Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’s48-hour early access is underway, and as more about the game’s story unfolds, the sequel’s changes are becoming more apparent. Ever since the first game launched back in 2019, there were a lot of questions about howDeath Stranding 2would evolve its premise.
At first,Death Standingwas divisive. I vividly remember the initial feedback that claimed it to be a “walking simulator.” Yes, the game definitely doesn’t hold back with its slow-paced traversal, but over the years, the game has also gained a reputation as a surprisingly cozy option. Games likeStardew ValleyandAnimal Crossingare usually seen as the go-to choices for a cozy experience, butDeath Strandinghas gotten a second life as a relaxing pastime. Based on Hideo Kojima’s history, there were expectations thatDeath Strandingwould be more action-oriented, so the lack of combat was jarring to some. However,action is a much bigger piece ofDeath Stranding 2, but those who prefer the cozy elements have no need to worry.
Death Stranding 2 Honors its Cozy Roots, Despite More Combat
A Sequel That’s Still About the Journey
There are some serious heart-pounding moments with BTs and Higgs inDeath Stranding 2, but overall, there is still an emphasis on deliveries and making connections with the many survivors Sam comes in contact with.The first giant BT that players face is no joke, and it’s intimidating enough to potentially scare away some players. However, Kojima Productions has included a special option that is a game-changer for such encounters.
Death Stranding 2 Lets Players Skip Bosses
It was confirmed before launch thatDeath Stranding 2would allow players to bypass boss fights.Sam’s long journeyputs him face-to-face with some major foes, but when players die when first fighting a boss, the game presents the option to skip forward. After choosing to skip, the story continues as if the boss was defeated, which is a great way to give fans the choice to enjoy the game on their own terms.
Many ofDeath Stranding 2’s boss encounters are harrowing, and even thoughSam has more weapons at his disposal, it doesn’t make it easier. Once gamers started seeing thatDeath Strandingis more about the journey over everything else, it opened the title up to a fresh audience, with many finding its world incredibly relaxing.
For a post-apocalyptic story,Death Strandingand its sequelare surprisingly soothing in a lot of ways. Getting from point A to point B, seeing preppers happy with Sam’s deliveries, and getting to watch his relationships with his allies grow and become stronger is incredibly satisfying, and all of those qualities are still there.
More combat isn’t the only big change brought toDeath Stranding 2. Players can unlock a feature that allows one to make custom playlists. As players progress through the story and build relationships with NPCs, new songs can be unlocked.
Games likeStardew ValleyandAnimal Crossingare usually seen as the go-to choices for a cozy experience, butDeath Strandinghas gotten a second life as a relaxing pastime.
Cozy Fans Can Still Revel in Hideo Kojima’s Strange, Wonderful World
The introduction of more action is one ofDeath Stranding 2’s many strong points, but it was also a risky decision that could have pushed some cozy gamers away. Thankfully, this shouldn’t be the case, as the game has just as many, if not more, gameplay elements that make it a relaxing story. If anything, more action and boss fights just give players more agency in how they approach the story. There are the occasional run-ins with armed survivors that are living in the wastelands of Australia and Mexico, but much of the original game’s cozy atmosphere is held intact.
