Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is officially here and is already being touted by many as a strong Game of the Year contender. While our review is still in progress, we’ve had a blast playing through the game’s first 10 hours.
But for new players, Death Stranding isn’t exactly beginner-friendly. With all its out-of-this-world concepts and Kojima’s unique brand of strangeness, there’s a lot to unpack for those just booting up the sequel, especially if they skipped the first game.
In this beginner’s guide, here are six things you should know to make your Death Stranding 2: On the Beach journey worthwhile:
It’s a Slow Burn
The biggest mistake new players make is expecting to be thrown into the action right away.
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+ 4Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding isn’t about fast-paced thrills. Instead, it’s a slow-burn adventure where Norman Reedus reconnects fractured countries to the Chiral Network (essentially the internet) after an apocalyptic event called the Death Stranding unleashed ghosts and horrors upon the world. If you’re wondering what this game is even about, check out our primer here.
Yes, it’s part walking simulator, part action game, but that’s not a bad thing. Players who enjoy slower-paced indie games or films that take their time will likely feel right at home. Those who crave instant action may find it less appealing, and that’s perfectly fine.
Offload Your Backpack During Tense Encounters
One of the biggest changes in Death Stranding 2 is the ability to offload your backpack safely before a tense encounter or boss fight.
click to enlarge + 4For example, if you’re about to raid a Bandit Camp, it’s best to stash your cargo in a safe spot and retrieve it once the threats are dealt with.
Previously, Sam would simply drop everything on the ground. Now, you can safely store your items and even secure your backpack by tightening it with the Strand tool.
Listen to the Music Player
The music player is easily one of my favorite new features in Death Stranding 2. Not only does it provide a fitting atmosphere as you traverse barren landscapes, but Kojima’s music selection often resonates deeply with players. If you’re into music, you’re bound to discover at least one artist that captivates you.
You won’t gain access to the music player until Episode 3, but we’ve got a guide on how to unlock it.
Use the Floating Carrier
Not every place in Death Stranding can be traversed using a vehicle. Which is why floating carriers have been my go-to tools ever since the first game. They’re incredibly useful and act as overpowered mobile transport units when you don’t have access to a vehicle. Powered by Chiral Crystals, they don’t consume much energy and you can often find crystals while exploring Mexico or Australia.
click to enlarge + 4You can load heavy cargo onto a Floating Carrier, and if one isn’t enough, you can attach a second that will follow you as well. It’s totally broken. Just keep in mind they aren’t indestructible.
You can unlock the Floating Carrier after finishing Episode 3.
Learn the Strand System
Believe it or not, Death Stranding has multiplayer elements. While you won’t see other players in real time, the world feels shared and interconnected.
click to enlarge + 4Here’s how it works: the game places you in a massive server filled with other players doing their own deliveries. You can help each other by constructing structures like bridges, watchtowers, generators, and postboxes and that will appear in others’ worlds. Likewise, you’ll benefit from what other players have built. Kojima calls it the “Strand” system, and it’s a bit like Dark Souls' online features, but with more interactivity.
In Death Stranding 2, you can even request tools and weapons. If another player sees your request, they can respond by lending what they have. It’s a neat little feature that I have yet to explore further.
Help Build Roads and Monorails
Helping others has always been part of the Death Stranding experience. Kojima’s theme of “connecting” people comes to life through the Strand system.
In the first game, players could work together to build an expansive road network by contributing resources to road pavers. These roads weren’t easy to complete, which is why community cooperation mattered. You might even log in and find that roads have already been completed by others.
In Death Stranding 2, roads return, and they’re just as essential. But the sequel also introduces a new system in Australia: the Monorail. This massive transport feature allows for moving heavy cargo over long distances. It’s harder to build than roads, requiring more materials, and once again highlights the importance of cooperation among players.
Death Stranding 2 is ultimately a game about connection. Every structure built, every item shared, and every road paved is part of a collective effort that makes the journey better for everyone.
For more Death Stranding 2 and our upcoming review, stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com, the best website for Hideo Kojima’s games.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Guides and Death Stranding page.