Death Stranding 2 Set for 2025 Release, Unveils New Trailer at SXSW

The much-anticipated Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set for a grand debut on June 26 for the PlayStation 5. This exciting announcement came from none other than Hideo Kojima himself, the game director and founder of Kojima Productions, during an engaging SXSW 2025 panel. Along with the announcement, fans were treated to a comprehensive new trailer that paints an exciting picture of what lies ahead.

Spanning a full 10 minutes, the latest trailer delves into the world of Death Stranding 2, showcasing its star-studded cast with some intriguing new additions. Norman Reedus reprises his role as Sam Bridges, the iconic hero navigating this unusual world. Also returning are Léa Seydoux and Troy Baker, stepping back into the shoes of Fragile and Higgs. This time around, new faces like Elle Fanning playing Tomorrow, Shioli Kutsuna as Rainy, and George Miller as Tarman join the journey. Additionally, Luca Marinelli, Debra Wilson, and Alissa Jung bring fresh energy as Neil, Doctor, and Lucy, respectively. Fans will also enjoy a special cameo by Korean action star Lee Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee.

Amidst all the new content, eagle-eyed fans might catch a few nods to Kojima’s classic Metal Gear Solid series. There’s a moment when Marinelli’s Neil strongly resembles Solid Snake, and the ominous tar beast merging with the DHV Magellan to become the Magellan Man brings back memories of Metal Gear Rex/Sahelanthropus. Beyond the references, there’s no shortage of captivating gameplay and narrative teasers to captivate Death Stranding enthusiasts.

Set 11 months after the founding of the United Cities of America, the new trailer paints a vivid picture: servers now line the beach, and delivery tasks have been automated, seemingly sidelining porters like Sam. Yet, challenges persist as chiralium continues to distort environments and a new faction rises. Despite these dramatic changes, Sam remains committed to his mission.

Reflecting on past events, in a trailer unveiled at the 2022 Game Awards, Kojima shared how the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic influenced him to reshape the game’s storyline. The narrative picks up from the first installment, continuing the odyssey across an America besieged by eerie creatures called Beached Things.

In another insightful 10-minute trailer released during a State of Play session last year, we learn that the delivery company Bridges has been disbanded, replaced by the enigmatic Drawbridge. However, as with all projects spearheaded by Kojima, many details remain tantalizingly elusive.