Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about video games of 2025. Directed by the legendary Hideo Kojima and developed by Kojima Productions, the sequel to 2019’s genre-defying Death Stranding promises to expand upon its predecessor’s emotional storytelling, bold worldbuilding, and deeply original gameplay. With its official title now confirmed and a release date set for June 26, 2025, Death Stranding 2 is finally beginning to emerge from the shadows, bringing with it a wave of new trailers, cast details, gameplay mechanics, and intriguing story elements.
Unveiled through a mix of cinematic reveals and developer commentary, Death Stranding 2 aims to push the boundaries of what video games can achieve. Built using the Decima Engine in collaboration with Guerrilla Games, the sequel will feature stunning visuals, performance-captured acting from Hollywood stars, and an expanded version of the asynchronous multiplayer system that made the first game so unique. From what we’ve seen, the game is doubling down on its themes of connection, isolation, and the human struggle to rebuild in a fractured world.
The game also reunites fans with Sam Porter Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, on a new journey across desolate yet beautiful landscapes. Alongside returning characters like Fragile and Heartman, and newcomers voiced by Elle Fanning, Shioli Kutsuna, and George Miller, the sequel introduces even more mystery, emotional depth, and philosophical weight.
In this comprehensive breakdown, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, from the confirmed release date and platforms to gameplay details, pre-orders, cast, story insights, and more. Whether you’re a returning player or discovering the series for the first time, here’s your ultimate guide to the next big PlayStation exclusive.
Release Date Locked for June 2025
The most essential piece of Death Stranding 2 news came during Hideo Kojima’s panel at SXSW in March 2025. Kojima officially confirmed that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will launch exclusively on PS5 on June 26, 2025. This announcement was paired with a dramatic 10-minute trailer offering new glimpses of the characters, world, and gameplay.
Fans can now mark their calendars with confidence, knowing that the sequel is just around the corner. The confirmation also brought news of a Collector’s Edition and pre-order details, both of which we’ll explore below.
Platform Availability: PS5 First, PC Likely Later
Currently, Death Stranding 2 is confirmed only for PlayStation 5. Given Kojima Productions’ tight collaboration with Sony and the extensive use of PlayStation Studios resources during development, it’s no surprise the title will be a timed exclusive.
However, history suggests a potential PC release later. The original Death Stranding launched on PS4 in 2019, followed by a PC version in 2020. Its Director’s Cut also landed on PC Game Pass. With Sony increasingly supporting PC ports, there’s a good chance Death Stranding 2 could follow suit after its PS5 debut.
Pre-Orders and Special Editions
Pre-orders for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach officially went live on March 17, 2025, and come with multiple editions to choose from:
- Standard Digital Edition ($69.99):
- Base game
- Pre-order bonuses: Quokka Hologram, Battle, Boost, and Bokka power skeletons for Sam
- Digital Deluxe Edition ($79.99):
- 48-hour Early Access
- Early unlocks of weapons and gear
- Pre-order bonuses as above
- Collector’s Edition ($229.99):
- Digital game download
- Collector’s Box
- 15-inch Magellan Man Statue
- 3-inch Dollman Figurine
- Art cards and a letter from Kojima
- All pre-order and Digital Deluxe bonuses
Whether you’re a diehard fan or a curious newcomer, there’s a version for everyone.
Gameplay: Traversal, Combat, and Multiplayer Evolution
According to the official PlayStation Store listing, Death Stranding 2 remains an open-world, third-person action-adventure game. Players will once again explore a post-apocalyptic landscape on foot and in vehicles, delivering cargo and overcoming human and supernatural threats.
A core feature returning from the first game is asynchronous multiplayer, which allows players to build structures or leave items in the world that others can discover and use; an innovative system that fosters collaboration without real-time co-op.
The new 10-minute SXSW trailer showcased several forms of traversal, including on-foot exploration, vehicles, and submarine travel. It also revealed a wider variety of enemies and combat encounters. Fans of photography will also be pleased to know that the sequel includes a robust photo mode, with character poses and camera reactions built in.
Kojima has teased the addition of bokka, inspired by traditional Japanese couriers, which may further deepen the game’s theme of delivery and connection. Furthermore, hints at a “boss skip” toggle for players wanting to prioritize narrative over challenge have been mentioned, making the game more accessible.
Story: A New Mission, A New Mystery
Kojima is keeping much of the story under wraps, but the trailers and teasers hint at a complex narrative filled with emotional stakes and layered symbolism. The central question posed is haunting: “Should we have connected?”
Set after the events of the first game, Death Stranding 2 follows Sam Porter Bridges, now older and more weathered, on a new journey beyond the United Cities of America (UCA). Alongside returning allies like Fragile, Sam embarks on a mission to save humanity from extinction while navigating a world plagued by otherworldly forces and ideological divides.
