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Saudi Gazette
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
The ES TIMES – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was released exclusively on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025, offering a new experience developed by Kojima Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Hideo Kojima continues his signature approach of cinematic design, philosophical storytelling, and genre-defying gameplay. Norman Reedus reprises his role as Sam Porter Bridges, joined once again by Léa Seydoux and Troy Baker. New faces include Elle Fanning and George Miller. This time, the story unfolds in post-apocalyptic Mexico and the vast expanses of Australia, reinforcing the game's core message: the importance of human connection in a fractured world. We received a review code directly from PlayStation, allowing us to explore the game and share our insights with you. A fragile peace shatters Death Stranding 2 begins roughly a year after the events of the first game, with Sam and Lou enjoying a quiet life in northern Mexico. Their peace is disrupted when Fragile arrives with a new mission—to expand a communications network called Drawbridge. With BRIDGES now dissolved, a new organization, APAC, emerges as Fragile seeks to reconnect fragmented human settlements around the globe. The mission begins In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Sam embarks on a dangerous journey to reconnect isolated communities across treacherous terrain. While some story points feel familiar, the emotional resonance is stronger. Kojima's blend of science fiction and metaphor remains impactful. A more focused world A more focused world Set in a world on the edge of collapse, the game presents a more coherent and grounded narrative than its predecessor. Unity is the central theme, as couriers risk their lives to reconnect Australia. Unlike the original, this installment emphasizes clear objectives and well-paced subplots. Characters and events are introduced efficiently, maintaining narrative flow. Every scene has purpose—something the first game sometimes lacked. Fantasy and surreal elements are still present, but are now more tightly integrated into the story. Characters like Tomorrow, Fragile, and Rainy receive meaningful introductions. The DHV Magellan serves both as a narrative device and emotional anchor. Sam, once distant, has become more emotionally accessible. His development is one of the game's highlights. Improved use of flashbacks Improved use of flashbacks Flashbacks return but are now smoother and often optional. They feel natural and are easier to follow. Enemies remain visually and narratively threatening, enhancing tension and driving the plot forward. Kojima's philosophical themes remain, but are better structured. The narrative follows a logical progression, keeping players engaged. A deeper world for the curious A robust in-game guide offers detailed explanations on characters, events, and lore. It's accessible even during cutscenes, helping new and returning players avoid confusion. Death Stranding 2 addresses many of the original's narrative weaknesses. Its themes are clearer, its structure more refined, and its emotional beats more resonant. Gameplay: Familiar flow, meaningful expansion Gameplay: Familiar flow, meaningful expansion Smarter controls and accessibility Controls have been streamlined. Crawling and holding your breath are now single-button actions. Inventory management is easier, with faster equipment toggling and discard options. These refinements make transitions between exploration and combat more fluid. Crystal collection and directional shortcuts are now simpler. The interaction system feels more responsive and natural. Physics-based movement and planning Sam's movement still relies on physical realism. Terrain, fatigue, slope, and wind all influence travel. Strategic momentum can be used to navigate slopes and obstacles more efficiently. The environment now has a greater gameplay impact. Weather events and natural disasters influence route planning. As terrain worsens, players must adapt their gear and tactics accordingly. Mobility remains central. Upgraded vehicles offer better storage, power, and defensive options. Infrastructure is vital to navigating sandstorms, earthquakes, and floods. Players use survey tools and predictive systems to avoid danger. A deeper RPG system RPG mechanics are more prominent. Skills like running and stealth evolve through usage. The APAS skill tree now includes five branches: mobility, stealth, tools, combat, and communication. Players can reassign points for flexible builds. Smarter loadout strategies Loadouts can be fragile, temperature-sensitive, or time-limited. Auto-loading remains available but requires thoughtful preparation. Successful missions depend on syncing your gear to the terrain. Combat feels more fluid Weapon-switching is faster. Dropping your pack increases agility. Stealth is enhanced with better camouflage and time-based effects. Enemy behavior adapts to light and