Death Stranding 2 Trailer Unveils Release Date, Gameplay, and Metal Gear Influences

Hideo Kojima took to the stage at SXSW 2025 in Austin, TX, to unveil an epic new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and announce its release date. The game is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5. However, fans who opt for the Digital Deluxe Edition or the Collector’s Edition will enjoy early access starting June 24.

The 10-minute trailer showcases a mix of cinematic sequences, gameplay clips, and introduces a character named Neil, played by Italian actor Luca Marinelli. Fans are buzzing about Neil's striking resemblance to Snake from Kojima's iconic Metal Gear series, especially with his bandana and leadership of a mysterious team of soldiers. Neil, armed with an assault rifle, adds a thrilling new layer to the game's narrative.

The trailer also teases the Magellan Man, a colossal tar-like creature reminiscent of Metal Gear Rex. This beast, included as a 15-inch statue in the Collector's Edition, is operated like a Pacific Rim-style mech and battles against enormous, eerie tar monsters.

Death Stranding 2's standard edition is priced at $69.99, while the Collector's Edition will set you back $229.99. The Digital Deluxe Edition costs $79.99. Pre-orders kick off on March 17.

Building on the narrative of the 2019 original, Death Stranding 2 carries the poignant tagline, "Should We Have Connected?" Here's the official description:

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.