Why Death Stranding 2 Is Being Called the First True PS5 Game – Here’s What Sets It Apart
Is Death Stranding 2: On The Beach the first true PS5 game? That’s what a lot of fans are saying, and honestly, it’s a debate that’s heating up fast. After five years of PlayStation 5 being on the market, people are starting to wonder if we finally have a title that really uses all that power under the hood. But what does “real PS5 game” even mean in 2025? Let’s break it down and see what the fuss is all about.
- Why fans are calling Death Stranding 2 the first “real” PS5 game
- What sets it apart from cross-gen titles
- How technical advances and visuals play a role
- The state of next-gen exclusives on PlayStation
- Industry trends and player expectations
What Makes a “Real” PS5 Game?
It’s not just about flashy graphics or quick loading times, though those are definitely part of the conversation. The discussion is everywhere, especially on Reddit (source), and most people point to technical prowess. Think smooth frames, almost non-existent loading screens, and jaw-dropping visual fidelity. Clips of lush landscapes and Norman Reedus’s digital doppelganger in Death Stranding 2 are going viral on social media.
The game runs on Guerrilla Games’ Decima engine, which also powers hits like Horizon Zero Dawn. That’s a big deal, since Decima is known for pushing hardware to its limits. Screenshots and gameplay clips are racking up millions of views, and fans are excited to see what a PS5 game can really look like.
Leaving the Last Generation Behind
One major reason Death Stranding 2 feels different is that it’s not juggling multiple console generations. The first Death Stranding ran on PS4 and even mobile, but this sequel is all-in on the new hardware. Developers have been slow to leave the PS4 behind, since so many people still haven’t upgraded. But Sony predicted that 2025 would be the year they move on (source), and Death Stranding 2 is leading that charge.
Is It Worth the Hype?
It’s a fair question. Did people buy a PS5 just to stare at better-looking rocks? There’s a growing sense that the industry is relying on raw power more than fresh ideas, and some fans are feeling a bit cynical. Sony and Microsoft are already teasing new hardware upgrades (source), and yet, many gamers feel like we’re just scratching the surface of what these consoles can do.
Meanwhile, Nintendo is rolling out Switch 2, which, while more powerful, isn’t necessarily bringing the same magic as the original. Most must-play titles are still older games. Yet, as many point out, you can’t enjoy a game’s vision if it doesn’t run smoothly. The real innovation this generation? It’s often coming from smaller studios—just look at titles like Blue Prince, Split Fiction, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. These games are making waves without huge budgets or fancy engines.
Death Stranding 2: More Than Just Looks?
To be fair, Death Stranding 2 isn’t just a pretty face. The game’s realistic fluid simulations and environmental details actually impact gameplay. As Sam Bridges, players will have to navigate terrain where even a small pebble can spell disaster. That level of detail could define what “next-gen” really means. Still, even Hideo Kojima has admitted the project is both “deeply commercial and safe.” So, can something be both a product of the system and a genuine leap forward? Absolutely.
What Does It All Mean for Gamers?
The excitement around Death Stranding 2 says a lot about what players feel is missing from this generation. People want to be wowed, not just by graphics, but by care and creativity. There’s something magical about seeing a digital landscape that feels alive, just like the famous Cinderella dress transformation from Disney’s golden era (source). Sometimes, it’s the small details that stick with us the most.
So, is Death Stranding 2 the first “real” PS5 game? It just might be. But maybe what people are really searching for is that sense of wonder—a feeling that something new is finally here.