sound. Each camp features unique layouts and challenges. However, enemy AI remains mostly static, with many strategies staying effective throughout the game. Boss battles show more variety, though patterns emerge quickly. A deeper resistance system would have added more challenge. Still, mid- and late-game encounters offer standout moments—especially when vehicles are unavailable. Versatile vehicles and creative tools Vehicle behavior changes with load and terrain. Bikes enhance speed but reduce the challenge. New tools support experimentation, and familiar items return early to expand play options. Side quests with real substance Side quests with real substance Side quests are thoughtfully designed, not filler. They revisit familiar locations with new challenges and gear requirements. Some rival the main quests in depth and creativity. Each task requires tailored planning—some favor bikes, others trucks. Hidden paths and secrets reward exploration. Tactical customization and strategy Tactical customization and strategy Weapons display detailed stats—range, noise, durability. Gear degrades, encouraging frequent upgrades. Customization lets players balance speed, power, and carrying capacity. Resource scarcity and slow camp replenishment promote exploration and planning. Players can choose between stealth, non-lethal tools, or aggressive tactics. Improved online and co-op systems Improved online and co-op systems Player-built structures now have greater impact. Generators, ziplines, and shelters provide meaningful support. However, new building types are limited. Shared tools still foster connection. On one occasion, I lacked a ladder to cross a river—until I found one left by another player. It felt like a quiet moment of community. Music and performance: Deeply immersive Music and performance: Deeply immersive Strong performances Elle Fanning, Troy Baker, and especially Norman Reedus deliver emotionally layered performances. Animation and facial capture add nuance. Music in narrative and combat Music plays a stronger narrative role. Tracks like 'Tomorrow' evoke deep emotion. During combat, music dynamically shifts with player actions—building intensity or retreating as needed. Woodkid and Ludvig Forssell's work stands out, with scores that convey fear, hope, and peace. Seamless transitions and reworked themes from the first game add fresh emotional weight. Audio design and environmental detail Audio design and environmental detail Sound design is exceptional. Weapons, weather, and movement effects are carefully engineered. DualSense integration elevates immersion with responsive vibrations and audio cues. Sound enhances every emotional moment—from howling wind to flooded footsteps. Players can now create custom playlists to personalize their experience. Full Arabic localization Full Arabic localization PlayStation continues its commitment to Arabic-speaking audiences by offering full localization. In-game text and menus are accurately translated, maintaining clarity without disrupting immersion. This ensures a more inclusive and comprehensible experience for Arabic players, especially in a narrative-heavy game. Visuals: Breathtaking detail, subtle limitations Visuals: Breathtaking detail, subtle limitations The Decima Engine delivers stunning environments, from Mexico's dry plains to Australia's stormy coasts. Facial animations convey emotion down to the smallest details. Yet, despite the graphical power, much of the terrain consists of wide open spaces with minimal micro-detail. It's breathtaking—but less visually dense than other titles. Still, Death Stranding 2 stands among the most visually accomplished games of this generation. Technical performance: Smooth, seamless Technical performance: Smooth, seamless Performance on PlayStation 5 is nearly flawless. Thanks to the SSD, loading times are negligible. Even during heavy combat or severe weather, frame rates remain stable. Dynamic effects—snow, sand, rain, fog—are immersive and cinematic. Storms and BT encounters are punctuated by striking visuals and soundscapes. Conclusion: Familiar shores, new reflections Conclusion: Familiar shores, new reflections Death Stranding 2: On the Beach refines rather than reinvents. It builds on the first game's emotional core while introducing tighter storytelling, improved mechanics, and smarter worldbuilding. While it reuses some elements, the result is a more focused, satisfying journey that rewards both introspection and exploration. Pros: • Emotionally resonant narrative with poignant moments • Beautifully designed environments • Improved navigation and infrastructure systems • Flexible combat with multiple playstyles • Immersive audio and standout performances • Polished, near-flawless technical execution Cons: • Some narrative elements are recycled from the first game • Certain new characters lack depth • Combat feels less dangerous than before • Asynchronous multiplayer is less innovative Raouf Belhamra – Esports and Gaming Writer
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Games Inbox: What is the hardest game on PS5?
