Hideo Kojima has revealed a remarkable statistic about Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, highlighting just how deeply players are engaging with the game even after completing its main storyline. According to data shared by Kojima himself, more than 79 percent of players who reached the end have continued playing, exploring the post-game content, and staying connected to the game world.
The update was shared via Kojima’s official English-language X (formerly Twitter) account, where the acclaimed developer expressed gratitude and reflected on the emotional core of the game. “Since all the ‘Someones’ around the world are connected through SSS, we’re able to gather a variety of data. Apparently, 79 percent of ‘Someones’ who reached the end of the story continued to keep playing afterwards,” Kojima stated. He then offered a message of hope to players who had reached the finale, remarking that in difficult times, “there is someone out there who would risk their life to protect you—Even if you don’t notice, someone is connected to you, watching over you.”
The statistic is drawn from a wide range of gameplay data collected approximately one month after the game’s release on June 26, 2025. Kojima Productions also shared insights into how players have been interacting with the world. Among the top three rescued animals in the game, kangaroos, emus, and wombats lead the chart, a reflection of the game’s new Australian setting. As for player-built structures, the most frequently constructed include zip-lines, generators, and Timefall shelters, all essential for traversal and survival.
Other top-ranking in-game activities include signs placed by players, with encouraging messages like “SPEED UP,” “YOU GOT THIS!,” and “KEEP ON KEEPING ON” topping the list. The most used tools were ladders, PCCs (Portable Construction Devices), and container repair spray. When it came to transportation, players preferred the pickup off-roader, the tri-cruiser, and good old-fashioned travel on foot. In combat, the most commonly equipped weapons included Level 1 assault rifles, blood grenades, and machine guns, all using multi-purpose bullets.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach continues the story of Sam Porter Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus, joined once again by returning characters Fragile and Higgs, played by Léa Seydoux and Troy Baker. The sequel introduces new characters played by Elle Fanning, Shioli Kutsuna, and others, with special appearances from George Miller and directors Guillermo del Toro and Nicolas Winding Refn.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Australia nearly a year after the events of the original game, On the Beach focuses on rebuilding connections in a fractured world. The game integrates themes influenced by the real-world COVID-19 pandemic, which led Kojima to rewrite much of the narrative during development. Initially hinted at through cast comments in 2022, the sequel was officially revealed in December of that year and has been met with generally favorable reception since launch.
While the game’s core journey may come to a close, the overwhelming number of players still engaging with its systems suggests Death Stranding 2 has struck a lasting chord. With such high post-completion participation, it seems many are still finding reasons to walk the Beach long after the story’s end.