One notable storyline involves a new corporation called APAC (Automated Public Assistance Company) and a mysterious new organization named Drawbridge, which could be replacing Fragile Express. Drawbridge appears to represent both connection (rope) and conflict (stick), echoing Kojima’s earlier metaphors.
The presence of alternate realities is heavily implied, suggesting the game might delve into multiverse concepts where different versions of Sam, Lou, Fragile, and others exist across various “beaches”: the game’s term for liminal, metaphysical zones. The potential for narrative experimentation is high, and fans can expect nothing less than mind-bending storytelling.
Perhaps the most significant behind-the-scenes revelation came from Kojima himself, who confirmed that he completely rewrote the story after the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, “I also didn’t want to predict any more futures,” a nod to his uncanny narrative foresight in the past.
Trailers and Public Showcases
The Death Stranding 2 news cycle began all the way back at The Game Awards 2022, where the first teaser trailer was shown. Although gameplay was absent, the mood-setting, visuals, and character reveals were enough to fuel speculation for months.
In September 2024, Kojima Productions released a series of gameplay clips during the Tokyo Game Show. These were split into four parts:
- Part 1 introduced Dollman and Tarman, with the latter voiced by director George Miller.
- Part 2 featured two young characters, Tomorrow and Rainy, in an intimate and mysterious dialogue.
- Part 3 brought back Heartman, with scenes filled with eerie tension.
- Part 4 unveiled the new photo mode, showing how characters interact with the camera.
The most substantial trailer, however, dropped at SXSW 2025, where Kojima presented a 10-minute cinematic pre-order trailer. It showcased sweeping landscapes, vehicles, supernatural threats, and deeper insights into the core cast and plot direction.
Cast: A-List Talent Returns (and Expands)
Just like its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 features a star-studded cast pulled from both Hollywood and the gaming world. Here’s the confirmed lineup so far:
- Norman Reedus as Sam Porter Bridges
- Lea Seydoux as Fragile
- Troy Baker as Higgs Monaghan
- Elle Fanning as Tomorrow
- Shioli Kutsuna as Rainy
- George Miller as Tarman
- Fatih Akin as Dollman
- Darren Jacobs as Heartman
With the addition of new and returning characters, Kojima is once again blending narrative drama with celebrity performances in ways only he can.
Visuals and Engine: Powered by Decima
Death Stranding 2 runs on Guerrilla Games’ Decima Engine, the same technology behind Horizon Zero Dawn and the original Death Stranding. It supports high-dynamic-range lighting, realistic environments, and complex character animations.
Kojima Productions is receiving development support from Guerrilla, while PlayStation Studios Visual Arts is assisting with performance capture. Additionally, MetaHuman technology by Epic Games is being used to render photorealistic digital humans.
The result? Some of the most lifelike visuals ever seen on PS5. Screenshots released so far reveal breathtaking terrain, intricate character models, and moody atmospheric lighting that perfectly matches the game’s tone.
Final Thoughts: A Bold Leap Forward
From everything we’ve seen and heard, it’s clear that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach isn’t just a sequel; it’s a complete evolution of Hideo Kojima’s ambitious vision. The gameplay mechanics are deeper, the narrative more provocative, and the presentation more polished than ever.
As Death Stranding 2 news continues to emerge in the weeks leading up to launch, it’s becoming obvious that this game could redefine how we think about online interactivity, narrative delivery, and emotional storytelling in games.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Kojima’s work or a curious newcomer looking for a unique gaming experience, Death Stranding 2 is shaping up to be one of 2025’s defining titles.
Stay connected for more Death Stranding 2 news as we inch closer to its June 26 release.
Read the news recap of the latest trends in video game industry via Gamerative.
FAQs
Will Death Stranding 2 include DualSense features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback?
Yes, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is expected to fully utilize the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller. While Kojima Productions hasn’t provided a deep dive into specifics, early developer interviews have confirmed that adaptive triggers and haptic feedback will enhance the sensation of carrying cargo, weather resistance (like walking through wind or rain), and tension during combat. Kojima has previously emphasized immersion through touch, so fans can expect these features to play a major role in the gameplay experience.
Is Death Stranding 2 being localized with full voice acting in multiple languages?
Absolutely. Kojima Productions has a strong reputation for global accessibility, and Death Stranding 2 is no exception. The game will feature full voiceover support in several major languages, including Japanese, English, French, and German, with subtitles in over a dozen additional languages. Kojima has stated in previous interviews that localization teams were involved early in development to maintain narrative nuance across cultures.
Will Death Stranding 2 include accessibility options for players with disabilities?
Yes, Death Stranding 2 will ship with a comprehensive suite of accessibility features. While full details haven’t been made public yet, Kojima Productions confirmed that feedback from the first game was taken seriously. Expect options like customizable controls, colorblind modes, text-to-speech, and scalable difficulty elements. Kojima has also hinted at a special “story assist” mode for players who want to focus purely on the narrative without combat or traversal challenges.