Returnal – not an easy game (Sony Interactive Entertainment) The Monday letters page calls for a new developer to take over the Halo franchise, as one reader recommends Test Drive Unlimited 2 on PS3. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@ Hard won reward There's always a lot of talk about difficulty in video games but for myself I admit I like a hard game. Not all the time but I like to see some variety. If a developer thinks a game should be played at a certain level, I don't like to see them forced to change it, if they don't want to. So that got me thinking about what is the most difficult game on the PlayStation 5? Which is what I play now. Demon's Souls is an obvious one, along with any other Soulslike, but I think it might actually be Returnal. I'm a big fan of the game and I think its difficulty is handled relatively well, in that it's quite possible to get through the majority of the game with careful upgrading of your weapons and learning the rooms. But the last section and getting to the end is so difficult. Beating the game, my heart in my mouth as I risk losing hours of progress, has been one of my exciting and rewarding gaming moments in a very long time (Saros is now my most anticipated game of next year). Curious to know what other readers think though. Zeiss Changing fortunes I realise this isn't exactly topical but if you'd told my young self that Sega would end up quitting the hardware business by the start of the century and that Nintendo would become the most successful (with a few dips) my mind would've been blown. Expert, exclusive gaming analysis Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. To me, at my school, the Nintendo consoles were deeply uncool and overly expensive, which is quite the double-whammy. That can't be an unusual opinion as it's why Nintendo still underperforms here, compared to the rest of the world, and I still have trouble recognising the current reality. I've nothing against them but not only does it show how fortunes change but it also shows that what you assume to be common knowledge or an obvious truth can easily be you living in a bubble. Chondo Scrolling back Interesting Reader's Feature about Fallout and Bethesda. Although I think he's being a little unkind I can't argue that much when it comes to Bethesda's slowness and unwillingness to change (or acknowledge everyone loves New Vegas better than their games). I have to say it does sound very much like Todd Howard, or whoever, pushing their weight around but they've been slow now for decades, long before it became the standard. I'd also take the lack of Starfield news to mean they're starting to sweep the game under the carpet. I 100% agree that Fallout remasters are the way to go in the short term and I think the success of Oblivion pretty much guarantees. What I'd really like though, and what would help them get into fans' good books, is a remake – not a remaster – of Morrowind. There's such a huge difference between that and everything they've put out since that I would live to see them embrace that older style of more complex, stat-based role-player again. Dusker Email your comments to: gamecentral@ Superior drive In response to Magnumstache and games for his PlayStation 3, I would suggest one of my favourite games on the console and one of my favourite games of all time, that is Test Drive Unlimited 2 (if he hasn't got it already). Now that Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown has come out and has severely disappointed the fans, Test Drive Unlimited 2 has now absolutely solidified itself as a great game in the memories of those who played it first time around. And despite still playing Forza Horizon 4 and 5 these days, neither (or in fact any racing game, including any of The Crew games) have come close to being better than that old Eden Games classic. LeighDappa Hand off After seeing the news about the Halo devs being unhappy about their own game it does not sound good for what used to be my favourite franchise. I think it's long past time that the game be taken out of Halo Studios' hands and given to someone else. Much like Phil Spencer himself, I'm not sure how many years of repeated failure are needed before action is taken. I don't know what exactly is going on, and I doubt we'll ever find out, but the remake of Combat Evolved should be especially easy to farm out to someone else. Beyond that, there's plenty of other independent developers that could be given the main game to make. Saber Interactive, for example, or even give it to one of the Call Of Duty teams. Whatever happens it can't be left to rot even further. Mentos Two years later When Hogwarts Legacy was originally released in 2023 your review of it sold me to get it. I am not a Harry Potter fan at all. The price of the game back in 2023 put me off it, as it was £65 and based on Harry Potter franchise. Having conversations with real life friends they said it is an excellent game and I should get it. Before I sold my original Switch in late May I noticed a