Death Stranding 2 trailer reveals release date, fresh gameplay

Hideo Kojima graced the stage at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, unveiling an extended trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach alongside its official release date.

Mark your calendars - Death Stranding 2 arrives exclusively on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025. Players opting for the Digital Deluxe Edition or Collector's Edition gain early access starting June 24.

The 10-minute trailer showcases cinematic sequences, gameplay footage, and notably, introduces a character bearing striking resemblance to Snake from Kojima's iconic Metal Gear series.

Italian actor Luca Marinelli portrays Neil, a soldier who adopts a signature bandana and leads a squad of unsettling troopers - stirring immediate comparisons to Metal Gear's legendary protagonist. Neil wields military-grade weaponry throughout the trailer.

Further Metal Gear echoes appear with the Magellan Man - a massive, tar-infused DHV Magellan hybrid that visually nods to Metal Gear Rex (collectors can own a 15" statue of this entity). The towering mech battles nightmarish tar creatures in scenes reminiscent of Pacific Rim-style combat.

Death Stranding 2 launches with three editions:

• Standard Edition: $69.99
• Digital Deluxe Edition: $79.99
• Collector's Edition: $229.99

Continuing the narrative from 2019's Death Stranding, the sequel poses its central question: 'Should We Have Connected?' The official synopsis reads:

Sam embarks on a profound mission beyond the UCA, accompanied by new allies, to preserve humanity's future. Their journey crosses treacherous landscapes filled with supernatural threats and existential dilemmas. Step by step, visionary creator Hideo Kojima redefines interactive storytelling once again.