Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch later this year, offering enthusiasts of the 2019 game a fresh journey to experience in the remnants of a world where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction. The original game was centered around a post-apocalyptic delivery service adventure where you definitely did not want to be out in the rain, highlighted by the impressive digital portrayals of Hollywood actors like Norman Reedus and Mads Mikkelsen.
In December 2022, Death Stranding 2 was officially unveiled at the Game Awards. After years of anticipation, the sequel is fully on track for its June release, yet even with its launch around the corner, we still have numerous inquiries we wish to see clarified in Death Stranding 2. Ahead of its forthcoming launch, here’s everything we know thus far about Death Stranding 2.
When will Death Stranding 2 be released?
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will officially launch on June 26. If you preorder the digital deluxe or collector’s edition, you’ll gain two days of early access and can start playing on June 24.
Preorder Death Stranding 2
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Preorders officially commence on March 17, and we will update this feature with links once they go live. For now, we are aware of what will be included in each version of the game as well as the pricing. Here’s a breakdown of everything:
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach preorder bonuses for all editions
- Quokka Hologram
- Combat Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
- Support Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
- Bokka Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Digital Deluxe Edition
- Digital download
- 48-hour early access to the game
- Machine gun (MP Bullets), LV1 early unlock
- Combat Skeleton: Gold color (LV1, LV2, LV3)
- Support Skeleton: Gold color (LV1, LV2, LV3)
- Bokka Skeleton: Gold color (LV1, LV2, LV3)
- Quokka patch
- Chiral cat patch
- Why me? patch
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Collector’s Edition
- Digital download key for the game
- 48-hour early access to the game
- Collector’s box
- 15″ Magellan Man statue
- 3″ Dollman figurine
- Art cards
- Letter from Hideo Kojima
- Machine gun (MP Bullets), LV1 early unlock
- Combat Skeleton: Gold color (LV1, LV2, LV3)
- Support Skeleton: Gold color (LV1, LV2, LV3)
- Bokka Skeleton: Gold color (LV1, LV2, LV3)
- Quokka patch
- Chiral cat patch
- Why me? patch
Death Stranding 2 platforms
Death Stranding 2 will be released exclusively for PS5 and we do know that it will be
extravagant on that platform for at least a year. Sony was deeply engaged in the creation of the primary game — and assisted Kojima Productions in finalizing the reveal trailer through its PlayStation Studios Visual Arts division — but considering the company’s recent strategy of porting more of its console exclusives to PC in the years following the release of Death Stranding, it is highly probable that Death Stranding 2 will eventually arrive on that platform.
Death Stranding 2 Narrative
Kojima is keeping the Death Stranding 2 storyline a secret for the time being, although he has disclosed a few details about the game since its official announcement. The initial trailer has also suggested a new catastrophe looming as the relentless Death Stranding persists. The plot for Death Stranding 2 that Kojima originally envisioned was discarded after the COVID-19 pandemic struck, prompting him to restart from the beginning. “I had the story written prior to the pandemic. However, after experiencing the pandemic, I entirely rewrote the entire narrative,” Kojima stated during the Game Awards.
“Should we have connected” is the central theme of the story, as following Sam’s journey to help establish the United Cities of America, the world has transformed. Deliveries are now automated, a disturbing new cult seems to have emerged, and Higgs Monoghan has somehow managed to escape the Beach after being stranded there at the end of the original game. Add to this a gigantic samurai clad in red armor, kaiju-sized tar monsters, and new locations, and Death Stranding 2 seems poised to greatly expand upon the concepts introduced in the original game.
“In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, embark on an inspiring quest for human connection beyond the UCA,” the official synopsis from Kojima Productions states. “Sam — accompanied by companions — embarks on a new mission to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they navigate a world beset by otherworldly foes, challenges, and a haunting question: should we have connected?”
As you explore the reveal trailer, there are numerous intriguing storylines to discover, from the state of the world after more connections have been established, the return of Fragile, who is now in much better condition, and possibly a multiverse of variations to explore. For an in-depth analysis, you can check out GameSpot’s Death Stranding 2 trailer breakdown for some wild theories. If you missed them, here are the previous trailers that Kojima has released for the game:
Death Stranding 2 Cast
Kojima enjoys collaborating with actors, and with a reputation as a visionary in the gaming industry, the game director has succeeded in attracting some prominent names to his project. This time, Reedus will be accompanied by a few new faces as Elle Fanning and Shioli Kutsuna join the cast. Reedus reprises his role as Sam Porter Bridges, and he is joined by Lea Seydoux (Fragile) and Troy Baker (Higgs Monaghan), characters from the original Death Stranding.
