It feels like it has been a long wait, but Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is here, continuing the story of Sam, Lou, Fragile, and their friends as they aim to make even more connections this time around. The world of Death Stranding 2 is vast and weird, however, meaning there are plenty of things players should be aware of before taking their first steps.
While players are essentially handed the world in many ways and encouraged to approach it in their own way in Death Stranding 2, there are still plenty of things they should never do. Avoiding these "cardinal sins" can help players succeed at every job and get to the end of the game's story in the best state possible.
As a Father, Death Stranding 2 Is Making Me Never Want to Leave Home Again
Death Stranding 2 is stirring something unexpected in me as a father, reshaping how I see Lou and making it harder than ever to leave her behind.
What Players Should Avoid Doing in Death Stranding 2
Not Planning Routes
Routes were important in Death Stranding, and they're probably even more important in Death Stranding 2. With harsher terrain, perilous environmental effects, and another unfamiliar journey ahead, players should always plan their routes before they set out to complete an order. This not only allows them to get a lay of the land and any potential or active environmental hazards ahead of time, but it also ensures they will never miss a beat when it comes to optimizing their time and making the most efficient use of their expedition.
Not Using the Odradek Scanner
Sam is equipped with a variety of different tools in Death Stranding 2, and that becomes even more true as players progress through the story and complete orders. However, there is no tool comparable to the Odradek scanner, which allows players to scan the environment to reveal important information. By using the scanner, players can reveal difficult terrain, lost cargo and items, their footprints and the footprints of other players, any routes they've planned, and much more. Ignoring the scanner completely can make life very difficult for players, although some of Death Stranding 2's hardcore audience might see that as a rite of passage.
Rushing Anything
Attempting to rush anything in Death Stranding was a big mistake, and that's all the more true in Death Stranding 2. Rushing can not only quickly see Sam landing flat on his face with his cargo scattered everywhere, but it can also attract nearby BTs and other enemies. As such, it's almost always best to just take it easy if possible, holding onto those triggers often to ensure both Sam and his cargo stay upright at all times in Death Stranding 2. This will prevent damage to the cargo, as well as to Sam himself.
Neglecting Cargo Arrangement
There is a multitude of cargo to pick up and deliver in Death Stranding 2, and that includes what players acquire from actual orders and then any they find on the road between destinations. However, while it might be tempting to simply pile it on top of the stack, doing so can easily throw off Sam's balance and make deliveries even more difficult than they already are. As such, using the game's "Auto-Arrange Cargo" function can help ensure the arrangement of the cargo on Sam's body is positioned for optimal balance. Neglecting that will just make things more difficult than they need to be.
Skipping Naps and Showers
Given how realistic Death Stranding 2 is in its visuals and physics, it's fitting that Sam would need to take regular naps and showers in order to stay healthy for the journey ahead. Taking a nap in Death Stranding 2 restores battery levels and stamina, fixes minor cargo damage, and can even help players skip weather events and things of the sort. Showers, on the other hand, not only make Sam look clean, but they also produce Chiral Crystals and cure sunburn. In light of those benefits, skipping naps and showers in Death Stranding 2 prevents players from optimizing their gameplay.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- June 26, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Violence, Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Kojima Productions
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
WHERE TO PLAY
