Get ready to hike, cry, and question your existence all over again - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to release June 26, 2025, and if the first game was a beautifully bizarre fever dream, the sequel looks like a full-on acid trip… with a parcel delivery service.
The Weird Is Back (And We Love It)
If you played the original Death Stranding, you know Hideo Kojima doesn’t make games, he crafts playable riddles wrapped in philosophical monologues and carried on the back of Norman Reedus. And yes, On the Beach continues that legacy in style.
Set in a world still reeling from the collapse of reality (and basic postal services), our favorite dystopian mailman, Sam Porter Bridges, is back with more questions than answers. Only this time, the stakes are even higher, the beach is even weirder, and the baby in a jar might just talk back.
What We Know So Far
Here’s a taste of what Kojima Productions has teased:
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Expanded environments: Bigger, more surreal, and more deadly terrain to traverse. Expect deserts, frozen cities, and, yes, another creepy beach dimension.
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Combat overhauls: More tools, more stealth, and a new emphasis on squad-based tactics. You won’t always be alone… but don’t expect your teammates to be alive in the traditional sense.
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A new philosophical rabbit hole: Kojima’s hinted that the game explores “what it means to reconnect after reconnection.” So... good luck unpacking that.
Also, Troy Baker is back, and his character might be a literal rockstar now. Kojima doesn’t do subtle.
BB 2.0?
Fans are already buzzing about the return of BB, the infant-in-a-pod who captured our hearts and creeped us out simultaneously. While Kojima has been tight-lipped, leaked footage shows Sam holding a slightly older “child unit,” which has led to wild theories ranging from “BB is now playable” to “BB is the final boss.”
Either way, we’re not emotionally ready.
The Kojima Cinematic Universe Grows
Of course, Death Stranding 2 isn’t just a game it’s an event. Rumors suggest a short film may accompany the release, and Kojima has openly discussed his desire to blur the lines between film and interactive storytelling. We wouldn’t be surprised if a trailer drops mid-game and asks you to analyse it.
Oh, and did we mention the soundtrack? Expect another haunting mix of Low Roar, new artists, and maybe even some weirdly uplifting country-pop while you're trudging through metaphysical wastelands.
Why You Should Be Hyped (and Slightly Afraid)
This is the game that gave us invisible death monsters, social commentary via backpack upgrades, and Mads Mikkelsen monologuing to an embryo. On the Beach promises even more emotional whiplash, gorgeous landscapes, and probably a moment where you just sit down and cry without knowing why.
It’s Kojima at his most unfiltered - and whether you loved or hated the original, there’s no denying Death Stranding 2 will be one of the most talked-about games of the year.
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Meet Olivia Jackson Olivia is a freelance writer and editor who focuses on the video game industry. With a passion for RPGs and open-world games, Olivia writes in-depth reviews and guides for the latest releases. She has a degree in journalism and has contributed to several major gaming publications! |
