Death Stranding: On the Beach has finally launched, and Hideo Kojima has ushered in Sam’s most emotionally charged journey yet. After successfully connecting the UCA in the original game, Sam embarks on a new mission to link Mexico and Australia to the Chiral Network. While the story may seem simpler at first, it takes unexpected twists as we approach the finale. If you find yourself puzzled after completing the sequel or simply want to know how Sam’s adventures conclude, we’ve got a comprehensive breakdown of the Death Stranding 2 ending.
Spoilers Warning:
This post contains significant spoilers regarding the ending of Death Stranding 2. Make sure to finish On the Beach to preserve the intended experience.
How Does Death Stranding 2 End?
In Death Stranding 2, several intricate plotlines unfold, including Sam’s past, the history of BB-28 (or Lou), Higgs’ malevolent schemes, the President’s mission, and the budding connection between Neil and Lucy. All these narratives converge beautifully, leading to the climactic endgame of Death Stranding: On the Beach. Here’s a breakdown of each major storyline:
The APAS 4000 Plan Stopped by Die-Hardman
The President of APAS is the one who initially encourages Sam to connect Mexico and Australia through the Chiral Network using the Plate Gates. What seems like a benevolent initiative soon reveals a sinister undertone. In a pivotal scene towards the end of Death Stranding: On the Beach, it becomes clear that the “President” is actually a sentient AI, manipulating Sam’s actions.
Following a catastrophic Void Out that claimed 4,000 lives in the Elder’s region, the souls of these individuals fused with the AI, giving rise to APAS 4000. This AI even resurrected Higgs to further its revenge against Sam. Their goal? To evolve humanity into a single sentient entity that could avoid future extinction events.
When APAS 4000 sought Lockne’s help for a new Q-Pid, the twin scientist alerted Die-Hardman, the former UCA President. Disguised as Charlie, a benefactor, Die-Hardman kept tabs on the APAS president. He directed Lockne to create a specialized Q-Pid that severed the bond between APAS and the 4,000 souls, ultimately thwarting the AI’s apocalyptic agenda.
Unraveling the Neil, Lucy, and Sam Mystery
Much like its predecessor, Sam is inundated with flashbacks during his connection with his BB pod. This time, he sees glimpses of his wife Lucy and the mysterious Neil. As the story unfolds, we discover that Neil and Lucy’s lives have been intertwined since childhood.
Years later, in a twist of fate, Neil becomes involved with Lucy as his therapist while she is still Sam’s wife. Complications arise when Lucy develops feelings for Neil. Yet when she becomes pregnant, Lucy realizes her emotional misstep and chooses Sam, leading to a heartbreaking series of events.
Faced with an impossible choice, Lucy persuades Neil to pretend the baby is his to protect it. Tragically, this plan goes awry, resulting in Lucy’s death and the child’s transformation into BB-28, Sam’s daughter.
Sam and Lou’s Showdown with Higgs
Higgs makes a dramatic return, resurrected by APAS and bent on revenge against Sam and Fragile, while also aiming to unleash the Last Stranding to obliterate the world. The game starts with Higgs severely injuring Fragile and shooting down Lou, only for us to later learn that Fragile was the true target.
Lou, now in the afterlife, ages rapidly due to the beach’s unique time manipulation, becoming Tomorrow. Higgs has long been aware of this transformation and taunts Sam about it throughout the game.
In his quest for revenge, Higgs kidnaps Tomorrow, hoping she will catalyze the Last Stranding. Sam, equipped with a special item connecting him to Higgs, confronts him in a climactic showdown. In a riveting finale, Sam defeats Higgs with the help of a large baby Lou, who consumes him.
The Last Stranding is thwarted, and Sam finally reunites with his daughter. Although he saves the world once again, the loss of Fragile casts a poignant shadow over his victory. This bittersweet ending sets the stage for Lou to take center stage in a possible Death Stranding 3, hinted at in the mid-credits scene.
While the story in Death Stranding 2 is more accessible than its predecessor, we hope our breakdown helps clarify key moments for you. What do you think of the ending? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Now that you’ve delved into Sam’s emotionally charged journey, consider exploring further content at Moyens I/O to satisfy your gaming curiosity.