Summary
In the world ofDeath Stranding, the Beach is a metaphysical, liminal space that exists between the world of the living and the world of the dead, serving as a purgatory of sorts for individuals transitioning from life to death. Every individual has their own unique Beach — shaped by their consciousness, memories, and emotions — and when someone dies, their soul passes through this Beach before moving on to the other side. Some people, like Sam Porter Bridges, can even access the Beach while they’re alive through a condition known as “DOOMS.” The Beach was highly symbolic and significant toDeath Stranding’s lore, and it seems as though it will be even more so inDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach.
GivenDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach’s title, it’s primed to focus more on the concept and reality of the Beach than its predecessor did. In fact, it would make sense forDeath Stranding 2to take players to the Beach numerous times throughout its story, as its subtitle implies that at least part of the story will indeed take place on the Beach itself. As such, it’s worth considering which BeachesDeath Stranding 2might and arguably should explore, as that will ultimately reveal more about the individuals those Beaches belong to.
The Beaches Death Stranding 2 Should Explore
Lou/Tomorrow’s Beach
One of the Beaches that may hold the most narrative and worldbuilding potential inDeath Stranding 2belongs to Lou (BB-28), the Bridge Baby Sam carries throughout most of the first game. Based on the footage shown so far, Lou is now a bit older inDeath Stranding 2, and there’s a considerable possibility that she is more than human. There is still a lot of mystery surrounding who Lou is and what her ultimate purpose may be, and visiting herBeach inDeath Stranding 2might shed more light on that.
It would make sense forDeath Stranding 2to take players to the Beach numerous times throughout its story, as its subtitle implies that at least part of the story will indeed take place on the Beach itself.
The idea of visiting Lou’s Beach inDeath Stranding 2is even more compelling when considering that Tomorrow, Elle Fanning’s character in the sequel, could actually be Lou. Tomorrow clearly has a strong connection to the Beach, as she is shown inDeath Stranding 2’s pre-order trailercrying black tears, just like Higgs, one ofDeath Stranding’s antagonists. If Tomorrow is indeed Lou, then visiting her Beach inDeath Stranding 2might give players a chance to see how Lou’s older self has managed to travel through time, as well as what her larger purpose might be.
Sam’s Beach
Another Beach that would be worth revisiting inDeath Stranding 2is Sam’s. Players briefly bore witness to Sam’s Beach in the first game, but there’s a chance it has changed between the events ofDeath Strandingand its sequel. In the first game, Sam’s Beach was really just a haunting void. There’s a chance, however, that his Beach has become more pleasant due to his bond with Lou maturing over time. PerhapsDeath Stranding 2could see players revisiting Sam’s Beach throughout the story to witness any changes that might take place in accordance with major plot points.
Higgs' Beach
One Beach that seems all but confirmed to show up again inDeath Stranding 2is Higgs', simply because he was left stranded on his Beach at the end of the first game and has somehow returned in the sequel. Whether he is still on his Beach or returns to the living world from his Beach doesn’t really matter, asDeath Stranding 2is likely to bring players back to his Beach again regardless. In the firstDeath Stranding, Higgs' Beach was depicted as a volcanic wasteland, and now that he has been isolated on his Beach between the first game and the sequel, there’s a strong chance it is even more desolate, decayed, broken, and warped.
Fragile’s Beach
Fragile’s arc of redemption is one of the most emotional side stories ofDeath Stranding’s narrative, but it is far from over. With her returning as what appears to be a key character inDeath Stranding 2, her Beach is likely to be one that players will visit as well. If that likelihood is lower,Death Stranding 2arguably should feature Fragile’s Beach at some point, as players could then witness the inner healing she went through over the course of the first game’s narrative. Once shown as a cold, bleak atmosphere, Fragile’s Beach could be warmer and calmer, reflecting how she has begun to overcome the guilt of her past.
