Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (PC) Review
The original Death Stranding was a game that promised much with its visionary design, stunning visuals, and a narrative that straddled the line between the surreal and the profound. However, personal frustrations with its controls and an occasionally perplexing storyline led to a disconnect for some players, myself included. In contrast, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has captivated me entirely. Even on a standard PS5, the game dazzles with its graphics, while the refined controls and more approachable boss encounters enhance the overall experience.
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Industry insights reveal that a significant number of dedicated PC gamers also possess PS5 consoles. This suggests that many players diving into the new Nixxes port of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach may already be familiar with its predecessor. For those who are not, I will refrain from revealing too much of the plot beyond its foundational elements, as the game is rich in emotional depth and unexpected twists, which have been well received in reviews across the board.
Going Down Under
The narrative of the sequel unfolds approximately 11 months after the events of the first game, with Sam Porter Bridges embarking on a mission to connect the Chiral Network to regions in Mexico and Australia. Familiar faces from the original make their return, albeit in various forms, while the core mechanics of traversal have been polished for a smoother experience. The pacing of the story has quickened, introducing more low-level enemies to engage with, all while maintaining the cutting-edge performance capture that fans have come to expect. For those seeking clarity, I encourage you to immerse yourself in the game.
Both titles undoubtedly showcase the creative genius of Hideo Kojima, with the second installment standing as a testament to his vision. If the first game served as an elaborate proof-of-concept, then Death Stranding 2: On the Beach represents a confident realization of that vision. However, it is worth noting that some players have found the sequel to be somewhat easier, and the narrative can still feel elusive, despite its emotional resonance.
Options and More Options
Nixxes has demonstrated their prowess in adapting titles for PC, as seen with previous releases like Ghost of Tsushima and Horizon: Forbidden West. Beyond merely porting the game, they have introduced gameplay modifications that enhance its appeal. Notably, the addition of a new hardcore difficulty setting, dubbed “Into the Wilder,” challenges players by weakening Sam and increasing enemy damage, while also heightening survival challenges. Personally, my focus lies more on the narrative and atmosphere than on combat, but the option for a tougher experience is a welcome addition, showcasing the adaptability of the game’s combat mechanics.
It’s a Stunner
Developers face the daunting task of catering to the diverse hardware configurations of PC gamers, yet Nixxes has excelled with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, ensuring it runs beautifully across a spectrum of settings, from entry-level to high-end systems.
The game boasts impressive upscaling options, including PICO technology and DLSS, along with a comprehensive array of settings such as Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Ambient Occlusion, and Ray Tracing. This level of customization allows players to strike a balance between performance and visual fidelity, regardless of their hardware capabilities. I found the game to run smoothly on a Steam Deck at a lower resolution, and it performed admirably on my ROG handheld. The audio and control options are equally extensive, accommodating various input methods.
In my testing, I utilized both DualSense and Xbox controllers, as well as mouse and keyboard setups, all of which delivered an excellent experience. Reports suggest that the game also performs well with Nintendo Switch 2 Controllers and even some vintage gaming peripherals.
With its breathtaking visuals and refined mechanics, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has rightfully earned its place on numerous “Best of” lists for 2025. The technical mastery of Nixxes in this PC port elevates the game, making it a worthwhile endeavor for both newcomers and those looking to revisit this remarkable journey.
PC code provided by the publisher for review
The Good
- Highly configurable
- Runs well on a range of equipment
- One of the best games of 2025
- Excellent performance
- Additions to the original game
The Bad
- Plot and pacing are still inconsistent
- A little lean on extras
