Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to redefine the series with massive upgrades in both visuals and gameplay, offering a stunning showcase of the Decima Engine’s capabilities. A new comparison video from Nick930 on YouTube pits the upcoming sequel against the Director’s Cut of the original Death Stranding, and the difference is striking. The footage, captured on the PlayStation 5 Pro, highlights major improvements in character models, environments, animations, and overall polish. 
It’s evident that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach takes full advantage of the Decima Engine, making the two games feel worlds apart despite their five-year gap.
More than just a visual upgrade, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach builds on the foundation of the first game, improving both gameplay and narrative structure. While still a wild ride of Hideo Kojima’s best (and sometimes most perplexing) ideas, the sequel feels more cohesive and immersive. As noted in a review-in-progress by Kai, the game blends Kojima’s signature quirky elements into a more refined experience-though it still doesn’t fully explain everything that’s going on. The blend of absurdity and innovation is what makes this title truly unique.
The game will be available globally on PlayStation 5 on June 26th, with Deluxe Edition owners getting a 48-hour head start thanks to early access. If you’ve been waiting for the next chapter in the Death Stranding saga, this is one title you won’t want to miss!