Well, this is embarrassing.
I dropped $70 on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach three weeks ago, expecting to lose myself in Kojima's weird post-apocalyptic world for hours. What I didn't expect was my PS5 turning into a jet engine every time I opened the damn map screen. Seriously - the thing sounds like it's about to achieve liftoff whenever I try to plan a route.
And apparently I'm not alone in this mess. Reddit's been blowing up with people complaining about the same issue, and honestly? It's kind of validating to know I'm not just an idiot who doesn't know how to take care of his console.
The Map Screen From Hell
Here's the weird part - everything else runs perfectly. The graphics are absolutely gorgeous (Kojima wasn't kidding about pushing visual boundaries), and I can play for 4-5 hours straight without any problems. Combat scenes, cutscenes, walking around the open world... all smooth as butter.
But the second I hit pause and bring up that map? My PS5 loses its mind.
One guy on Reddit described it perfectly: "I've been playing the game on a base PS5 and overall it runs great – the graphics are stunning and I've had no issues during regular gameplay. But as soon as I pause the game and the map screen comes up, the fan suddenly goes into overdrive and I get an overheat warning."
That's exactly what happened to me last Tuesday. I was three hours into a session, feeling pretty good about my progress, when I paused to check my route. Within 30 seconds, my console was screaming at me with an overheating warning.
It's Not Just Dust Bunnies
Look, I know what you're thinking. "Clean your console, you slob." Trust me, I thought the same thing initially. Spent an entire Sunday afternoon taking apart my PS5, cleaning every fan blade, clearing out dust from places I didn't even know existed.
Made zero difference.
My console sits in an open entertainment center with plenty of ventilation. Room temperature stays around 72°F. I've done everything right, and this game is still pushing my hardware to its breaking point over a menu screen. A menu screen! It's like having your car overheat because you turned on the radio.
The Developers Tried (And Failed)
Kojima Productions released a patch about two weeks ago that was supposed to address "performance optimization issues." I downloaded it immediately, thinking my problems were solved.
They weren't.
According to PushSquare, the update didn't fix much of anything. Players are still reporting the same overheating problems, and the forums are getting more frustrated by the day. One player summed it up: "I've got the exact same problem. I'm using an original PS5 digital version. Fans start screaming only on map menu."
The really annoying part? This seems to be exclusively a base PS5 problem. My buddy Jake has the PS5 Pro and plays the game for hours without any issues. Of course he does. (Thanks for rubbing it in, Jake.)
Summer Heat Isn't Helping
It's been hitting 85°F+ here in the afternoons, which definitely isn't doing my console any favors. Gaming hardware always struggles more when ambient temperatures rise, and this heat wave we've been having across most of the US isn't exactly ideal for intensive gaming sessions.
But here's the thing - I've played other demanding games during hot weather without problems. Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, even Cyberpunk 2077 after all its patches. None of them made my PS5 sound like a leaf blower.
There's definitely something deeper going on here. Some tech-savvy players are speculating about memory leaks in the map interface, which would explain why that specific screen causes such dramatic performance issues while the rest of the game runs fine.
What Now?
For now, I'm playing Death Stranding 2 in short bursts and avoiding the map screen as much as possible. Which is ridiculous, considering navigation is a core part of the gameplay experience.
I've also started keeping a small desk fan pointed at my console during gaming sessions. Does it help? Maybe slightly. Does it make me feel like I'm babying a $500 piece of hardware that should be able to handle whatever I throw at it? Absolutely.
Hopefully Kojima Productions figures this out soon, because the game itself is fantastic when it's not trying to melt my console. Until then, I guess I'm stuck playing the most expensive game of "the floor is lava" ever created.
Anyone else dealing with this, or am I just lucky?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are video games harmful to mental health?
While excessive gaming can lead to negative effects on mental health, moderate gaming can have various benefits, such as improving cognitive skills and social connections. It's important to maintain a balanced lifestyle and be aware of how gaming affects you personally.
How can I stay safe while gaming online?
To stay safe while gaming online, use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious of sharing personal information. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the game's privacy settings and report any suspicious behavior to maintain a secure gaming environment.
What are the most popular gaming platforms today?
The most popular gaming platforms today include consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, as well as PCs equipped with high-performance hardware. Mobile gaming has also surged in popularity with platforms like iOS and Android. Each platform offers unique experiences tailored to different types of gamers.
How can I report cheating or toxic behavior in games?
Most games have built-in reporting systems that allow players to report cheating or toxic behavior. This can typically be done through the game's interface, where you can provide details about the incident. Developers take these reports seriously to maintain a fair gaming environment.
What is the difference between single-player and multiplayer games?
Single-player games are designed for one player to complete the game independently, while multiplayer games allow multiple players to interact, compete, or cooperate in real-time. Each format offers a distinct gaming experience tailored to different preferences.
Statistics
- About 60% of gamers prefer single-player games, valuing immersive storytelling and personal experiences.
- More than 30% of gamers spend over 20 hours a week playing video games, indicating strong engagement among avid players.
- Approximately 63% of households in the United States have at least one person who plays video games regularly.
- About 70% of American adults play video games, showcasing the widespread appeal across demographics.
- In 2021, the average age of a gamer was reported to be around 34 years old, indicating that gaming spans multiple generations.
- The global gaming market is projected to reach a value of over $200 billion by 2023.
- Research indicates that video games can improve cognitive skills, with studies showing a 20% increase in problem-solving abilities among regular players.
- As of 2023, approximately 3.24 billion people are actively playing video games worldwide.
External Links
How To
How to Customize Your Gaming Setup
Customizing your gaming setup enhances both aesthetics and functionality. Begin by selecting a desk and chair that suit your gaming style and comfort needs. Arrange your monitor(s) at eye level to reduce strain and optimize your viewing experience. Consider adding RGB lighting to create an immersive atmosphere. Organize your cables to minimize clutter and improve airflow around your hardware. Personalize your setup with themed decorations, such as posters or figurines, that reflect your gaming interests. Finally, ensure that your peripherals are easily accessible for a seamless gaming experience.
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