sale to buy the Switch version for £12.79. So, I did and I bought it to play on the Switch 2, as I knew Portkey were working on the Switch 2 version upgrade. So, when I bought my Switch 2 at launch I downloaded the update for £8.99 for Hogwarts Legacy. I have just completed it now, after 109 hours of playing. Yes, it could have been completed quicker, but this kind of game is right up my street. Explore at my own leisure. No achievements to hunt, which was a blessing. Just play the game at my own pace. No stress of achievement hunting. I can imagine some of the achievements, like probably fill the Room of Requirement. Sod that, just play the game and enjoy it, which I thoroughly did. Shame they haven't got the Star Wars licence, that would be gaming heaven. Same kind of game but with blasters and so on. Keep up the excellent work. woz_007 (NN ID) Old theory I'm beginning to think that GTA 6 will be Bonnie and Clyde inspired. The two heroes will start off normal small time crooks and build to a Red Dead finale. Would a bookie give me odds for this theory? Bobwallett GC: We doubt it. Not least because that was the rumour long before the official annoucement. Growing into it The only online, co-op or multiplayer gaming I engage in is once a week with my niece and nephew. Just not that interested in it and single-player gaming that I can get lost and absorbed in is what I enjoy. For them, online or multiplayer is pretty much all they play. I think that's typical for kids and teenagers these days. It genuinely makes me worry for single-player gaming's future. Maybe they'll grow into it. One of the problems is that most of the notable or worthwhile single-player games aren't really suitable for 12-year-olds. It's not all negative though. The games they do play all have a real sense of play at the core of them. The latest they're enjoying is Ultimate Chicken Horse on Game Pass, which plays like a multiplayer Super Meat Boy with the ability to place items and hazards into the levels to trip your mates up. They're also not obsessed with graphics, games being cross-gen or pushing the limits of the console in a way my generation seem to have grown up valuing. I have got the boy downloading Halo: The Master Chief Collection, so we can do all the single-player campaigns co-op. Seems a good place to start to get a bit of single-player campaigning into their gaming life. Simundo Inbox also-rans I just read that David Wise is not the composer for the new Donkey Kong Bananza game. That surprises me as he did such fantastic work on the other games. Nick The Greek Just found out that it's 10 years this month since Satoru Iwata passed away. Very sad but at the same but obviously Nintendo has done well anyway. Although I do wonder if they're still following his plan for Switch and now he's no longer with us there is no specific plan for the Switch 2. Gazza Email your comments to: gamecentral@ The small print New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers' letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content. You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader's Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot. You can also leave your comments below and don't forget to follow us on Twitter. Arrow MORE: Games Inbox: What is the easiest Soulsborne game? Arrow MORE: Select Games Inbox: What's the best superhero game?Games Inbox: What's the best superhero game? Arrow MORE: Games Inbox: Will Wii games come to Nintendo Switch 2?
Metro
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Games Inbox: What's the best superhero game?
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 – the ultimate superhero game? (Sony Interactive Entertainment) The Thursday letters page hopes Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet has a sense of humour, as another reader calls for Star Wars: Battlefront 3. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@ Binary choice An interesting article about Superman in video games, but I have a hard time imagining that anyone will bother trying to crack the concept when there are easier heroes to put into games. It is still amazing though, how there still aren't that many superhero games in general, even though the peak of the MCU has been and gone. So the question I'm going to ask, of which is the best superhero game, has far fewer options than there really should be. Personally, I think it's probably Midnight Suns, but if we limit ourselves to action games it's really only down to Batman vs. Spider-Man. I would say that Batman: Arkham Asylum and Arkham City are much better games than any of Insomniac's Spider-Man games, even though Insomniac rip-off so much from the Batman titles. However, I'd also say that Spider-Man 2 is a better superhero game, in that it gets the character exactly right in terms of character and what he does. The problem with the Batman games is that they're all set in enclosed spaces and even by the time you get to Arkham Knight, everyone's been evacuated from Gotham, so there's no