Death Stranding 2, titled On the Beach, is officially set to launch on June 26, 2025, for the PlayStation 5. This exciting announcement was made by game director and Kojima Productions founder Hideo Kojima during a panel at SXSW 2025. The event showcased a new, lengthy 10-minute trailer that provided fans with a closer look at the game and its intriguing characters.
The highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 action game will once again feature Norman Reedus in the role of Sam Bridges, the iconic package-toting hero. Alongside Reedus, beloved characters will return, including Léa Seydoux as Fragile and Troy Baker as Higgs. The new trailer also introduces several fresh faces to the lineup, such as Elle Fanning (Tomorrow), Shioli Kutsuna (Rainy), and George Miller (Tarman). Other notable cast members include Luca Marinelli as Neil, Debra Wilson as Doctor, and Alissa Jung as Lucy. Additionally, there’s an exciting cameo from Korean action star Lee Dong-seok, known as Don Lee.
The new trailer for Death Stranding 2 teases numerous gameplay elements and narrative hints that fans of the original game will find captivating. Set 11 months after the establishment of the United Cities of America, the game’s environment is evolving. Automated delivery systems are now in place, which threatens the livelihoods of porters like Sam. As the story unfolds, the influence of a new faction begins to spread, even as Chiralium from the Beach continues to warp the surroundings. Despite these challenges, it seems Sam remains determined to fulfill his duties.
Fans of Kojima's previous works will find several Easter eggs in the trailer that pay homage to the Metal Gear Solid franchise. Notably, Marinelli’s character, Neil, bears a striking resemblance to Solid Snake at certain moments. The trailer also features a giant tar creature that merges with the DHV Magellan, a concept Kojima referred to as the Magellan Man, evoking memories of iconic machines like Metal Gear Rex and Sahelanthropus.
During the 2022 Game Awards, Kojima revealed that the narrative for Death Stranding 2 underwent significant revisions due to his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The game will continue to explore themes introduced in the first installment, including a post-apocalyptic America plagued by monstrous entities known as Beached Things. The previous trailers hinted at the fall of the delivery company Bridges and the rise of a new organization called Drawbridge, further complicating the story.
In addition to the game, a live-action Death Stranding movie was announced in 2022 and subsequently picked up by the esteemed film production company A24 in 2023. While the film will exist within the same universe, it will not directly replicate the events of the original game, allowing for new storytelling possibilities.
Currently, Death Stranding 2 is exclusively announced for the PlayStation 5. However, given Sony's history of delayed ports, a PC version may eventually be released, much to the delight of the gaming community.
For more in-depth information about Death Stranding 2, fans are encouraged to check out the special panel hosted by Kojima Productions and PlayStation at SXSW 2025.
