There will be an interesting new accessibility feature coming to exploration across an unrecognizable future America, delivery missions, structure building, and some combat elements. This new feature for the sequel aims to let as many people as possible experience the game's narrative without any difficult frustrations.
Game director Hideo Kojima shared in an episode of the TBS Podcast (language in Japanese) that Death Stranding 2 will allow players to skip boss fights after a first defeat and then continue the story. The game's boss fight and any story elements will then be presented to the player as text and visual images, akin to a visual novel, so players don't miss any new story beats that may occur during the boss fight. Presumably, this feature is only available on "easy" difficulty (via GamesRadar+).
Why Death Stranding 2 Lets You Skip Boss Fights
Everyone Can Experience The Narrative
Hideo Kojima, the father of the Metal Gear Solid franchise, is no stranger to innovation in game features and unique takes on existing gameplay systems. Adding the ability to skip bosses completely on the lowest difficulties will open up the opportunity for players with accessibility needs by helping them not get stuck on a challenging boss fight. It's also a good option for anyone who has less interest in the gameplay of Death Stranding but still wants to see how the story continues in this sequel.
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The addition of the visual novel-like text and images if a player chooses to skip the boss fight is a big addition as well, so players won't miss out on any environmental in-game storytelling that may occur during boss fights. This new feature will open up the door for Death Stranding 2 to be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of skill level.
This Accessibility Option Makes Sense For Death Stranding 2
Hideo Kojima's Games Are Story Heavy
The gameplay loop of Death Stranding has had a mixed reception in the past, with some fans calling it a "walking simulator" and other criticisms of the game levied towards the game's cameos and product placement. But other players enjoy the variety of gameplay and general uniqueness that typically comes with a Kojima game. Adding in a new accessibility option to by boss fights may be controversial to some who could label the feature as "hand-holding," but it feels like a natural fit with Death Stranding's unique premise.
Additional accessibility options are rarely, if ever, a bad thing, so this new feature is sure to satisfy a lot of fans who want to enjoy the game's story but may not be as thrilled about playing through the game's boss fights. No matter what a player's reason for using this feature may be, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is going to have a lot of accessibility options for players who can't wait to experience this game's strange world and story.
Source: Genki/X, TBS Podcast/YouTube, GamesRadar+
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Released
- June 26, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Violence, Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Kojima Productions
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Engine
- Decima
- Franchise
- Death Stranding
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- PS5 Release Date
- June 26, 2025
