Death Stranding 2: Gameplay Reveal of 30 Hours Is A Game Changer

Something unbelievable just happened in the world of gaming previews—content creators got to play Death Stranding 2: On the Beach for over 30 hours ahead of launch. Yes, you read that right. Not 30 minutes, not a heavily controlled demo, but 30 full hours of hands-on gameplay. That's almost unheard of in the industry, and it signals something big: Kojima and his team have serious confidence in this game.

Let's break down why everyone is buzzing about Death Stranding 2—and why it might not just be a sequel, but a full-blown evolution of the franchise.

According to reliable sources, these extended preview sessions offered players access to the first 40% of the game and let them explore nearly half the sequel. But that also means if you play the opening 30 hours, you've still got a majority of the game left. Compared to the original Death Stranding, which already boasted a hefty runtime, this sequel is shaping up to be significantly longer and more complex.

Push Square describes Death Stranding 2 as a "Metal Gear blow-up"—a nod to just how far Kojima Productions has pushed things forward. The comparisons are pretty bold. One outlet even said this feels like going from Metal Gear Solid to Sons of Liberty, a reference that fans will know means a complete overhaul of gameplay, tone, and structure. In short, the DNA of the original remains, but everything around it has been rebuilt.

One of the most exciting parts? Death Stranding 2 isn't just set in the familiar post-apocalyptic landscapes of the first game. This time, you'll be traversing across Mexico and Australia. The terrain is more dynamic than ever, with floods, harsh winds, wildfires, earthquakes, and more all affecting gameplay in real time. Weather matters now, not just visually, but as a full gameplay mechanic.

The Cary Network that Sam helped build in the first game has now been taken over by the Automated Porter Assistance System (APAS)—an AI-driven delivery system that's essentially replaced Sam's role. That twist in the story drives one of the game's biggest themes: Should we have connected? In a world run by AI, what happens to human connection? It's deep, it's timely, and it's pure Kojima.

If you loved the stealth and strategy of Metal Gear Solid V, you're going to love where this is going. The combat in Death Stranding 2 has been completely redesigned. You now have access to a huge arsenal—firearms, stun guns, smoke bombs, and more—and the ability to choose between stealth and direct engagement.

The world itself also encourages exploration in new ways. There are now enemy encampments scattered across the map, similar to what we saw in Phantom Pain. Players will need to sneak in, fight, or creatively bypass threats. And yes, you can still build structures that other players can use, like ladders, bridges, and even full monorail systems. The social connection elements return, but are deeper than ever.

A whole new way to level up is one of the most exciting new features. You'll now improve 12 different types of skills instead of just one Porter rank. For example, using guns will improve your combat skills, and going through rough terrain will improve your terrain skills. You can change how you play like never before.

There's also a more advanced version of the APAS system where you can use memories you find in the game to improve skills like combat, service, and stealth. But there's a catch: you can only pick a certain number, so each one is important. That light-weight RPG system gives you more ways to solve problems.

The world of Death Stranding 2 feels truly alive. The game features a full day-night cycle, which isn't just cosmetic—it affects how you play. It's harder for enemies to spot you at night, opening up new opportunities for stealth.

And the enemies? They've leveled up, too. There are new BT types, including "Watchers" that see you rather than hear you. There are also human survivalist enemies who aren't afraid to open fire. You'll need to be ready for all kinds of encounters—and thankfully, there are plenty of vehicles like motorcycles and trucks available from early in the game to help you navigate faster.

Previewers played the game on a base PlayStation 5 in performance mode, and the feedback is clear: the game runs rock-solid at 60 FPS with no notable hiccups. With the PS5 Pro on the horizon, it's safe to say Death Stranding 2 will likely look even more stunning on upgraded hardware.

The graphics are already receiving praise for their detailed wildlife, immersive biomes, and emotional atmosphere. Combine that with an epic soundtrack, and you've got something that looks and feels like a cinematic experience.

It's no secret that the first Death Stranding was divisive. Some players loved it for its originality, while others found it too slow or too experimental. But even critics admitted the game had moments of brilliance that were truly unlike anything else. Death Stranding 2 looks like it's taken all that feedback to heart.

What we're seeing now is a fully realized version of Kojima's vision. It still retains the soul of the original—delivering cargo and connecting people—but adds so many systems, improvements, and ideas that it almost feels like a reinvention, more freedom, more choice, and more to explore. Simply put, this could be the game that fulfills the potential the first one only hinted at.

Once Death Stranding 2 is out, Kojima has already confirmed he'll be starting work on a brand-new project—"Physint", which he says will be a return to his roots. Many believe this will be a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid, and if the mechanics of Death Stranding 2 are anything to go by, that future looks extremely promising.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches exclusively for PS5 on June 26, 2025, and based on everything we've learned, it's going to be massive. Whether you loved the first game or bounced off it, there's reason to be excited. If the previews are anything to go by, this is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious and polished titles of the generation.