Hideo Kojima, renowned for his innovative storytelling in the gaming world, took the stage at SXSW 2025 to announce the launch of “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” on June 26 for the PlayStation 5, accompanied by a breathtaking new trailer.
This 10-minute sneak peek plunged fans back into the mysterious universe of Death Stranding. Starring Norman Reedus once more as the package-bearing hero, Sam Bridges, the sequel shows some familiar faces like Léa Seydoux as Fragile and Troy Baker as Higgs. New characters are also on the horizon, portrayed by Elle Fanning, Shioli Kutsuna, and George Miller. Fresh faces like Luca Marinelli, Debra Wilson, and Alissa Jung are set to join the adventure, along with a cameo from Korean action star Lee Dong-seok, famously known as Don Lee.
Intriguingly, the trailer hints at subtle nods to Kojima’s iconic Metal Gear Solid franchise. There’s a striking moment where Marinelli’s character, Neil, evokes memories of Solid Snake. Even the massive tar monstrosity combining with the DHV Magellan calls to mind Metal Gear Rex or Sahelanthropus. All these elements are sure to spark plenty of theory crafting among eager fans waiting to dive into the deep narrative and action-packed gameplay on offer.
Kojima Productions’ first teaser for the new installment sets the scene 11 months following the establishment of the United Cities of America. With technology automating deliveries, yet again, society’s structure is reshaping the lives of porters like Sam. The environment still grapples with the lingering effects of chiralium from the Beach, warping landscapes and feline friends alike, as a new faction stealthily extends its reach. Nonetheless, none of this seems to deter Sam from pressing forward with his mission.
Reflecting on how real-world events influence art, Kojima shared during the reveal of the game’s first trailer at The Game Awards in 2022 that his own pandemic experiences led him to rewrite the sequel’s script. The narrative continues from the first game, trailing across a broken America overrun by the eerie Beached Things.
A revealing trailer during last year’s State of Play stream depicted the downfall of the delivery service Bridges, replaced by the mysterious organization, Drawbridge. However, as with every Kojima masterpiece, the exact path the story will take remains tantalizingly elusive, leaving fans eager to unravel the intricate mysteries themselves.
