Stunning Death Stranding 2 Trailer Unveils Launch Date, Fresh Gameplay, and Strong Metal Gear Influences

Hideo Kojima took to the stage at SXSW 2025 in Austin, TX this evening to reveal an epic new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, as well as confirm a release date.

Death Stranding 2 launches on June 26, 2025 exclusively on PlayStation 5. However, those who buy the Digital Deluxe Edition or the Collector’s Edition get two days of early access from June 24.

The 10-minute long video, below, includes various cinematics, gameplay clips, and, perhaps most notably, a close look at a character who many are already saying looks a lot like Snake from Kojima’s world famous Metal Gear franchise.

The character, Neil, played by Italian actor Luca Marinelli, is seen putting on a bandana, as Snake does, and leads a team of creepy looking soldiers. The similarity to Solid Snake is remarkable, particularly when we see Neil lead a group of creepy looking soldiers.

The trailer continues the Metal Gear vibes with the Magellan Man, a huge tar-like creature fused with the DHV Magellan that looks a bit like Metal Gear Rex (a 15″ statue of the Magellan Man is included in the Collector’s Edition). The Magellan Man appears to be operated like a Pacific Rim-style mech, and faces off against enormous and very creepy tar monsters.

The standard edition of Death Stranding 2 costs $69.99, as expected. The Collector’s Edition, meanwhile, costs $229.99. The Digital Deluxe Edition costs $79.99. Pre-orders begin on March 17.

Continuing the story of 2019’s Death Stranding, Death Stranding 2 carries the tagline, ‘Should We Have connected?’ 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? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.