Death Strandinghas proven to be one of the most unique games in recent years. Although Hideo Kojima’s first fully independent offering may not have struck a chord with every gamer,Death Strandingremains a mind-bending and compelling world that pushes the boundaries of what storytelling in games can be like.

Kojima took a bold risk with this post-apocalyptic world, and it ultimately paid off. The game recently surpassed 20 million players,marking a huge milestone forDeath Stranding. On top of that, a sequel is also on the way, titledDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach. With the first chapter continuing to draw in players and a follow-up on the way, 2025 is the perfect time to revisitDeath Stranding.

Death Stranding Tag Page Cover Art

Death Stranding 2is one of the biggest titles slated for the summer, and based on sneak peeks from its various trailers, Kojima is promising an even bigger story this time around. Withan electric guitar-wielding Higgsreturning as a villain and a giant tar mech,Death Stranding 2has somehow managed to one-up the wonderful wackiness of its predecessor. However, a lot of players may need a refresher ahead of the next chapter.

Death Strandingis also set to get a film adaptation through A24.A Quiet Place: Day OneandPigdirector Michael Sarnoski has recently been hired to direct and write the screenplay.

An Imaginative Story With a Deep Well of Lore

While the world ofDeath Strandingis fascinating, its lore can often be mind-numbing to keep track of. From BTs to the concept of the Beach itself, the game’s main premise revolves around a world ravaged by ghostly beings bleeding over from the afterlife and causing nuclear explosions, forcing much of society to live underground in isolation. This explanation is just merely scratching the surface ofDeath Stranding’s story, and its sequel is bound to dive even deeper into this complex lore.

Kojima took a bold risk with this post-apocalyptic world, and it ultimately paid off.

For those who really want to get an effective refresher ahead of the sequel, playing through the game again may be the best way to do so. Of course, there are plot summaries available on the internet, but fans wanting a more detailed retelling of protagonistSam’s journey to connect societywill want to jump into the deep end with a playthrough.

Some ofDeath Stranding 2’s new cast members include Elle Fanning, Luca Marinelli, and Alissa Jung.

Death Stranding 2 Has Teased Some Exciting Changes

Based on the latest footage revealed at SXSW,Death Stranding 2looks to be bringing forth a lot of exciting upgrades. More dynamic weather and landscapes, a larger cast, and hints at more action-focused moments may makeDeath Stranding 2a stronger game overall. There’s no way to know this until the game launches, of course, but the hinted changes have definitely been compelling. In order to really appreciate these differences, experiencing the firstDeath Strandingmay also be the best way to properly compare the two.

As the launch ofDeath Stranding 2draws closer, time is running out to get a thorough playthrough of the first chapter. The sequel looks set to have plenty of brain-melting surprises in store for players, and revisiting the game that started it all would serve as a great appetizer to get back into theDeath Strandingmindset.