Death Stranding 2: Release, Gameplay, and Metal Gear Style

At SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, Hideo Kojima unveiled an epic new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and confirmed the game’s release date.

Death Stranding 2 arrives exclusively on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025. Players who purchase the Digital Deluxe or Collector’s Edition gain two days of early access, starting June 24.

The 10-minute trailer, featured below, blends cinematic sequences with gameplay footage and spotlights a character many are comparing to Snake from Kojima’s iconic Metal Gear series.

Italian actor Luca Marinelli portrays this character, seen tying a bandana—much like Snake—and commanding a squad of unsettling soldiers. Named Neil, he resembles a specialized soldier and carries an assault rifle.

Further reinforcing the Metal Gear aesthetic is the Magellan Man, a massive tar-like entity fused with the DHV Magellan that recalls the design of Metal Gear Rex. A 15-inch statue of the Magellan Man comes with the Collector’s Edition. This colossal figure appears to be piloted in a manner reminiscent of Pacific Rim mechs, battling enormous and eerie tar creatures.

The Standard Edition of Death Stranding 2 is priced at $69.99. The Collector’s Edition retails for $229.99, while the Digital Deluxe Edition costs $79.99. Pre-orders launch on March 17.

A direct sequel to 2019’s Death Stranding, Death Stranding 2 explores the poignant question, “Should We Have Connected?” Here’s the official synopsis:

Embark on a compelling mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam, accompanied by his allies, sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Traverse a world filled with otherworldly enemies, daunting obstacles, and a haunting dilemma: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary creator Hideo Kojima reshapes the world once again.