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

Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind Kojima Productions, thrilled fans during a panel at SXSW 2025 by announcing the release of “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” for PlayStation 5, scheduled to hit the shelves on June 26. Accompanying his announcement was a captivating and extensive new trailer, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the much-anticipated sequel.

This freshly released 10-minute trailer introduces both familiar and new faces to the Death Stranding universe. Norman Reedus returns as Sam Bridges, the dedicated delivery hero navigating the unique world. Also reprising their roles are Léa Seydoux as Fragile and Troy Baker as Higgs. New characters bring fresh energy to the sequel, with Elle Fanning as Tomorrow, Shioli Kutsuna as Rainy, and George Miller as Tarman joining the lineup. The cast is further enriched by the talents of Luca Marinelli as Neil, Debra Wilson as Doctor, and Alissa Jung as Lucy, along with a special appearance by Korean action star Lee Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee.

Keen-eyed fans will notice some intriguing references to Kojima’s iconic Metal Gear Solid series embedded within the trailer. For instance, Luca Marinelli’s Neil bears some striking resemblance to Solid Snake, and the menacing tar creature merging with the DHV Magellan gives off hints of Metal Gear’s famous mechs. As always, Kojima masterfully teases us with snippets of gameplay and narrative that leave us eager for more.

The storyline of Death Stranding 2 unfolds 11 months after the United Cities of America came into being. In this transformed world, the beach is lined with servers, and deliveries have become automated, posing a threat to porters like Sam. Despite the environmental changes caused by chiralium and the rise of a new faction, our protagonist remains undeterred in his mission.

Reflecting on his experiences during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Kojima revealed that he revisited and revised the game’s script, aiming to enrich the narrative that traces the journey across a post-apocalyptic America, haunted by mysterious creatures known as Beached Things.

The previous year, during a State of Play stream, another extensive trailer highlighted significant shifts in the game’s landscape. With the original delivery company, Bridges, having dissolved, a new organization called Drawbridge has emerged from the shadows. However, as with any Kojima-crafted saga, the precise details remain shrouded in mystery, keeping fans eagerly guessing about what lies ahead.