Summary
- Death Stranding 2 rewritten to address COVID-19 themes, gun control, and technological reliance.
- Sequel emphasizes combat, societal fragmentation, isolation, and global connection post-pandemic.
- Automated deliveries in the game echo modern reliance on technology, raising questions about connection.
It’s not uncommon for Hideo Kojima to base his stories on real-world events, social issues, and technological advancements, despite the fact that his narratives are often science fiction and supernatural in nature and therefore exaggerate said occurrences. He has even joked before about accidentally “predicting” the COVID-19 pandemic with the release of Death Stranding, which highlighted the issues of isolation and fragile supply chains. However, that game’s upcoming sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is primed to hit closer to home than many of Kojima’s games ever have, if its recent pre-order trailer is anything to go by.
Coincidentally, the story of Death Stranding 2 was actually rewritten to intentionally tie in with the global COVID-19 pandemic, which should make its themes all the more relevant to today’s players. Additionally, based on Death Stranding 2‘s pre-order trailer, the sequel seems to address the ongoing conversation surrounding gun control, as well as the advent of AI and its use in modern production and delivery. All things considered, Death Stranding 2 may be one of Kojima’s most relevant games yet, which means it might also make a stronger connection with players in the long run.
Related
Why Death Stranding 2’s Sam Might Not Be the Same Sam From the First Game
There is plenty of evidence to show that the Sam players knew from the first Death Stranding may not be the same in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.
Death Stranding 2’s Themes Are Relevant to Today
Death Stranding 2 Seems to Address the Ongoing Conversation Surrounding Guns
One of the biggest overhauls being made to the first game’s formula in Death Stranding 2 is a renewed emphasis on combat. The first Death Stranding largely discouraged players from engaging in direct combat with NPCs, but it seems the sequel will do the exact opposite. As a result, there is a greater focus on guns in Death Stranding 2, and the game’s pre-order trailer even indicates that the story will somehow address the ongoing conversation surrounding gun control in America. Whether it ends up being a critique of the topic or whether it strikes a balance between sides remains a mystery, but it may nonetheless play a part in Death Stranding 2‘s story.
Death Stranding 2’s COVID-19 Inspirations Will Likely Emphasize Isolation and Societal Fragmentation
Something else Death Stranding 2 is doing on purpose that its predecessor did unintentionally is that it will focus on the effects of connection, isolation, and societal fragmentation — all of which were a product of the COVID-19 pandemic in the real world. Ultimately, this means Death Stranding 2‘s story will likely connect with players on a global level, who have all experienced the effects of lockdowns and social distancing, both directly and indirectly. At the very least, players will be encouraged to reflect on the life-changing event once more, and it may even stir an emotional response in them.
The first Death Stranding heavily emphasized themes of isolation as well, both in its narrative and its mechanics, but the sequel is poised to do it more deliberately than its predecessor.
Death Stranding 2’s Automated Deliveries Parallel a World Reliant on Technology
Technology has become more of a necessary part of life in the 2020s, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic essentially forced everyone to separate. People now have access, more than ever, to contactless deliveries, where they can order a product from the comfort of their home and have it delivered to their doorstep. Death Stranding 2 now features automated deliveries in much the same way, though the full extent of that concept and how it might affect gameplay is currently unknown. The idea was likely implemented due to the “walking simulator” criticisms the first game received, and it should prove to be more relevant to today’s technology-reliant world.
Additionally, one of Death Stranding 2‘s taglines is, “We should not have connected,” which is, yet again, something that is likely to hit close to home with modern audiences. As such, its story will likely center around the downsides of connection, of which there are many. While the advent and growing popularity of social media, smartphones, and convenient applications have allowed people to stay connected in the digital sense, they have simultaneously encouraged physical disconnection through the convenience of virtual connection. It could be that Death Stranding 2 boldly leans into this concept, emphasizing the long-term effects of physical isolation and disconnect.
Death Stranding 2‘s story will likely connect with players on a global level, who have all experienced the effects of lockdowns and social distancing, both directly and indirectly.
With themes such as those showcased in Death Stranding 2‘s pre-order trailer, the sequel is shaping up to be a true reflection of the real world. With its focus on post-pandemic society, the consequences of connectivity, and even the ongoing discourse surrounding gun control, Kojima’s latest narrative could resonate with players on an unprecedented level. Whether it serves as a critique, a warning, or simply a reflection of modern times, Death Stranding 2 is primed to leave players contemplating its story long after they exit the game for the final time.
- Released
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June 26, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ // Violence, Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Publisher(s)
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Sony Interactive Entertainment