Preview of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Ahead of Release
As the highly anticipated sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, prepares for its launch later this month, fans got an early sneak peek during the Summer Game Fest. Hideo Kojima didn’t hold back, stepping onto the stage to showcase a brand-new gameplay trailer that teases fresh characters and intriguing story elements.
Introducing New Characters and Emotional Moments
The new trailer introduces two compelling characters: Lucy, portrayed by Alissa Jung, and Neil, played by Luca Marinelli. Neil is a porter, similar to the protagonist Sam Porter Bridges, highlighting the game’s focus on delivery and connection. The scene depicts a poignant moment between the two, marked by a shared branding on their hands. Neil appears to recognize Lucy from the past, which prompts a strong emotional response from her, hinting at deeper storylines and relationships.
Hideo Kojima revealed that Neil’s character will serve a role akin to Mads Mikkelsen’s character in the previous game, delivering performance and emotional depth that players will find memorable and impactful.
What to Expect from the Game
Death Stranding 2 continues Kojima’s signature blend of surreal storytelling and innovative gameplay. Returning characters include Fragile and Sam Bridges, with the narrative set many years after the events of the first game. The game promises to explore new mysteries and expand on the strange, captivating universe that fans have come to love.
In September, Kojima Productions released several gameplay clips, showcasing its bizarre yet fascinating features. Fans got a glimpse of its peculiar photo mode, dancing puppet characters, and appearances by notable figures like George Miller, director of Mad Max, who appears as a character in the game. The footage also featured surreal scenes with Norman Reedus, who appears topless, walking through black goo to meet a character named Tarman, played by Miller, along with a flying pet cat and a talking puppet, adding to the game’s eccentricity.
Additional Characters and Release Details
The game introduces an eclectic cast, including Tomorrow, played by Elle Fanning, and Rainy, portrayed by Shioli Kutsuna. All these elements build anticipation for the game’s official release, scheduled for June 26, 2025, exclusively on the PlayStation 5.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
Fans eager for more details can look forward to future reveals, but the latest trailer at Summer Game Fest has already sparked excitement across the gaming community. With its unique blend of storytelling, gameplay, and visual spectacle, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing releases of 2025.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley via email at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Emma Blake
Emma is a tech-savvy news editor who thrives on staying ahead of the curve. With a background in digital journalism and media studies, she brings readers up-to-the-minute updates on gaming, tech, and entertainment trends. Emma’s writing is sharp, insightful, and always backed by credible sources. Her mission is to keep the community informed and curious about the fast-changing digital world.
