The following contains spoilers forDeath Stranding.
The long wait forDeath Stranding 2: On the Beachcontinues, but not for much longer now that its launch is quite literally just around the corner. Fortunately, on the road to its launch, fans have been treated to a number of lengthy and informative trailers for the sequel, as well as some recent hands-on previews that went into more detail aboutDeath Stranding 2’s pacing, gameplay, and world. While the game’s story is still largely being kept under wraps,Death Stranding 2’s previews have already quietly revealed a different side of Sam than players were introduced to at the beginning of the first game.
Those who know the story of the firstDeath Strandingwould likely already expect Sam to be an entirely different person in the sequel, but it’s how Sam apparently beginsDeath Stranding 2that makes his transformation as a character so noticeable. According to the recent previews that have gone live, there are some assumptions that can be made about Sam, especially in comparison to who he was in the first game. Naturally, these developments create a ripple effect throughoutDeath Stranding 2’s story, which understandably also has an impact on its pacing.
Sam Isn’t Carrying the Same Weight in Death Stranding 2
Sam Has Gone From Being Broken to Being Balanced
In the originalDeath Stranding, Sam Bridgeswasn’t just physically isolated like everyone else, but he was also emotionally unreachable. Haunted by the death of his wife and unborn child, burdened by DOOMS abilities, and cursed with Aphenphosmphobia (fear of physical touch), Sam had one rule in life: avoid connections at all costs. In a way, his job as a porter was a reflection of the inner reality he lived in, as it required him to be constantly on the move, always carrying weight, and never getting close to anyone.
Even his partnership withFragile inDeath Stranding, as well as his interactions with Deadman, Heartman, and Mama, were more about necessity than relationship. Lou, the Bridge Baby he carried, began to break through that emotional boundary, but Sam was still a man running from pain and hiding behind his duty for the majority of the game.Death Stranding 2, however, has already shown clear signs of Sam’s growth in those areas he once struggled with.
In the originalDeath Stranding, Sam Bridges wasn’t just physically isolated like everyone else, but he was also emotionally unreachable.
According to early previews ofDeath Stranding 2, Sam is now living quietly in Mexico with Lou and raising her to the best of his ability. This means that, unlike he was in the first game, he is no longer alone and no longer the untouchable man he once was. He has seemingly found a peace he didn’t have before, and while much of that is due to some revelations that occur at the end ofDeath Stranding’s story, it is nonetheless a noteworthy transformation of his character.
Sam Chooses His Mission in DS2 Rather Than Inheriting It
This is also manifested in how Sam responds to Fragile when she comes calling for his help. Although he would likely prefer to remain in Mexico and enjoy his quiet life withLou inDeath Stranding 2, Fragile eventually calls for his aid, and he responds. Rather than answering out of obligation or duty, Sam chooses to help. The difference here is that the firstDeath Strandingsaw Sam essentially saving America because it was not only his responsibility to do so but because he used it as an emotional cover-up. InDeath Stranding 2, on the other hand, he willingly chooses to help, marking a shift in his character from involuntarily burdened to autonomously strong.
In other words,Sam’s return to the field inDeath Stranding 2isn’t driven by trauma or necessity, but by a strength that speaks louder than any burden he once carried. Everything shown so far suggests that he’s no longer a man avoiding connection, but someone who understands its value and chooses it freely. That choice may end up shaping more than just his own story this time, however, and go on to have a far-reaching impact on the world around him.
