Given Kojima’s longstanding involvement with The Game Awards, it was originally believed by some fans that the release date of Death Stranding 2 would be disclosed at the 2024 edition of Geoff Keighley's ceremony in December. Kojima's Game designer, Hideo Kojima has finally put an end to several speculations, saying that the release date announcement will not take place until 2025.
A sequel to Death Stranding, titled "Death Stranding:On the Beach," was revealed at The Game Awards 2022 and is scheduled to be released in 2025. Although it is no news that Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, and Troy Baker are all returning cast members, nothing is known about the plot of the sequel. How much do you know about the original Death Stranding and what should you expect in the sequel? Keep reading to find out.
The Original Death Stranding
Death Stranding is an ambitious game from Hideo Kojima released on the 8th of November in 2019. The game blends open-world exploration, delivery missions, and deep themes about connection. It’s a game that keeps players guessing, with its cryptic plot taking about 60 hours to unravel.
While Death Stranding is filled with rich lore, the majority of the game revolves around trekking across challenging landscapes, balancing cargo, and making sure deliveries arrive safely. Unlike most games, there is no easy option to restart when things go wrong, which adds tension to every delivery.
Death Stranding is a slow-burn experience, more like a thought-provoking art film than a fast-paced action game. It’s not for everyone, but those who buy into its themes of belief, perseverance, and connection may find the journey unique and rewarding. The significance of faith is emphasized in Death Stranding. The resilience to keep moving forward even when it seems like there's no way out.
Characters from the First Death Stranding
This is a list of all the characters in Death Stranding. These characters are based on the game’s trailers and promotional contents. Majority of these characters were brought to life using motion capture by well-known actors, so don’t be surprised if you recognize a few faces. It’s probably an actor you know.
- Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus)
- Cliff (Mads Mikkelsen)
- Fragile (Lea Seydoux)
- Mama (Margaret Qualley)
- Deadman (Guillermo del Toro)
- Higgs (Troy Baker)
- Heartman (Nicolas Winding Refn)
- Die-Hardman (Tommie Earl Jenkins)
- Amelie (Lindsay Wagner)
What to Expect from Death Stranding Two
Hideo Kojima said during the TGS 2024 (Tokyo Game Show) presentation that Death Stranding 2 would include a picture mode that might influence the plot of the game. One of the original soundtrack tracks from Death Stranding 2, Horizon Dreamer, sung by Japanese artist Daichi Miura, was also displayed.
A clip from the presentation shows Shioli Kutsuna's Rainy and the reanimated puppet Dollman performing a cover of "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" by B.J. Thomas. At its 2025 release, Death Stranding 2 will be exclusive to the PlayStation 5, continuing the series' tradition of co-development with PlayStation. Although it is unknown if it will be released on PC in the future, it is quite probable considering that the first Death Stranding did only eight months after the PS4 release.
Final Thoughts
Death Stranding 2 is shaping up to be an exciting continuation of Hideo Kojima's unique vision. Set to release in 2025 for PlayStation 5, the game will bring back familiar faces like Norman Reedus and Léa Seydoux, while introducing new features like a picture mode that could impact the story.
Though little is known about the plot, fans can expect the same deep, immersive experience that made the first game special. With its stunning visuals, complex themes, and Kojima’s unpredictable storytelling, Death Stranding 2 is sure to keep players hooked and eager for its arrival.