Scheduled for a PlayStation 5 release on June 26, “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” was unveiled by Hideo Kojima, the creative force and founder of Kojima Productions, during a panel discussion at SXSW 2025. The event featured an extensive new trailer that left fans buzzing with anticipation.
This 10-minute preview dives into the world of “Death Stranding 2,” spotlighting some familiar faces while introducing intriguing new characters. Norman Reedus returns as Sam Bridges, the main protagonist known for his unique delivery missions in this bizarre narrative. Joining him once again are Léa Seydoux as Fragile and Troy Baker as Higgs. The game also welcomes new talent like Elle Fanning as Tomorrow, Shioli Kutsuna as Rainy, and George Miller portraying Tarman. In addition, the ensemble cast is rounded out by Luca Marinelli as Neil, Debra Wilson playing Doctor, and Alissa Jung as Lucy. And keep an eye out for a special cameo from Korean action star Lee Dong-seok, famously known as Don Lee.
Fans of Kojima’s work will notice subtle nods to his past projects, especially the legendary “Metal Gear Solid” series. For instance, Marinelli’s character, Neil, seems to channel the iconic look of Solid Snake. Meanwhile, one massive tar creature merging with the DHV Magellan evokes memories of legendary Metal Gears like Rex and Sahelanthropus. Packed with action and narrative teases, the trailer offers plenty for fans of “Death Stranding” to speculate over.
The sequel is set 11 months after the unification of the United Cities of America. Despite new technological advancements, with automated deliveries and servers lining the beaches, courier jobs like Sam’s are becoming obsolete. Yet, chiralium from the Beach continues to wreak havoc on the environment, not sparing even the local cats, while a mysterious new faction rises. Regardless of these changes, Sam remains committed to his mission.
Back in 2022, the first teaser at The Game Awards revealed that Kojima had rewritten the story following his experiences during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. This sequel will continue the saga of the original game, traversing a post-apocalyptic America plagued by menacing, inky creatures known as Beached Things.
A follow-up trailer from a State of Play stream last year exposed a major shift in Sam’s world: the collapse of his old delivery company, Bridges, and the emergence of a new organization, Drawbridge. However, as is typical with Kojima’s storytelling, the finer details remain shrouded in mystery.
