Hideo Kojima made a significant announcement at SXSW 2025 in Austin, TX, unveiling an exciting new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and confirming its release date. The highly anticipated sequel will launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively for the PlayStation 5. Fans eager to dive in early can get two days of advanced access by purchasing the Digital Deluxe Edition or the Collector’s Edition, starting from June 24.
The trailer, which runs for 10 minutes, showcases a blend of cinematic sequences and gameplay footage. It introduces a character named Neil, portrayed by Italian actor Luca Marinelli, who strikingly resembles Snake from Kojima's iconic Metal Gear series. Neil is seen donning a bandana and leading a group of eerie soldiers, wielding an assault rifle.
Luca Marinelli as Neil, channeling Snake's iconic look.
The trailer also features the Magellan Man, a massive tar-like creature integrated with the DHV Magellan, reminiscent of Metal Gear Rex. This creature, which comes with a 15" statue in the Collector's Edition, operates like a mech from Pacific Rim and battles against gigantic tar monsters.
Magellan Man evokes memories of Metal Gear Rex.
Pricing for Death Stranding 2 includes the standard edition at $69.99, the Digital Deluxe Edition at $79.99, and the Collector's Edition at $229.99. Pre-orders will be available starting March 17.
Continuing the narrative from the 2019 original, Death Stranding 2 poses the thought-provoking question, "Should We Have Connected?" The official synopsis reads:
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam — with companions by his side — sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.
