“Death Stranding 2 Drops June 2025—And Kojima Just Teased the Ultimate Metal Gear Connection!”
Hideo Kojima is back, and he’s bringing some serious Metal Gear vibes with him! At SXSW 2025 in Austin, TX, the legendary game designer unveiled a brand-new, action-packed trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach—and finally dropped the long-awaited release date. Mark your calendars: the game launches June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5. If you’re feeling fancy and grab the Digital Deluxe Edition or the Collector’s Edition, you’ll get early access starting June 24.
A Trailer Packed with Surprises
Kojima never disappoints when it comes to cinematic storytelling, and this 10-minute trailer is no exception. While showcasing stunning cinematics and fresh gameplay, the biggest eyebrow-raiser was the introduction of Neil, played by Italian actor Luca Marinelli. Fans were quick to notice—this guy looks a LOT like Snake from Kojima’s legendary Metal Gear series.
The resemblance isn’t just a coincidence. Back in 2020, Kojima himself praised Marinelli, saying if he donned a bandanna, he’d be the “spitting image” of Solid Snake. Fast forward to 2025, and here we are—Neil rocking a bandanna, leading a squad of eerie-looking soldiers, and fueling speculation that Death Stranding 2 might be paying homage to Kojima’s stealth-action roots.
More Metal Gear Nostalgia?
As if Neil wasn’t enough to get fans talking, the trailer also introduced the Magellan Man, a monstrous, tar-infused creature seemingly fused with the DHV Magellan. If you squint, it bears a striking resemblance to Metal Gear Rex. Coincidence? We think not! This Pacific Rim-style mech brings massive, creepy battles that are bound to become the game’s biggest set pieces.
How Much Will It Cost?
Like most AAA titles these days, Death Stranding 2 doesn’t come cheap:
- Standard Edition – $69.99
- Digital Deluxe Edition – $79.99 (includes two-day early access)
- Collector’s Edition – $229.99 (comes with a 15” statue of the Magellan Man)
Pre-orders kick off March 17, so if you want to be among the first to dive into Kojima’s latest masterpiece, get ready to smash that “buy” button.
A Story of Connection… or Isolation?
Carrying the tagline, “Should We Have Connected?”, Death Stranding 2 continues the thought-provoking themes of its predecessor. Here’s the official blurb:
“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?”
With over 19 million players having experienced Death Stranding since its 2019 release, expectations for this sequel are sky-high. And knowing Kojima, we’re in for an unforgettable ride.
A Global Death Stranding Concert Tour? Yes, Please!
In addition to the game, Kojima Productions is launching a Death Stranding global concert tour, dubbed The Strands of Harmony World Tour. This 19-city event will feature an orchestra performing Ludvig Forssell’s iconic score, along with tracks from other artists featured in the games. HD video projections will accompany the performances, showcasing stunning scenes from both Death Stranding titles.
The first concert kicks off at the Sydney Opera House on November 8, 2025—exactly six years after the original game’s release.
What Else is Kojima Up To?
Kojima Productions is busier than ever. In addition to Death Stranding 2, the studio is also working on:
- A live-action Death Stranding film with A24 (Everything Everywhere All At Once studio).
- OD, an Xbox-exclusive horror game.
- Physint, a video game/movie hybrid for Sony.
Unfortunately, due to the ongoing video game actors’ strike, production on OD and Physint has been delayed—so it may be a while before we get more updates.
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for Kojima Madness!
With a June 26 release date, Death Stranding 2 is shaping up to be one of the biggest gaming events of the year. Whether you’re a fan of Kojima’s deep narratives, intense gameplay, or just love a good conspiracy theory about Metal Gear connections, this game promises something special.
Are you ready to reconnect—or will you question everything? One thing’s for sure: Kojima is about to change gaming once again!
