Kojima Productions has hosted a media preview event in Japan for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, offering select press and industry insiders their first in-depth look at the highly anticipated sequel. While full impressions remain under embargo, previews are set to go live globally on May 8, giving fans and curious newcomers alike a clearer idea of what to expect when the game launches on June 26, 2025, exclusively for the PlayStation 5.
Directed, produced, and written by Hideo Kojima, Death Stranding 2 continues the creative vision first introduced in 2019’s Death Stranding. As the second title developed by Kojima Productions since becoming an independent studio, and its second collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment, the sequel promises to deepen the narrative and gameplay foundation of its predecessor while introducing new elements to expand its distinctive world.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an open-world action-adventure game played from a third-person perspective. Players will once again step into the shoes of Sam Porter Bridges as he embarks on another mission across a haunting, post-apocalyptic landscape. This time, the terrain appears more surreal and fragmented, with environments featuring mysterious floating rocks and otherworldly designs that seem to defy physics.
The game’s mechanics remain centered around traversal and delivery, but Kojima Productions has introduced expanded combat options and broader player choice. Players can take a direct approach by confronting enemies head-on, sneak through areas to avoid conflict, or even choose paths that bypass danger entirely. The return of social strand gameplay also reinforces the idea of indirect multiplayer interaction, allowing player actions to impact each other’s experiences even without direct contact.
Narratively, the sequel picks up after the events of the first game, though much of the story remains under wraps. What is known is that Sam’s journey continues and that returning characters—including fan favorites—will play important roles alongside new faces. The tagline “expect the unexpected” has been used repeatedly in marketing, suggesting another unconventional story structure typical of Kojima’s work.
The varied environments and atmospheric tone are expected to be defining features once again, as the game explores themes of isolation, connection, and existential dread. The decision to host a preview event ahead of embargo shows Kojima Productions’ confidence in the game’s presentation and its ability to engage viewers before launch.
More details will be unveiled when the embargo lifts on May 8, giving the public a deeper glimpse into what lies ahead in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Until then, fans will have to wait patiently to see how Kojima’s newest vision takes shape.
