Sony Interactive Entertainment and Kojima Productions’ latest action-adventure game, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, brings many gameplay improvements over its predecessor. Here’s a breakdown.
When Death Stranding first launched, its focus on traversal and delivery logistics made it stand out as unique in a market filled with many safe AAA games. However, its combat, stealth, and cargo management felt underdeveloped. With Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, these once-secondary gameplay systems have received thoughtful upgrades and Quality of Life improvements that greatly enhance its depth and experience without sacrificing its unique identity.
1. Snappier & Streamlined Gunplay
Combat in the first game often felt like an interruption to the journey. It was functional, but felt rather clumsy and lacking real depth. In the sequel, it feels more tactile and intuitive, thanks in part to some smart streamlining of mechanics. In the original, players were required to switch ammunition depending on the kind of enemy they were up against. This has been made simpler, with different bullets doing a varying degree of damage across enemy types. Furthermore, gunplay now feels more snappy and responsive compared to the original. Weapon fire also feels more impactful in terms of feedback and hit reactions.
2. Enhanced Arsenal
In Death Stranding 2, players have access to a much larger set lethal and non-lethal gear in the category of assault rifles, shotguns, handguns, sniper rifle, launcher weapons, grenades, launchers.
3. Improved Close Quarters Combat
In addition to throwing a punch, series protagonist Sam Porter Bridges can now block incoming attacks and launch counterattacks, giving some much needed depth to close quarters combat. He can also wield an electric rod to use as a melee weapon or to throw at and shock enemies from a distance.
4. New Evade Mechanic
Maneuvering through tar while facing larger BTs felt cumbersome and frustrating in the original Death Stranding, especially since the game gave players no meaningful option to avoid incoming attacks in such situations. In the sequel, Sam is given the option to leap in the direction of his movement while aiming. It does require some careful timing, however, as he doesn’t instantly make it back on his feet, momentarily leaving him in a vulnerable state. This risk/reward element adds some additional strategic depth to the combat.
5. Enhanced Stealth Options
Sam now has several new gadgets, tools , and distractions, such as decoy grenades, at his disposal to facilitate stealth and allow players to approach enemy camps without getting detected. Dollman can be thrown into the air for reconnaissance of the surrounding region. In addition, silent takedowns have been streamlined to no longer require having the Strand item equipped. Environmental factors like tall grass also play a bigger role, encouraging players to use terrain to their advantage.
6. Smarter Cargo Management
The radial menu system now groups tools, ladders, weapons, containers more efficiently, making it easy to access what players need in the moment. Furthermore, crafting, recycling, and customizing cargo containers are also more more intuitive than in the original, with improved visual feedback to help manage balance and weight.
One of the smartest additions is the ability to remove your backpack before engaging enemies in stealth or combat. This reduces noise and improves movement speed, giving players a genuine reason to plan ahead and stash gear before infiltrating a base.
7. Improved Vehicle Mechanics
The new Tri-Cruiser is much easier to maneuver than the Trike found in the original. It’s also very convenient to use, as its design allows players to collect items while driving. Sam is also able to fire weapons from inside vehicles in Death Stranding 2 while continuing to drive. While this can feel overwhelming at first, it’s a very useful feature to have once players get the hang of it.