civilians and you don't get to prevent any random crimes, which you absolutely should be doing in a Batman game. I always figured that was a technical limitation but since we've never had a proper sequel the problem has never been solved. Archie Expert, exclusive gaming analysis Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. Unknown success Interesting article about game sales and how it's difficult to tell whether a game is a hit nowadays, or at least not until many months since it was out. I say this because I'm curious right now as to how Death Stranding 2 is doing. I loved it but it is clearly not a cheap game to make, and I don't know anyone else that's played it and I don't remember anyone writing into the Inbox about it. I see some talk of 1.4 million sales in June, but that doesn't seem very much. Not for a game like that. I know that GC said 1 million is considered the bear minimum for a hit but it's dependent on budget. So what does Death Stranding 2 have to do to break even? We usually know that for a movie but never for a game. It's frustrating. I hope the game has done well enough that Kojima won't be impacted but we probably won't know unless something really bad happens. Damdon Quick turnaround A surprisingly interesting set of results for US game sales in May. I certainly didn't get the impression Elden Ring Nightreign did all that well and it's almost funny how Switch 1 sold 44% less than last year and it still outsold the Xbox Series X/S. How they think they're going to come back from that sort of performance in the next generation I don't know. But I do know telling us that the killer app is AI isn't going to work. Love to see the revival of Star Wars Battlefront 2 too. I'm not sure if it's quite extreme enough for EA to make a sequel though. Even if they started right now it'd take them something like five years to make a new one and whole knows what stay the games industry or Star Wars will be in by that point. Mind you, it was only two years between Battlefront 1 and 2, which is very short nowadays, so maybe they can make it quicker if they use the same tech. Maister Email your comments to: gamecentral@ Remaster masters I try to support games and studios I really appreciate with day one buys and think I'll be doing that with Nightdive Studios' System Shock 2 25th Anniversary Remaster, with its slightly delayed release on console on the 10th of this month. I'm on board with and think they do an excellent and thoughtful job of their manifesto of 'bringing lost and forgotten gaming treasures back from the depths.' I have played System Shock 2 before but will relish a fresh playthrough but have really enjoyed for the first time Powerslave Exhumed and Killing Time: Resurrected from Nightdive Studios. There's so many games I'd love them to take on, like Deus Ex, that maybe might happen if this release does well. Simundo GC: They're definitely the gold standard when it comes to 90s era Western games. Lite preference Spoken to a couple of gamers in real life and one doesn't think there will be Nintendo Switch 2 Lite. I am banking on it. No way am I fetching this version of Nintendo Switch 2. Battery issues, weight, and a myriad of little things not quite right… see YouTube. Games full price around £70 for download keys, maybe if physical. I only want one game, Fast Fusion? I missed out on Fast RMX – a super rare game for Switch 1. I hope Nintendo see the complaints and do what they did with original Switch and make a Switch 2 Lite version, please. Thank you Metro for airing, this so to speak. Simon GC: What battery and weight issues? And no game-key game is £70. Lighten up Won't playing The Last Of Us Part 2 in chronological order mean the flashback at the museum is the first scene? Isn't that going to be really weird? Not that I'm likely to play the new mode. I really liked both games at one point but they feel so overexposed nowadays that I'm just tired of hearing about it, to the point where I don't even know if I'll watch season three of the show. Season two changed a lot of stuff that didn't seem to make any sense, but its biggest problem is that it was so boring. I think it's going to be a mistake dragging the second game out for three seasons, even if it is a longer story overall. I really feel Naughty Dog needs to move on from The Last Of Us and just make something with a little optimism for once. Even the last Uncharted was kind of grimdark, with no supernatural stuff. They need to cheer up a bit, or more importantly try to cheer us up. I don't need to know that the world and everyone in it is awful, I need hope that maybe they're not. And no, the ending of Part 2 does not count towards that. I'm not sure what Intergalactic is about but I hope it's more about fighting robots with not-lightsabers than banging on about religion and faith. I'm not asking them to go back to Crash Bandicoot, but there has to be a middle ground between than and the ultra seriousness of The Last Of Us. Kubert Proper strange Every time it gets pointed out that Valve