The Death Stranding 2 release date is finally confirmed – June 26, 2025 – bringing Hideo Kojima’s post-apocalyptic saga back with a surreal new chapter titled On the Beach.
Announced during Sony’s recent State of Play showcase, the game’s new trailer delivered a heavy dose of cinematic weirdness, gameplay upgrades, and a concrete release date that has fans more than ready to return to Kojima’s haunting, sci-fi wasteland.
After months of speculation and cryptic teases from Kojima Productions, the wait is finally over.
What We Know About Death Stranding 2’s Storyline
Set 11 months after the events of the first game, the sequel follows Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) as he embarks on a new mission to reconnect Australia to the Chiral Network. Players can expect familiar themes, loneliness, connection, survival, but with a wildly expanded cast, new environments, and even stranger threats. Elle Fanning, Troy Baker, and Lea Seydoux all return or join the cast in expanded roles.
New Gameplay Features and Upgrades
- Combat is fully overhauled with stealth options, customizable weapons, and gadgets like coffin-hoverboards and blood boomerangs.
- Environmental hazards like sandstorms, earthquakes, and flooded rivers make traversal more unpredictable than ever.
- A new monorail system and custom off-road vehicles reduce the grind and add speed to long-distance deliveries.
- RPG-lite skill tree and perk system allows you to tailor your Sam to your playstyle, sneaky, shooty, or science-y.
Will It Be on PC or Xbox?
As of now, Death Stranding 2 is a PS5 exclusive, with no official word on a PC or Xbox release. However, given that the original game eventually made its way to PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, a future PC port isn’t out of the question.
Cinematic Influences and Kojima Weirdness Dialed Up to 11
From giant oily skulls to singing puppets, the trailer and early reviews confirm that Kojima is pushing every creative boundary he can find. The game leans heavily into film influences like Interstellar, The Road Warrior, and Pulse, with visuals that feel part dream, part apocalypse.
Can You Skip the First Game?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. The sequel includes a story recap and glossary called the Corpus, but Kojima’s dense lore is best understood through the original. If you haven’t played Death Stranding yet, now is a good time to catch up before June.
Pre-Orders and Special Editions
Pre-orders are now live on the PlayStation Store, with a Collector’s Edition featuring:
- A BB Pod replica
- Art book
- Exclusive in-game gear
- SteelBook case
Bottom Line: Mark Your Calendar for June 26
With glowing early reviews and an all-star cast, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most original and talked-about releases. Whether you’re in it for the stealth-action or the Kojima-level chaos, the countdown has officially begun.
Ethan Cross is a tech journalist and analyst with a passion for gaming, AI, and emerging innovations. With years of experience covering hardware, software, and industry trends, he breaks down complex tech topics into engaging, accessible insights. Whether it’s the latest gaming hardware, smartphone innovations, AI breakthroughs, or startup disruptions, Ethan delivers sharp, in-depth coverage that keeps readers ahead of the curve. His expertise spans gaming reviews, software updates, blockchain, and industry shake-ups, ensuring that no major tech development goes unnoticed.