Other new cast members include Mad Max director George Miller as Tarman, the captain of the DHV Magellan, and Fatih Akin as Dollman, who is certainly one of the more intriguing additions to the series. True to his name, Dollman is a living puppet who will accompany Sam on his journey and isn’t afraid to confront foes like Higgs. Speaking of Higgs, the self-styled particle in all things dons a wild new appearance, reminiscent of a cyberpunk version of the Crow. There’s also Neil, another new character who resembles Solid Snake from the Metal Gear Solid series when he sports a bandana, as seen in the launch trailer. Here’s a closer look at the cast so far for Death Stranding 2:
Returning from Death Stranding
- Norman Reedus as Sam Porter Bridges
- Lea Seydoux as Fragile
- Troy Baker as Higgs Monaghan
New characters introduced in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- George Miller as Tarman (Performed by Marty Rhone)
- Fatih Akin as Dollman (Performed by Jonathan Roumie)
- Elle Fanning as Tomorrow
- Nicholas Winding Refn as Heartman (Performed by Darren Jacobs)
- Shioli Kutsuna as Wet
- Alastair Duncan as The President
- Alissa Jung as Lucy
- Luca Marinelli as Neil
- Debra Wilson as Doctor
Will Nicolas Cage appear in Death Stranding 2?
We are still unaware if the Dead by Daylight celebrity will be showcasing his iconic acting style in Death Stranding 2. However, we do know that he left a very kind note for Kojima after visiting the Kojima Productions studio.
Death Stranding 2 Screenshots
Gallery The original Death Stranding was, at its core, a puzzle game, where players had to guide Sam to his destination and determine the most efficient route and strength to ensure he delivered his cargo intact. Obviously, the game also included action and stealth, as players were drawn into combat with cargo-stealing Mules and the spectral BTs that haunted various areas of the story. However, the fundamental focus of the game revolved around the journey and the destination ahead of you. A unique gameplay element was the timefall, a weather event involving lethal rain that could accelerate the aging process of whatever it touched before transforming into harmless water, meaning that staying exposed during one of those showers could result in a cargo run turning deadly. In Death Stranding 2, it seems that this mix of genres has been heightened. For example, delivering cargo appears to be even more treacherous due to various weather phenomena such as bushfires, thunderstorms, and avalanches. To ease the challenges, it seems that Sam will have access to a new set of vehicles capable of navigating these deadly terrains, along with exoskeletons and floating carriers. Combat also seems to be significantly enhanced, particularly with the introduction of numerous new foes you will encounter. Human adversaries appear to be more intelligent this time. We’ve glimpsed terrifying hand-monsters lurking in the wild, and we will likely need more powerful weapons to tackle the skyscraper-sized tar-monsters. Asynchronous multiplayer will also return in the sequel through the Social Strand system, which helped cultivate a feeling of connection in the first Death Stranding. Essentially, this feature enabled players to impact the environment, leaving behind valuable tools, items, and vehicles for other players to discover during their journeys once certain locations were linked to the Chiral Network. While it’s uncertain how this system has evolved, if it resembles its predecessor, it would be a welcomed aspect as players continue to support each other in a harsh world. The soundtrack of Death Stranding was a standout feature of the game, with relaxing beats providing a soothing ambiance in an otherwise chaotic world, creating a meditative experience. We know that Woodkid performed the song “The Wilder,” which was featured in the SXSW trailer and can be heard in the video above. This isn’t the first time the French music video director has collaborated with Kojima; he previously worked together to create the song “Goliath” for the Death Stranding: Director’s Cut trailer. Additionally, Woodkid has several other tracks that will be included in Death Stranding 2. The Scottish band Chvrches also contributed some of the most captivating tracks to the original game, and while they haven’t been officially approached to create new material for the sequel, the band has expressed their willingness to collaborate again if Kojima reaches out. “There’s nothing set in stone yet. We’ve communicated [and] have both hinted strongly that we’d like to work together once more,” stated Chvrches synth player Martin Doherty in March. “There’s kind of a dance happening right now. I don’t want to risk rejection by outright saying, ‘Can we be in the game please?’ and have [Kojima] say no. But I don’t know. We’re continuing to build a really special relationship with Hideo. I believe we understand each other well. If the opportunity arises to do more, then absolutely, we’ll be there in a heartbeat.”
Death Stranding 2 gameplay
Death Stranding 2 soundtrack
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