Exploring Australia in Death Stranding 2 on PS5

Hideo Kojima has never been one to play it safe. With the upcoming release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the visionary game creator brings a bold new chapter to the series, and this time, it’s set against a surprising and spectacular backdrop: Australia.
Yes, you read that right. Australia in Death Stranding 2 is not a fleeting moment or a quick stop in Sam Bridges’ journey. It’s a fully realised, richly detailed environment that plays a key role in the game’s story, design and emotional impact.

For Australian gamers and global fans alike, this shift isn’t just exciting, it’s a meaningful evolution that could change how Australia is portrayed in gaming forever.

From the American Frontier to the Aussie Wilderness

Set 11 months after the events of the first game, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach picks up with Sam living a quiet life, until a request from Fragile leads him from Mexico across the Pacific to Australia. It’s here that the stakes rise, and the path forward requires navigating everything from rocky ridges to rain-soaked bushland.

According to Kojima, the choice to include Australia in Death Stranding 2 was both thematic and geographic. Australia’s isolated location, bordered by sea on all sides, mirrors the emotional and narrative detachment felt in the post-apocalyptic world. Like the United Cities of America (UCA) in the original, Australia becomes a blank canvas, a fractured society in desperate need of reconnection.

But this isn’t just about symbolism. Kojima Productions has gone to great lengths to capture the country’s biodiversity. Players will explore a lush animal sanctuary home to kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and more, all brought to life with the PS5’s graphical power and meticulous design.

A Living, Breathing Landscape

What sets Australia in Death Stranding 2 apart from typical game settings is how Kojima uses the environment as more than a backdrop. The landscape is dynamic, dangerous and constantly changing.

Earthquakes can strike suddenly, sending Sam tumbling under falling rocks. Heavy rain can flood rivers and wash away planned routes. Bushfires can break out, requiring players to use new tools like the tar cannon to create safe passage.

It’s this level of environmental realism that elevates the game’s setting from aesthetic to essential. Australian terrain becomes a gameplay challenge that tests players’ strategy, adaptability and understanding of risk.

An added day and night cycle also brings tension to exploration. Daytime reveals more detail and visibility, but also exposes players to detection. At night, stealth becomes easier, but so do mistakes. Whether crossing ridges or navigating rainforests, Australia offers a distinctly tactile experience unlike anything in the original Death Stranding.

Kojima’s Creative Vision Meets Cultural Representation

In a recent PlayStation Blog interview, Kojima revealed that Australia was chosen after significant consideration. Eurasia was too large, and Africa didn’t fit the theme. But Australia, with its unique geography, cultural symbolism and ecological diversity, made perfect sense.

This marks a major moment for representation in gaming. Too often, Australia is either omitted or reduced to desert clichés and rugged stereotypes. But Australia in Death Stranding 2 is depicted with nuance, depth and respect, from its ecosystems to its emotional relevance in the overarching story.

Kojima uses Australia not only to challenge Sam but also to reflect on the game’s evolving philosophy. If the first Death Stranding was about building connections, the sequel asks, should we have connected at all? It’s a poignant question, especially when explored through a land known for both its isolation and its fierce community spirit.

Enhanced Gameplay and Narrative Choice

The sequel also offers more freedom in how you play. Players can customise Sam’s stats and traits through a new system called APAS Enhancement, deciding whether to focus on stealth, combat, porting skills or support functions.

Proficiency levels increase based on how you play, whether you’re braving rough terrain or building infrastructure. It’s a direct reflection of player choice, with meaningful consequences.

Combat is more flexible too, offering everything from firearms and grenades to electrified poles and holographic deception. You can fight your way through, sneak past enemies or outthink them with creative tools and terrain.

As always with Kojima, the gameplay serves the story. And in this case, the story is deeply intertwined with the land. That’s what makes Australia in Death Stranding 2 feel like more than a destination. It’s a central pillar of the experience.

Final Thoughts: Australia, Reimagined

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach isn’t just expanding the series. It’s redefining what settings in video games can represent. By making Australia in Death Stranding 2 a core part of the narrative and gameplay, Kojima has created something that feels both epic and intimate.

This is Australia not as an afterthought or novelty, but as a living world with emotional and thematic weight. From its rainforests and deserts to its creatures and challenges, this land becomes a stage for a larger question: what does it mean to reconnect, and is it always worth it?

Whether you’re an Aussie player seeing your home represented like never before, or a global fan ready to step into unfamiliar territory, Death Stranding 2 promises an unforgettable journey.

Want more? Click here for Expedition 33: How to Parry Like a Pro – Tech Drive Play

Zachary Skinner

Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.