is one of the best games of the generation and Kojima Productions at the peak of its craft - so precisely fine-tuned, emotionally resonant and at times, completely and confidently bonkers.
One More Game - Chris Garcia - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach builds meaningfully upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, delivering a more dynamic and visually arresting sequel anchored by an emotional narrative that doesn't let go until the finish. It invites returning porters and newcomers alike to rediscover its strange, beautiful world with a renewed sense of wonder, reminding us that Kojima magic is very much alive.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is absolutely essential and a must-play title that could easily get Game of the Year nods yet again. Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions have delivered a unique and gripping experience, guiding us through the wilderness and reminding us that every step, no matter how uncertain, brings us closer to connection.
Paste Magazine - Elijah Gonzalez - 9.3 / 10
Between Death Stranding 2's engrossing central loop and genuinely brilliant conclusion, it delivers an affecting mixture of grandiose and heartfelt. Together, it allows you to say something rarely true about big budget games these days, or honestly, most blockbuster media: there’s very little else like it.
PlayStation Universe - Joe Richards - 9.5 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is a triumph in what it sets out to achieve. This isn't a game interested in converting willing consumers into fans, it's a game that takes bold steps in order to succeed what came before it. If you needed proof that Hideo Kojima is still the titan of the industry that he's hailed as, this game is that proof. I was left truly speechless by the end, and I have a feeling that many others will too.
Push Square - Liam Croft - 10 / 10
In what will prove to be one of the defining games of the PS5 generation, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a profound achievement of design, gameplay, narrative, and visuals. As all four meet in the middle, Kojima Productions has crafted a cinematic spectacle that flawlessly transitions between action and traversal, all wrapped up in the most absorbing of narratives. An immense upgrade on the first game, Death Stranding 2 is an unequivocal masterpiece.
Quest Daily - Shaun Fullard - 9 / 10
DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH is a sequel through and through, not straying too far from the style and set-up established within the first game. Instead, choosing to improve upon the formula in almost every way, putting more focus on action, pacing, and enemy encounters.
Restart.run - Jesse Vitelli - 3 / 5
Death Stranding 2 is a game that pulls from the same playbook as the original, one that wants you to know it was made by the creator of Metal Gear Solid, and doesn't use its 55- hour runtime to pull on the threads that are interesting about the world. Instead, its focus on combat and retreading similar ground gets tiring fast. There are moments of something special here, but they can't shine past their own shadows.
SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 9.5 / 10
More of the same when it comes to a quality experience is never a bad thing, but Death Stranding 2 doesn't have the same wow factor that came with every little detail of the first. It is still an incredible, indie-esque realisation of a grand vision that only Kojima can come up with, and being exceptional instead of groundbreaking is still worth giving a thumbs up to.
Sirus Gaming - Kurt John Palomaria - 9 / 10
But even with its stumbles, Death Stranding 2 stuck with me. It’s messy. It’s over the top. It’s absolutely not for everyone. But it moved me. And for a game about carrying things, that feels like the point. It’s strange. It’s human. It’s heavy. Death Stranding 2 is worth the weight.
The Outerhaven Productions - Cody Perez - 3.5 / 5
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach continues the same gameplay from the original without any meaningful innovations or ideas. That said, the brilliant story and unparalleled music and performances make this worth a look.
TheSixthAxis - Tuffcub - 8 / 10
Despite repeating huge chunks of Death Stranding 1, almost beat for beat, Kojima pulls it out of the bag in the end. The core gameplay loop remains satisfying enough to get you through to the good stuff, but I can't help but feel disappointed just how similar this game is to its predecessor.
Toisto - Joonatan Itkonen - 5 / 5
Death Stranding 2 is the encapsulation of Hideo Kojima's ambition to marry films and games into one seamless experience. For the first time, it's not him emulating the cinema he adores. Instead, it's Kojima directing a vast, emotionally charged epic that others will imitate in years to come. It is a masterpiece of storytelling and game design. A peerless exploration of grief, found family, and all that we leave behind.
Too Much Gaming - Carlos Hernandez - 5 / 5
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach delivers higher visual fidelity, consistent performance across the board, and a few new tricks that make gameplay more accessible, challenging, and fun. If you have the patience and come in with an open mind, you’ll be in an exclusive group of people who will struggle to describe this experience to anyone else.
WellPlayed - Adam Ryan - 10 / 10
Immensely self-assured in the quality of its foundation, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach masterfully iterates and refines, while introducing considered additions that complement the experience, not complicate it.
Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 9 / 10
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is an improvement over Death Stranding in almost every way I can think of. It's larger, full of more things to do, and generally a more enjoyable experience. The plot is crazier than ever, which might be a plus or minus depending on your tastes, but if nothing else, it isn't boring. The only complaint I can think of is that the game is perhaps a touch too easy at times, and even that isn't a huge problem. If you liked the first game, it's very easy to imagine you liking the sequel. Just be prepared for things to be as unfathomably ridiculous as possible at every turn.
This looks like a 5/10 game at best. That sucks. Because I like the first game.
