Hideo Kojima’s highly awaited sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, has finally arrived. Relying on the innovative “strand game” idea of the first game, this sequel introduces daring new innovations in gameplay, storytelling, and immersion. Let us take you through ten important facts you absolutely need to know.
Release Date & Platforms
Mark your calendars for June 26, 2025—the release date confirmed at SXSW 2025. The sequel comes only to PlayStation 5, with pre-orders available from March 17. A PC release might happen afterwards.
The buzz is building as fans clamor for the next installment of Kojima’s hallucinatory, genre-bending world.
Story & Setting — Australia Beckons
The game follows Sam Porter Bridges again, this time in Australia, set 11 months after the creation of the United Cities of America. With the creation of automated deliveries, new factions form, environmental mayhem reigns, and Sam has to reconnect severed communities to the chiral network to avert humanity’s downfall.
This sequel ventures new territory, both geographically and emotionally.
Old Faces & New Names
Old faces return:
- Norman Reedus (Sam)
- Léa Seydoux (Fragile)
- Troy Baker (Higgs)
They’re supplemented by an impressive new cast:
- Elle Fanning (Tomorrow)
- Shioli Kutsuna (Rainy)
- Luca Marinelli (Neil)
- Alissa Jung (Lucy)
George Miller, Debra Wilson, and more provide strong cameos.
The cast launchpad heralds rich emotional highs and surprising turns.
Gameplay Enhancements
Death Stranding 2 advances the series with richer mechanics:
- Combat and hacking add strategic depth and action.
- New traversal methods such as monorails improve movement.
- The world responds through dynamic events and environmental changes.
- Enhanced companion systems and equipment enhance survival and bonding.
All of which contribute to a stronger and more immersive gameplay experience.
Pre-Order Bonuses & Editions
There are three editions:
- Standard Edition: Base game.
- Digital Deluxe (~$80): Early access and in-game skins included.
- Collector’s Edition (~$230): Includes a 15″ statue, Dollman figure, art cards, a letter from Kojima, along with game bonuses.
All pre-orders receive a quirky Quokka Hologram and special exoskeleton skins.
From art collectibles to early access benefits—something for every fan in this launch.
Music & Atmosphere
Music sets the mood:
- Woodkid provides the soundtrack—his track To The Wilder available with pre-orders.
- Score by Ludvig Forssell, featuring artists such as Low Roar, Caroline Polachek, Daichi Miura, and more.
- The sound is procedural, responding to player actions in real-time.
Immersive audio guarantees the emotional draw is as intense as Kojima’s vision.
Engine & Visual Upgrades
With a boosted Decima Engine, this PS5-dedicated title boasts:
- Breathtaking post-apocalyptic Australian landscapes.
- Improved visuals, instant loading, and performance with PS5 hardware.
- A rich environmental immersion that visually enhances the experience.
It’s Kojima’s most visually ambitious work yet.
Live Tour: Strands of Harmony
Outside of the game, Death Stranding 2 includes a worldwide concert tour—Strands of Harmony—that celebrates the game’s music and narrative through live orchestras. Beginning November 8, 2025, the tour will make its way around Sydney, LA, London, and beyond.
This special extension brings narrative in terms of sight and sound across the globe.
Cultural Honours & Tributes
The game makes sincere tributes:
- Low Roar’s Ryan Karazija is celebrated through music additions and in-game posters, after his death.
- The end credits include a moving message in his honor.
His contribution continues to be central, binding the emotional foundation to the legacy of the series. Kojima’s dedication shows the personal significance of the artwork.
Critical Reception & Continued Support
Death Stranding 2 has already received widespread critical acclaim for its polished systems and narrative. Developers are engaging with fans actively through a world tour and international events.
Look for ongoing updates, community interaction, and expansions as the journey continues.
Summary – Why Death Stranding 2 Matters
- PS5 exclusive release June 26, 2025
- Post-apocalyptic Australia, 11 months after
- Back with Sam, Fragile, Higgs and new characters (Fanning, Kutsuna, Marinelli)
- Improved gameplay: combat, monorails, dynamic world
- Three versions, including collectible statues and character skins
- Music by Woodkid, procedural soundtrack by Forssell
- Improved visuals through Decima Engine
- Strands of Harmony live orchestral tour
- Pays tribute to Ryan Karazija of Low Roar
- Positive word-of-mouth and fan engagement persist
Final Thoughts
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach builds on its forerunner in bold, substantive ways. With its cinematic sandbox, richer mechanics, music, and emotional storytelling, it’s not just a game—it’s an experience shared on PS5 that reimagines connection and discovery.
This adventure is just starting—and already it’s captivating the globe.
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