Hideo Kojima presented a fresh look at Death Stranding 2: On the Beach at SXSW, showcasing a treasure trove of new footage. Based on the sneak peek, Death Stranding 2 is bound to be even bigger than its predecessor in terms of scope, and the story is promising an even wilder ride.
Kojima's bizarre post-apocalyptic world deals with themes of isolation and connection. Exploring such deep themes in a post-apocalyptic setting is a fascinating blend, but it also seems as though the challenges of parenting will be explored in Death Stranding 2, as well. Despite a deeper dive into the upcoming sequel, there are now more questions about Death Stranding 2 than ever, and one of the biggest ones is Sam's role. Since the first game, it seems as though Sam has taken on the role of Lou's father, and a teased story arc points to potential inspiration from The Witcher 3.
Death Stranding 2’s Latest Trailer May Subtly Confirm One Highly-Requested Improvement
Death Stranding 2's latest trailer is full of juicy, rich details, but one passing reference suggests a particularly significant mechanical change.
Sam and Lou's Story in Death Stranding 2 Could Mirror Geralt and Ciri's in The Witcher 3
Father Figures On the Hunt For Their Daughters
The main plot of The Witcher 3 follows Geralt as he searches for Ciri, his adoptive daughter and apprentice, as she's being chased by the Wild Hunt. In a world steeped in fantasy and violence, it's an emotional and relatable thread that ties the narrative together, and it looks like Death Stranding 2 may be headed down this road, too. The Witcher and Death Stranding franchises are vastly different from one another, but this potential shared plot point is a compelling similarity.
In the new trailer for Death Stranding 2, it's clear that Fragile has had to teleport Lou away after a group of mysterious armed men try to kill the two. Fragile is unable to teleport herself, though, ultimately separating her from Lou. While this has potentially saved Lou from harm, her whereabouts are completely unknown, which is likely to set in motion the main plot of the game. There are a lot of fascinating details in Death Stranding 2's new trailer, but what makes this detail so compelling is that it's the first full-blown hint as to what the story focuses on.
Kojima's bizarre post-apocalyptic world deals with themes of isolation and connection.
There were originally theories that Elle Fanning could be playing an older version of Lou, but with Fanning's character officially confirmed as being named Tomorrow, this may not be the case. Of course, since this is a Kojima game, anything is possible, but Lou now remains one of the biggest mysteries of Death Stranding 2 going forward.
Fans who pre-order Death Stranding 2's Digital Deluxe Edition or Collector's Edition will get early access to the game 48 hours before its actual launch date. The Digital Deluxe Edition costs $79.99 while the Collector's Edition is $229.99.
Death Stranding 2 Questions Will Be Answered Sooner Than Expected
- Death Stranding 2 launches on June 26, 2025.
Hideo Kojima confirmed in the past that Death Stranding 2 was on track to be ready by 2025, but with months of silence leading up to SXSW, it would have been safe to assume launching at the end of the year was more likely. Thankfully for eager Death Stranding fans, this isn't the case, as the release date is only a few months away. The impending release of Death Stranding 2 makes the summer gaming landscape that much more exciting, as there are still plenty of upcoming games that have yet to reveal their launch windows.
Once Death Stranding 2 is here, it will be compelling to see if the story really does take a similar approach to The Witcher 3. A father figure in search of his child lends itself to some big emotional moments and themes, and it will be fascinating to see how this is showcased in Death Stranding 2's world.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- June 26, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Violence, Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Kojima Productions
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
WHERE TO PLAY
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.
