Hideo Kojima took to the stage at SXSW 2025 in Austin, TX, to unveil a captivating new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and to announce the game's release date.

Death Stranding 2 is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5. Fans who opt for the Digital Deluxe Edition or the Collector’s Edition will enjoy early access starting from June 24, two days ahead of the standard release.

The trailer, spanning 10 minutes, features a mix of cinematic scenes, gameplay footage, and a striking character who resembles Snake from Kojima's renowned Metal Gear series. This character, named Neil and portrayed by Italian actor Luca Marinelli, dons a bandana reminiscent of Snake and leads a group of eerie soldiers while wielding an assault rifle.

The trailer also introduces the Magellan Man, a massive tar-like creature integrated with the DHV Magellan, evoking memories of Metal Gear Rex. This creature is piloted like a mech from Pacific Rim and battles against colossal, unsettling tar monsters. A 15" statue of the Magellan Man comes with the Collector's Edition.

The standard edition of Death Stranding 2 is priced at $69.99, while the Collector's Edition costs $229.99, and the Digital Deluxe Edition is available for $79.99. Pre-orders for the game open on March 17.

Continuing the narrative from the 2019 original, Death Stranding 2 poses the thought-provoking tagline, 'Should We Have Connected?' Here's the official synopsis:

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.