n a highly anticipated announcement at SXSW 2025, Hideo Kojima and Sony officially confirmed that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5. The reveal came alongside an expansive new 10-minute trailer, offering fresh glimpses into the sequel’s star-studded cast, its atmospheric setting, and several intriguing nods to Kojima’s earlier Metal Gear Solid franchise.
A Star-Studded Cast And New Faces
Norman Reedus reprises his role as Sam Bridges, joined by returning cast members Léa Seydoux (Fragile) and Troy Baker (Higgs). New arrivals include Elle Fanning (Tomorrow), Shioli Kutsuna (Rainy), and George Miller (Tarman). Additional cast confirmations include Luca Marinelli as Neil, Debra Wilson as Doctor, and Alissa Jung as Lucy. The new trailer introduces these characters in striking cinematic sequences, hinting at fresh conflicts and alliances in a post-apocalyptic United Cities of America (UCA).
One highlight stirring fan excitement involves Luca Marinelli’s character, Neil, who appears in a scene reminiscent of Solid Snake—a playful nod to Kojima’s Metal Gear legacy. The brief footage also teases a colossal tar-like creature called the Magellan Man, which might give off serious Metal Gear Rex or Sahelanthropus vibes, according to Kojima.
Themes, Story, And Gameplay Hints
Kojima first unveiled Death Stranding 2 at The Game Awards 2022, revealing that the COVID-19 pandemic spurred major story rewrites. According to official and leaked details:
- The sequel continues exploring the dangerous world of Beached Things (BTs).
- The original Bridges company has reportedly dissolved, with a new organization named Drawbridge taking its place.
- Gun culture and American history may figure prominently into the plot, as suggested by narrative commentary at the end of the new trailer.
Pre-Orders, Collector’s Edition, And Pricing
Pre-orders for Death Stranding 2 begin March 17, 2025, with the following editions available:
- Standard Edition – $70
- Game for PS5
- Early unlock of Quokka custom hologram (if pre-ordered)
- Level 1, 2, and 3 Silver Skeletons (Battle, Boost, and Bokka) available at launch
- Digital Deluxe Edition – $80
- Full game with 48-hour early access
- Early unlock for the MP Bullet Machine Gun (Level 1)
- Gold variants of the same Skeleton attachments
- Three additional patches (Quokka, Chiral Feline, Why Me?)
- Collector’s Edition – $230 (Estimated)
- Everything in the Digital Deluxe Edition
- 15″ Magellan Man statue
- 3″ Dollman figurine
- Art cards
- Letter from Hideo Kojima
- Collector’s box packaging
- (Note: This version includes a digital game code, not a physical disc.)
No final price for the Collector’s Edition has been confirmed by Kojima Productions or Sony, though it’s expected to land in the $200–$250 range.
PC Release Timing And Other Industry Competition
While Death Stranding 2 is a PS5-exclusive at launch, a delayed PC port is widely expected, following the pattern set by the first Death Stranding (which debuted on PC roughly eight months after its console release). The sequel’s summer release date also avoids competition with other major 2025 holiday titles, including rumors of a new Ghost of Tsushima sequel and the much-speculated Grand Theft Auto 6 launch.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach arrives June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5, with PC availability anticipated at a later date. The extended trailer, new cast additions, and details on special editions have only heightened fans’ eagerness for Kojima’s next bold narrative in his ever-expanding universe.
