Legendary game creator Hideo Kojima took the stage at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, to deliver an electrifying reveal: a brand-new trailer for "Death Stranding 2: On the Beach" and an official release date. Fans of the critically acclaimed series won't have to wait much longer — "Death Stranding 2" is set to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025. However, eager players can dive in even earlier, with two days of early access available from June 24 for those who purchase either the Digital Deluxe Edition or the Collector's Edition.
A Mysterious New Character with a Familiar Look
The highlight of the 10-minute trailer wasn’t just the stunning cinematics and intriguing gameplay clips — it was the introduction of a new character, Neil, played by Italian actor Luca Marinelli. What caught everyone’s attention? Neil’s striking resemblance to Solid Snake from Kojima’s iconic "Metal Gear" franchise.
Donning a bandanna, just like Snake, Neil leads a squad of eerie-looking soldiers, instantly sparking speculation among fans. This nod to "Metal Gear" shouldn’t come as too much of a shock, though. Back in 2020, Kojima praised Marinelli in an Instagram post, remarking that with a bandanna, he’d be a "spitting image" of Solid Snake.
The Magellan Man — A Terrifying New Foe
The "Metal Gear" vibes don’t end there. The trailer also showcases a colossal, tar-like creature known as the Magellan Man. This beast, seemingly fused with the DHV Magellan, bears an uncanny resemblance to "Metal Gear Rex". Operated like a "Pacific Rim"-style mech, the Magellan Man engages in battle against other massive, unsettling tar monsters, teasing the high-stakes conflicts awaiting players.
For those looking to bring a piece of this world into their own, the Collector’s Edition includes a 15" statue of the Magellan Man — a must-have for die-hard fans.
Editions and Pricing
Kojima Productions has revealed the pricing and editions available for "Death Stranding 2":
- Standard Edition — $69.99
- Digital Deluxe Edition — $79.99 (with 2-day early access)
- Collector’s Edition — $229.99 (with 2-day early access and exclusive physical collectibles)
Pre-orders open on March 17, 2025, so mark your calendars!
Continuing Sam’s Journey — 'Should We Have Connected?'
"Death Stranding 2: On the Beach" continues the saga that began in 2019, when the first "Death Stranding" captivated over 19 million players worldwide. This sequel carries the thought-provoking tagline: 'Should We Have Connected?'
According to the official blurb, players will once again join Sam and his companions as they embark on a harrowing journey to save humanity from extinction. The game promises to push boundaries, forcing players to confront the unsettling question of whether human connection has truly been a blessing — or a curse.
Kojima’s bold storytelling and innovative game design are back, and "Death Stranding 2" looks set to deliver another unforgettable experience.
Prepare to step into this mysterious, dangerous world once again — the countdown to "Death Stranding 2" has begun.
