Hideo Kojima’s original Death Stranding was a unique journey. It asked players to reconnect a fractured America. They did this by walking, climbing, and balancing packages. The sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, expands this vision. It adds strange and complex new layers to the experience. Sam Porter Bridges’ new journey feels bigger and more dangerous. The world itself is more hostile, a theme echoed in other upcoming titles.
The shifting sands and survival elements in Dune: Awakening, for instance, exhibit a similar focus on battling the environment. This guide will analyze some new gameplay mechanics we know about so far. These changes redefine what it means to be a porter. They promise a deeper, more challenging adventure across a new continent.
The DHV Magellan Offers A Ship for a Base
Sam is no longer tied to underground bunkers. His new base of operations is a massive ship. The DHV Magellan is a mobile headquarters for the Drawbridge organization. It sails on the strange tar seas. This ship acts as a central hub for players. You can rest, fabricate gear, and customize your loadout here. It feels like a true home on the go.
The Magellan is more than just a large room. It is your primary method for exploring new continents. The ship can move between central locations. This allows you to transport vehicles and large amounts of cargo. It makes tackling the new map more manageable. The ship evolves as you progress. New facilities and crew members will appear. This establishes a stable, ongoing home base.
Your Uncanny Companion Will Be A Living Doll
The iconic Bridge Baby pod is no longer available. In its place, Sam has a new, peculiar companion. This small, articulated puppet hangs from Sam’s hip. It is often referred to as Dollman or simply “the living doll.” This new partner is a constant presence. It offers commentary, advice, and quirky observations. The doll provides a different kind of connection for Sam.
Unlike the mostly silent BB, the doll talks. A lot. This changes the dynamic of lonely treks. Its insights provide context about the world. It can offer hints about your surroundings or mission objectives. The doll is also animated strangely. It moves at a lower frame rate. This gives it an unsettling, puppet-like quality. Its true purpose remains a central mystery in the game’s story.
Drawbridge Is A New Connection Company in Death Stranding 2
The United Cities of America is no longer the only player. A new private organisation, Drawbridge, now leads the way. Led by Fragile, this group aims to expand the Chiral Network globally. Their methods and philosophy differ significantly from those of the UCA. They are more aggressive and technologically advanced. This introduces new political tensions.
Drawbridge provides Sam with his new gear. They also operate the DHV Magellan. Their presence changes the nature of the connection. Where Bridges was a government project, Drawbridge is a private venture. This shift introduces themes of privatization and control. Players must grapple with the question the game asks. “Should we have connected?” Drawbridge’s actions suggest the answer is complex.
Dynamic World Hazards Mean You Should Expect More Than Rain
Timefall was the primary environmental threat before. Death Stranding 2 introduces a host of new dangers. The world is more active and unpredictable. You will face many new types of hazards. These events can dramatically alter your delivery routes. They force you to adapt your strategy on the fly. Careful planning is more critical than ever.
Rivers can now flood after heavy rainfall. These floods can wash away cargo or block paths. Earthquakes, or “Chiral Quakes,” can reshape the terrain. They might create new obstacles or shortcuts. You may also encounter massive dust storms. These storms reduce visibility and affect your balance. Wildfires can also break out, creating dangerous no-go zones. The world itself has become a formidable foe.
Evolved Combat and New Enemy Types
Direct conflict has seen a significant overhaul. The sequel offers additional tools for combat. Sam has access to a broader array of weapons. This includes new lethal and non-lethal options. The close-quarters combat system is also deeper. Players can now dodge, block, and perform counterattacks. This makes encounters with MULEs and terrorists more involved.
- Permanent Tagging: You can now permanently tag enemies. This makes stealth approaches more strategic.
- Weapon Holsters: Easily accessible holsters facilitate quick and seamless weapon switching.
- New Faction: Robotic “mechs” join BTs and humans as a new enemy faction.
These changes give you more freedom. You can choose to be a stealthy ghost. Or you can approach situations with guns blazing. New enemy types require different tactics. Robotic foes, for instance, are immune to certain weapon types. You must prepare your loadout carefully before each encounter.
Expanded Traversal Tools and Options in Death Stranding 2
Getting around is still the core of the game. Death Stranding 2 gives you more ways to travel. Ladders can now be linked together. This allows you to cross much wider gaps. New vehicles also make their debut. Some are designed for specific types of terrain. Others come equipped with defensive capabilities. These tools make crossing the harsh new continent possible.
Picking up items while in a vehicle is easier. You no longer need to dismount for small cargo. You can even fire some weapons while driving. This adds a layer of vehicular combat. The most significant new structure is the monorail. Players can build these across the map. They offer a fast and safe way to transport goods. Monorails are a major collaborative building project.
Skill Trees and Deeper Customization
Player progression is much deeper in the sequel. Death Stranding 2 introduces a proper skill tree system. This allows you to specialize in Sam’s abilities. You can invest points in three main branches. These branches focus on combat, stealth, and delivery proficiency. This adds a rewarding layer of character growth to the experience.
The combat tree unlocks new attacks and weapon handling skills. The stealth tree improves your ability to avoid enemies. The delivery tree makes you a better porter. You can increase your cargo capacity or improve your balance. This system encourages different playstyles. It allows you to tailor Sam to your preferred approach. You can create a Sam who is a master fighter, an unseen phantom, or the ultimate delivery professional.
The Automaton Threat In Death Stranding 2 Showcases A New Enemy Faction
Human terrorists and ghostly BTs are not your only problems. A third major enemy faction now patrols the world. These foes are strange, robotic automatons. They appear to be creations of the Drawbridge company. You will often find them guarding critical corporate assets. They present an entirely different kind of challenge.
Their movements are precise and calculated. Automatons follow strict patrol routes. They lack the chaotic nature of human MULEs. Their metallic bodies are also resistant to standard firearms. You will need special equipment to disable them effectively. This requires you to plan your encounters. Their presence adds a new layer of tactical thinking to stealth and combat.
Deeper Connections Through The Evolved Strand System
The original Strand System connected players passively. This idea of asynchronous multiplayer returns. It is now deeper and more interactive. Player structures are more complex and collaborative in nature. You can work with others to build massive projects. These projects permanently alter the world for everyone on your server. The new monorail system is a perfect example of this.
Your actions also have more varied consequences. You can leave behind more than likes and signs. You may find notes left by other players. These notes can offer specific advice or warnings. You might also see echoes of other players’ struggles. These ghosts show you how another porter failed. This helps you avoid the same fate. Connection is now more helpful and more haunting.