As the countdown continues toward the June 26 release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach on PS5, creator Hideo Kojima has unveiled a thoughtful new feature designed to make the game more accessible to a broader audience: the ability to skip boss fights. This option is especially aimed at players who are more invested in the narrative experience than gameplay challenges.

A Feature for Story-Driven Players

During a recent episode of the TBS podcast, Kojima confirmed that players who struggle with boss encounters—particularly those playing on easier difficulty settings—will be given the choice to bypass the fight entirely after failing. When this occurs, a new option will appear on the Game Over screen labeled “skip boss fight.” Instead of forcing players to retry the encounter, the game will present a narrative sequence using text and visuals to summarize the battle’s outcome—offering a solution more akin to a visual novel.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the story without getting stuck,” Kojima explained.

While the boss battles in the original Death Stranding weren’t notoriously difficult, this new feature signals that bosses in the sequel may be more intense and complex, potentially offering a greater challenge for those who seek it—while also giving others the freedom to move forward without friction.

Maintaining Kojima’s Signature Narrative Experience

Kojima’s design philosophy has long focused on blending cinematic storytelling with unique gameplay mechanics, and this new feature reinforces his commitment to ensuring players can engage with the game on their own terms.

In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, players once again step into the boots of Sam Porter Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus, as he ventures beyond the borders of the United States to explore the globe. This time, he does so aboard the DHV Magellan, a ship serving as a mobile base of operations in a vast and mysterious world. He’s joined by returning cast members Léa Seydoux and Troy Baker, alongside new faces such as Elle Fanning and George Miller.

An Expansive, Accessible Journey Awaits

With this new option, Death Stranding 2 continues Kojima Productions’ efforts to make blockbuster storytelling more inclusive and adaptive. Whether you’re here for the surreal environments, the thought-provoking themes, or just Kojima’s signature eccentric storytelling, the ability to skip gameplay roadblocks will ensure that the narrative remains accessible to everyone.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach arrives exclusively on PS5 June 26, and with each new detail, it’s clear Kojima is crafting a game as innovative and player-conscious as ever.