hasn't made a 'proper' game since Portal 2 it seems so weird to me. I remember 20 years ago when they were being described as the best game developer in the world and the 'Pixar of gaming.' Now I doubt anyone under 30 even realises they used to make games. What saddens me most is it shows Valve were just making games to pay the bills. If they were doing it for the love of the art, they would've carried on even after they made their billions with Steam. I guess sitting around counting your money is more fun? Rascar The lost generation I'm going to be honest here and say that I think the general dislike of the Wii is perfectly justified. I don't think anyone hates it but for me it was the least generation by far for Nintendo. If it wasn't for Super Mario Galaxy there'd barely be anything worthwhile on the whole console and ironically that one sold quite poorly compared to rubbish like New Super Mario Bros. Wii. I guess Mario Kart Wii was okay, since motion controls couldn't ruin that, but Zelda: Skyward Sword was awful and all the new Nintendo franchises were junk like Wii Sports. That game is definitely an important milestone for gaming but it's horribly shallow and barely even pretends to be anything other than a tech demo. I don't hate the Wii, but I do consider it a non-entity that I have no interest in. It was important in terms of getting Nintendo back on top of the game, and no longer bleeding money, but as a console with a lot of enjoyable games… I'd much rather have a N64 or GameCube (I would say or a Wii U but I'm not going to lose credibility by stretching my point too far). We can see today how little Nintendo has kept from that era. A few motion controls in the odd party game and gyro aim. That's it. PlayStation and Xbox don't even have that, so you can easily say that the Wii had no lasting impact on gaming, and it's hard to prove you wrong. Strange that it was the number one selling console of its generation and the Xbox 360, which was the most innovative, did the worst. You could maybe argue that Wii opened up the idea of making games for non-gamers but I'm not sure even that had any lasting impact, beyond mobile games – and they were more influenced by the DS. Tony T. Inbox also-rans Anyone upset about Codemasters not making rally games any more should take a look at this purposefully old school game. Looks great. Edrona I notice there's only a small number of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 review out so far and they all seem to be America. Did you not get sent a copy, GC? Ansel GC: We have one now, but it arrived late. Given how there are no UK reviews yet, everyone else seems to be in the same boat. Email your comments to: gamecentral@ The small print New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers' letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content. You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader's Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot. You can also leave your comments below and don't forget to follow us on Twitter. Arrow MORE: Games Inbox: Will Wii games come to Nintendo Switch 2? Arrow MORE: Games Inbox: What will be the setting for GTA 7? Arrow MORE: Games Inbox: What will be the first Mario Kart World DLC?
Express Tribune
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox in August after successful PlayStation launch
Sony Interactive Entertainment's Helldivers 2, a co-op third-person shooter, is set to make its debut on Xbox Series X and S on August 26, 2024. The game, originally exclusive to PlayStation and PC, will now expand its reach to Microsoft's gaming platform, marking a notable step in the ongoing trend of cross-platform releases in the gaming industry. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by PlayStation, Helldivers 2 invites players to join an elite team of soldiers on a mission to spread "peace, liberty, and Managed Democracy" across the galaxy. With up to four players in a squad, the game is known for its explosive gameplay and strategic destruction. The title received positive feedback after its February 2024 release on PlayStation and PC, both commercially and critically. "We know gamers have been asking for this for some time, and we are excited to bring more Helldivers into our game," said Mikeal Eriksson, game director for Helldivers 2. "The more players we have, the more stories we can tell. The fight for Super Earth has only just begun." The announcement comes as Xbox continues to push the boundaries of platform exclusivity. Earlier in 2024, Microsoft released Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PlayStation, signaling further steps toward breaking down traditional console barriers. While PlayStation has yet to match this level of cross-platform movement, Helldivers 2 on Xbox signifies a significant shift in how exclusives are handled in the gaming world. For a first look, fans can watch Thursday's Helldivers 2 announcement trailer, available now.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
