During the just-concluded SXSW panel, legendary game developer Hideo Kojima officially announced the release date for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The highly anticipated sequel to 2019’s critically acclaimed open-world adventure game will launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025. While no immediate confirmation was given regarding other platforms, a later release on PC and possibly Xbox seems inevitable given Kojima Productions’ full ownership of the franchise.
New Trailer and Pre-Order Details
Kojima’s announcement was accompanied by an all-new 10-minute-long trailer, showcasing the game’s characters, story elements, and enhanced visuals powered by the Decima Engine. The trailer, embedded below, gives fans a deeper look into the world of Death Stranding 2, which promises an even more ambitious take on the original’s themes of connection and survival.
Pre-orders for the game will officially go live on the PlayStation Store starting March 17, 2025. The game will be available in multiple editions:
- Standard Edition – $69.99
- Digital Deluxe Edition – $79.99
- Collector’s Edition – $229.99
Pre-Order Bonuses
Players who pre-order any edition of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will receive exclusive in-game bonuses, including:
- Custom Hologram: Quokka (Early Unlock)
- Battle Skeleton: Silver [Lv1, Lv2, Lv3]
- Boost Skeleton: Silver [Lv1, Lv2, Lv3]
- Bokka Skeleton: Silver [Lv1, Lv2, Lv3]
Additionally, those who opt for the Digital Deluxe Edition will gain access to extra content, including a two-day early access period and exclusive in-game items:
- Machine Gun (MP Bullets) LV1 (Early Unlock)
- Battle Skeleton: Gold [Lv1, Lv2, Lv3]
- Boost Skeleton: Gold [Lv1, Lv2, Lv3]
- Bokka Skeleton: Gold [Lv1, Lv2, Lv3]
- Patch 70: Quokka
- Patch 71: Chiral Feline
- Patch 72: Why Me?
Collector’s Edition Details
For die-hard fans, the Collector’s Edition offers a mix of physical and digital collectibles, priced at $229.99. This premium package includes:
- Collector’s Box
- 48-hour Early Access to the Game
- 15” Magellan Man Statue
- 3” Dollman Figurine
- Art Cards
- Letter from Hideo Kojima
Story and Gameplay Details
Building on the narrative of Death Stranding, the sequel will once again follow protagonist Sam Porter Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus. This time, Sam embarks on a new journey alongside his companions, facing unprecedented dangers in an effort to save humanity from extinction. The core theme of connection remains central, as players must confront an ominous question: Should we have connected?
The new trailer also revealed several fresh faces joining the cast, including:
- Elle Fanning as Tomorrow
- Shioli Kutsuna as Rainy
- Luca Marinelli as Neil
Notably, Neil bears a striking resemblance to Metal Gear’s Solid Snake, something Kojima himself acknowledged years ago. It is likely that Kojima specifically sought out Marinelli for the role after noticing the similarity.
Kojima’s Expanding Vision
Beyond Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Kojima Productions is also working on a film adaptation of the original Death Stranding. This aligns with Kojima’s long-standing admiration for cinema and his desire to merge storytelling techniques from both gaming and filmmaking.
With its innovative gameplay mechanics, hauntingly beautiful world, and a star-studded cast, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is shaping up to be one of 2025’s biggest releases. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to reconnect with Sam Porter Bridges and uncover the mysteries that await in this next chapter of Hideo Kojima’s visionary saga.
