Death Stranding 2: On the Beach's level designer, Hiroaki Yoshiike, has unveiled significant combat upgrades. While the first game treated combat as a secondary obstacle, the sequel transforms it into a core gameplay pillar, inspired by director Hideo Kojima's vision.

The original Death Stranding captivated players with its unconventional focus on traversal and cargo delivery, where combat often took a backseat. However, Death Stranding 2 introduces mechanics like skippable boss fights and flexible cargo management, streamlining combat encounters without sacrificing depth.

In a recent Edge magazine feature (via GamesRadar+), Yoshiike detailed the game's three-pronged combat system: direct confrontation, stealth takedowns, or evasion. The standout feature is the advanced enemy AI, which reacts intelligently to player behavior—detecting disturbances from afar and employing varied countermeasures beyond simple pursuit.

Notably, Death Stranding 2 incorporates Metal Gear-inspired stealth mechanics, a nod to Kojima's legacy. Players can now eliminate foes silently, a strategy previously impractical in the series.

Audience tests indicate that Death Stranding 2 is outperforming its predecessor, suggesting fans welcome the sharper combat focus. Whether these changes elevate the overall experience will be clear upon its release.