Hideo Kojima reimagines Australian outback in Death Stranding 2

In Death Stranding 2, Hideo Kojima once again delivers a rich and immersive world, this time reimagining the Australian outback as a mysterious, ever-changing post-apocalyptic landscape. Writing for The Guardian, Keith Stuart reflects on how the game echoes the mythic tones of classic Australian cinema, drawing comparisons to films such as Walkabout, Mad Max, and Picnic at Hanging Rock.

Set in a ruined version of Australia following a catastrophic event, Death Stranding 2 tasks players with traversing vast, desolate terrain to deliver supplies to isolated communities. The environment, marked by supernatural disruptions and haunting beauty, shifts constantly—dust storms rise, avalanches strike, and roads evolve thanks to contributions from other players. Kojima’s Australia stands apart from typical open-world maps—shifting constantly, it builds a persistent sense of unease and wonder.

Stuart, who has spent over 45 hours in the game, notes that Death Stranding 2 prioritizes mood and rhythm over linear storytelling. Its hypnotic gameplay echoes director Peter Weir’s vision for Picnic at Hanging Rock—a deliberately immersive and unsettling experience that suspends logic in favor of atmosphere.

The influence of George Miller’s Mad Max is also evident, with its chaotic energy, sparse resources, and tribal elements shaping the world’s aesthetic and tone. Kojima, a self-proclaimed admirer of Miller, uses these inspirations to craft a version of Australia that feels both alien and familiar.

Ultimately, Death Stranding 2 offers players a surreal journey through a land filled with beauty, menace, and mystery. Through its evolving terrain and shared-player infrastructure, Kojima succeeds in creating not just a game, but a meditative experience—one that Stuart says may take months to truly escape.