Why Death Stranding 2’s Lack of Content Warnings Could Hurt Players — And How It Can Fix It
Death Stranding 2 Needs Content Warnings, and Here’s Why
Death Stranding 2’s opening scenes include some very heavy moments, but unfortunately, the game doesn’t offer any content warnings. This absence is more than just a missed opportunity — it actually works against the game’s powerful storytelling.
- Why content warnings matter in media
- What sensitive scenes appear in Death Stranding 2
- Examples of good and bad content warning implementations in games
- How content warnings help players emotionally prepare
Why Content Warnings Are Important
Over the past decade, content warnings have become more common in movies and video games. They help prepare audiences for sensitive topics that might be triggering or upsetting. Death Stranding 2 includes two such topics right at the start — but there’s no heads-up for players. This lack can catch people off guard, especially if they’ve experienced trauma related to the themes shown.
What Happens in Death Stranding 2’s Early Story
Without spoiling too much, the game’s first episode ends with a distressing sequence: Sam Bridges finds his home ransacked, his friend Fragile present but his adopted child Lou missing. Lou is taken to a “Beach” — the game’s term for the afterlife — and seems to die there. You see a baby crying and then suddenly stop breathing. Later, Sam attempts suicide multiple times in a scene that’s quiet, raw, and emotionally intense.
These moments are handled with maturity and subtlety, avoiding melodrama or forced emotions. But their impact is still powerful and potentially triggering for some players.
Good vs. Bad Content Warning Examples
Content warnings don’t have to be intrusive or spoil the story. For example, the indie game Expelled places a small, optional content warning on the main menu, listing heavy topics without spoiling plot details. Players can choose to read it or skip it, making it a respectful and unobtrusive approach.
On the other hand, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 starts with an unskippable warning about suicide and violence. While the heads-up is appreciated, its clunky presentation can detract from the emotional impact the game tries to build.
Why Death Stranding 2 Should Add Content Warnings
Stories like Death Stranding 2’s aim to create empathy and emotional connection. But when sensitive content appears without warning, it risks isolating or re-traumatizing players. Content warnings help by giving people a chance to prepare emotionally or decide if they want to engage with certain material.
Other studios, like CD Projekt Red with Cyberpunk 2077, have patched in content warnings after release. Hopefully, Kojima Productions will consider the same for Death Stranding 2 to support players better.
We’ve reached out to Kojima Productions to ask if they plan to add content warnings and will update if we hear back.
