Death Stranding 2 on the PS5 Pro in 4K Is Way More Enjoyable If You Skip All the Boss Fights

The long-awaited sequel to Kojima Productions’ mind-bending masterpiece has finally arrived, and it’s a beautiful, haunting, and deeply personal journey once again. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach delivers a stunning experience, especially on the PS5 Pro in crisp 4K resolution. The opening moments blend cinematic brilliance with the first delivery mission, setting the stage for what is undoubtedly a better game than its predecessor.

The story in Death Stranding 2 is especially strong this time around. It’s no surprise it’s sitting at a 90 on Metacritic — a score it absolutely deserves. The characters are deeper, the narrative more cohesive, and the emotional beats hit harder. But one of the most unexpected (and genius) additions is the new “pretend you won” option.

Death Stranding 2 Boss Fights

After you fail a boss fight, the game offers you a radical choice: skip the encounter entirely. A short text explains what would’ve happened had you won, and you move on. You might get a slightly lower ranking or miss a minor scene or two, but there’s no harsh penalty, no shame, no strings attached. It’s a simple yet brilliant design decision that respects your time and lets you engage with the parts of the game you truly enjoy.

I’m not saying this as someone who can’t handle tough boss fights. I took down Messmer in Shadow of the Erdtree before FromSoftware nerfed him, and I enjoyed it! I also appreciate Death Stranding 2’s bosses from a conceptual standpoint. They’re beautifully designed, surreal spectacles that fit perfectly into Kojima’s vision. Mechanically, though, they’re straightforward — basic attack patterns, run away, repeat. Strip away the haunting music and surreal set pieces, and these fights feel like relics from mid-2000s 3D action games.

Sam Bridges vs Giant BT Fight

Take, for example, the Giant BT fight early on. It’s more than just a tutorial; it’s a metaphor for the constant interruptions in Sam Bridges’ life. Every major moment for Sam is interrupted: his time with Lou, his journey home, and even his reunion (sort of) with Deadman, which gets cut off right before a cliffhanger. While the thematic interruptions are clever, they don’t make replaying these boss battles any more compelling.

Sure, maybe it’s a skill issue sometimes — I’ll admit it. Dodging at the right time when the camera swings wildly, or when Sam takes forever to recover after a hit, can feel unfair and frustrating. There just isn’t enough depth or variation to justify multiple replays, and the spectacle quickly wears thin.

Pretend You Won Button Lol

That’s why the “pretend you won” button is a brilliant addition. Death Stranding 2 isn’t a combat-focused game at its core. It’s a vibes game, a story game, an atmospheric experience meant to be savored at your own pace. Some might enjoy mastering every boss, and more power to them. But for those of us who’d rather immerse ourselves in the world, carry packages, and soak up the melancholy beauty of Kojima’s universe without constant combat roadblocks, this option is a godsend.

In short, Death Stranding 2 on the PS5 Pro in 4K is a gorgeous, emotional journey that shines brightest when you play it your way. Skip the bosses if you want to, and enjoy the game for what it truly is — a stunning narrative and immersive experience, free from unnecessary frustration.

Update: Lol you didn’t win lol pretend tho