Death Stranding 2 Set for 2025 Release; New Trailer Premieres at SXSW

On June 26, gamers can finally get their hands on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach for the PlayStation 5. Hideo Kojima himself, the mastermind behind the first game and founder of Kojima Productions, unveiled the release date and premiered an expansive new trailer at a SXSW 2025 panel.

This fresh trailer offers an enticing 10-minute glimpse into the world of Death Stranding 2, featuring both returning stars and intriguing newcomers. Norman Reedus is back in the saddle as Sam Bridges, our beloved parcel-delivering protagonist from the original game. Alongside Reedus, we’ll see familiar faces like Léa Seydoux as Fragile and Troy Baker as Higgs. Joining the ranks are newcomers Elle Fanning, Shioli Kutsuna, and George Miller, who step into the roles of Tomorrow, Rainy, and Tarman. But the lineup doesn’t stop there: Luca Marinelli, Debra Wilson, and Alissa Jung join the cast as Neil, Doctor, and Lucy, respectively. And for a special treat, Korean action star Lee Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee, makes a cameo appearance.

The trailer holds tantalizing similarities to Kojima’s infamous Metal Gear Solid series. At one point, Marinelli’s Neil bears a striking resemblance to Solid Snake. Plus, a massive tar creature merging with the DHV Magellan gives off a vibe reminiscent of Metal Gear Rex or Sahelanthropus. For fans of Death Stranding, the trailer is packed with action and story elements that will surely fuel endless speculation and excitement.

Set eleven months after the establishment of the United Cities of America, Death Stranding 2’s plot unfolds in a world where beaches are now lined with servers and deliveries are automated, threatening the livelihoods of porters like Sam. Chiralium, a mysterious substance from the Beach, continues its bizarre impact on the world (yes, even the cats aren’t safe!), and a new faction is on the rise. But this doesn’t deter Sam from trudging forward with his mission.

In a nod to recent history, Kojima mentioned back in 2022 at The Game Awards that the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on him, prompting a complete overhaul of the game’s script. The narrative picks up after the first game’s journey across a desolate America plagued by enigmatic, inky black creatures, known as Beached Things.

Meanwhile, a 10-minute trailer released during last year’s State of Play event revealed that Bridges, the delivery company from the original game, is no more. In its place, a new organization called Drawbridge has surfaced. As is typical with Kojima’s projects, the full picture remains shrouded in mystery, leaving fans eager for the unraveling story.