The cycle of day and night in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will not only be a beautiful effect, but will also expand the tactical ability of players

By: Vladyslav Nuzhnov | 12.05.2025, 15:53

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has officially gone gold, and ahead of its release in June 2025, the developers have shared details about the new game mechanics. One of the most interesting novelties is the cycle of day and night, which not only decorates the world but also adds new tactical opportunities for players.

Here's What We Know

Hideo Kojima decided to implement a change of time of day in the new Death Stranding installment, which was not available in the original game due to technical limitations of the engine. In a conversation with IGN, he explained that he wanted to give players a real sense of the passage of time in the open world - watching the sunrise and sunset, which adds depth to the atmosphere.

The cycle of day and night affects the gameplay: at night, it is easier to hide from enemies, but more difficult to navigate in the dark. On the contrary, during the day, visibility is better, but the risk of being noticed increases. This creates new challenges for players, who now have to choose the best time to move depending on the situation.

Initially, the night scenes were too dark, so the team made many changes to the lighting to maintain a balance between realism and gameplay comfort. Kojima also noted that the lighting in the cutscenes changes depending on the time of day, which makes each viewing experience unique.

Unlike Metal Gear Solid 5, where time could be sped up by smoking in the game, in Death Stranding 2, players can simply go to sleep in a private room to wait for the dawn. It's a natural way to control time and plan travel, especially if someone doesn't want to take any risks at night.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach takes place 11 months after the events of the first part and brings Sam Porter Bridges to Mexico and Australia. Players will be able to explore new locations, use an expanded arsenal of equipment and weapons, and face natural disasters that affect the gameplay.

The game is scheduled to release on 26 June 2025 exclusively for PlayStation 5.

We would like to remind you that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will have two modes of operation: it is up to you to choose between quality and performance. In addition, Sony is preparing a limited edition of DualSense controllers designed in the style of Death Stranding 2.

Source: IGN