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Hideo Kojima is known for breaking the fourth wall in his games, incorporating playful references and mechanics that offer a unique experience to the player. In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, one of these features is called “Pretend You Won.”
This option can easily be overlooked during the main storyline. However, if you miss it, there’s no need for concern! It’s designed for players who may struggle with certain parts of the game, and it’s entirely optional. Let’s explore what “Pretend You Won” entails in Death Stranding 2.
Understanding “Pretend You Won”
In Death Stranding 2, you can skip boss battles without having to face them head-on. You’ll only see this option after losing the fight.
For instance, during my encounter with the Giant Ghost Mech in Main Order 39, when Sam’s health was depleted, he entered the Seam—the space he visits when he’s about to Repatriate. Typically, there’s only an option to press Square to return. However, I noticed a new choice: pressing Triangle to “Pretend You Won.”
When you select Triangle, a prompt appears stating that you will skip the battle as if you emerged victorious, although this will slightly impact your order results.
After using the “Pretend You Won” feature, a series of slides narrate what happened during the battle. Following that, I experienced the usual cutscene that plays when you actually win the fight.
On the Results screen, you’ll see the unique label “Imaginary Victory,” accompanied by an illustration of Sam sleeping. You still receive likes for completing the order, but it’s less than what you would earn if you had fought the battle. For example, I earned 505 likes for the Imaginary Victory and an additional 200 for “defeating” the Giant Ghost Mech.
If you encounter a boss that seems too challenging, you can always use “Pretend You Won” to move ahead in the story.
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