The review embargo date for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach looms fast. Arriving six years after the first game, Death Stranding 2 has the weight of expectation on its AAA shoulders, and with Hideo Kojima at the helm, you’d think accolades and acclaim are assured.
2019’s Death Stranding forged a new identity for Kojima Productions and the director himself. Death Stranding was a chance to put Metal Gear Solid behind Kojima and further cement his legacy with a new, ambitious world. With a star-studded cast and expert production, it ended up being one of the strongest games of 2019.
However, it’s time for Death Stranding 2, and we’re eyeing up the review embargo date.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Review Embargo Date, Explained
The official Death Stranding 2: On The Beach review embargo ends on June 23 at 5:00 AM PDT / 7:00 AM CDT / 8:00 AM EDT / 1:00 PM BST.
We’ve highlighted a few key time zones here for you to track. The news comes from several sources who were able to secure Death Stranding 2 game keys ahead of launch.
@GameRiotArmy said: “Death Stranding 2 Review Code Delivered. So excited to finally jump in. Thanks. Review Embargo Monday, June 23, 2025 @ 5:00 AM PDT / 8:00 AM EDT / 1:00 PM BST.
Additionally, @LosTweeting also confirmed the same date.
I can officially say I’ll be reviewing Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Review embargo is June 23 PH time, the moment early access for the game goes live. Hopefully ill have a full review ready for when the embargo lifts.
It’s only a few days from now, and the second the embargo lifts, expect to see X, Reddit, and various other social media platforms light up with Death Stranding 2 review discussions and conversations about whether it’s a “W” or an “L,” as the cool kids say now.
What Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Review Scores Can We Expect?
Based on Death Stranding 2: On The Beach’s previews and reception, I think it’s safe to say Death Stranding will surpass its predecessor and head toward the mid-80s, maybe even higher for its score!
Death Stranding’s PS4 Metacritic score is 82. Which is good, but expectations for Hideo Kojima releases are high. The classic Metal Gear Solid games are all near-enough rated 90 or above. But the feedback to Death Stranding 2 has been very positive. Players have commended the sequel for incorporating more combat compared to the original’s emphasis on travel and delivering goods.
All in all, I think the improvements will elevate Death Stranding 2, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it get as high as 87/100.
Am I being too ambitious with my review score call? Or is Hideo Kojima’s newest project already a bona fide Game of the Year contender? Drop a comment below, and give your deeper thoughts through the Insider Gaming forum.
We have more Death Stranding 2 content to check out, such as our pre-order guide and the DS2 Trophy List.
Andy is Insider Gaming's Senior Evergreen Editor and has been in the games journalism sphere in one way or another for over 7 years. His video game taste is as…
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