All Environmental Hazards and Effects in Death Stranding 2
Image via: Sony Interactive Entertainment While Death Stranding 2 may pick up Sam Porter Bridges' travels through these uncharted and dangerous terrain like Mexico to Australia, the game's environmental threats churning travel quickly begins to become more than a long subway ride to work, a primal race against death. Far from just setting the stage, these environmental hazards act as colorful puzzles, forcing players to predict, react, and creatively use their arsenal of weaponry to overcome them. Here's an exhaustive scenic tour of each ecological calamity in the video game, how they'll block your path, and the smartest methods to salvage those square-tiled travels. Timefall : The Rain That Ages All Perhaps the most well-known hazard returning from the original Death Stranding, Timefall is a rain that rapidly ages anything it comes into contact with cargo containers, equipment, even the terrain itself. Effect : Timefall slowly increases damage to cargo container health, risking the integrity of your precious contents inside and jeopardizing your precious S Rank delivery. In addition, when it comes into contact with rain, the damage multiplies if dropped or used incorrectly. Strategy : Make sure you always have a Container Repair Spray unlocked extremely early in the game and deploy it right after the rain stops. For demolition, construct a timefall shelter with PCC. Though these shelters only offer the benefits of standard cargo storage when vacant, once filled with repellant, they offer protection from BTs, making them a useful tool in dangerous areas. Death Stranding 2: 10 Things The Game DOESN'T TELL YOU Strong Winds : Sandstorms That Steal Your Balance Exploring far out across vast, arid, wilderness-like terrains exposes Sam to fast-moving, fierce sandstorms that come in the shape of Strong Winds. Effect : Strong winds resulting in impossible visibility from blowing snow make it deadly for walkers. When loaded with delicate freight, small impacts can create a dramatic chance of toppling or being upended by the breeze, causing large freight losses. Strategy : When you see the first wafts of sand dancing in the air far on the horizon, prepare for the storm. Look for natural cover, rock faces, structures, or walls and let Sam experience a bit of R&R by pressing Square to regain stamina. If the wind is at your back, this can work to your advantage on your journey, giving you a boost from the tailwind and reducing your travel time. Earthquakes : The Ground Beneath Unyielding and cataclysmic, an earthquake can level even the most experienced porter. Effect : Underbelly inequities Violent tremors cause cargo spills, as flammable container fires crossed the road, and risk of liquefaction-induced landslides. It's harder to move and stay balanced if the ground is shaking and rolling. You're more likely to fall and injure yourself. Strategy : Choosing impact categories When the big one hits, don't panic, find open ground and stay there until the shaking stops. If you do fall, having your cargo well tied down and as close to the ground as possible will guarantee that you cause as little loss as possible. Rising Waters: Nature's Sudden Barrier Frighteningly enough, crossing rivers has never been safe in Death Stranding. Death Stranding 2 raises that risk a hundredfold with surprise spikes in water depth. Effect : Sudden unexpected high tides can wash Sam and his precious cargo away, making some sections treacherous passages at times. Strategy : Carefully scout every road crossing ahead of time and look for alternate paths. Once water begins to enter, if it's flooding over the top, return to higher ground and ride the storm out. Whatever the cause, the attempt to cross a flood will just about always make for a tragic outcome. Things I Wish I Knew Earlier In Death Stranding 2 (Crucial Tips & Tricks) Tar Pits and Tar Seas : Death by Voidout These dark, treacherous pits are not just dangerous traps. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Chrissy Metz Is So Skinny Now And Looks Gorgeous Undo They're deadly deathtraps. Effect : If your feet sink too deep in tar, you begin to sink, cargo becomes damaged, or even a Voidout occurs (a large explosion resulting from dying near BTs). Strategy : Run, don't walk to escape this one. If it's impossible to avoid tar zones, establish a route around tar zones or deploy equipment capable of reaching above dangerous areas. Where Death Stranding 2 really shines is in making its unique environments more than just window dressing. They're unpredictable, powerful, visceral risks that can upend even the best-laid plans to which we've worked so hard. Every hazard needs to be learned. Even more than the opportunity to build this world safe enough to survive, is this hope that we can bring from a healed and mended world—hope over a broken and splintered world. So pack smart, walk safe, and never underestimate the first wrath of Mother Nature. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
