Death Stranding 2 Release Date Announcement Planned for 2025, Confirmed by Hideo Kojima

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach has been one of the most anticipated games since its announcement in December 2022. Directed by Hideo Kojima and starring Norman Reedus as Sam Porter Bridges, the sequel to Death Stranding promises to expand on its predecessor’s unique blend of storytelling, world-building, and gameplay.

#TGS2024
PlayStation Presents “DEATH STRANDING 2” Special Stage!

First public release of game footage.
Part 2: Tomorrow & Rainy Member Introductions.#DeathStranding2 pic.twitter.com/ElGZ62zSEQ

— KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS (Eng) (@KojiPro2015_EN) September 29, 2024

However, eager fans must wait longer for a release date announcement, as during the Tokyo Game Show 2024, Hideo Kojima revealed that the release date for Death Stranding 2 has already been decided, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it hasn’t been announced.  

Fortunately, Kojima confirmed they are launching the game in 2025, but fans must wait until next year to get the official date. As a result, players can expect the release date sometime in 2025, possibly aligning with the fall or holiday season, which is traditionally a lucrative period for major game releases.

Death Stranding 2’s Initial Release Date

According to Kojima, the original plan was to unveil Death Stranding 2’s release date at the 2024 TGS event, but “Due to some unforeseen circumstances, we cannot announce it today.” This news came as a disappointment to many, especially as rumours swirled about a potential reveal at The Game Awards 2024.

However, Kojima confirmed that fans should expect the announcement only next year, pushing the game’s official release date to 2025. Drawing comparisons to the original Death Stranding, which had its release date announced roughly six months before its launch, Death Stranding 2 will likely follow a similar timeline. If that pattern holds, we could see a late 2025 release — just in time for the lucrative holiday season.

While the release date might still be under wraps, the 90-minute Death Stranding 2 presentation at TGS 2024 offered plenty of new insights, including fresh gameplay footage, a look at the Japanese voice cast, and the reveal of several new characters. Fans were also treated to a new music video featuring the song Horizon Dreamer, performed by Daichi Miura, part of the game’s original soundtrack.

Everything We Know From Death Stranding 2’s TGS 2024 Presentation

Characters and Cast

One of the highlights of Death Stranding 2 is its expanded star-studded cast, blending returning characters with fresh faces. The TGS 2024 presentation introduced several new key players in the Death Stranding universe. For example:

• Tarman – Played by Australian director George Miller (of Mad Max fame), Tarman is the captain and pilot of the DHV Magellan submarine. Tarman is also a DOOMS sufferer, much like Fragile.
• Dollman – Voiced by Jonathan Roumie with the likeness of Turkish-German director Fatih Akin, Dollman is a mysterious puppet-like figure trapped in his current body. Despite his appearance, Dollman plays a crucial role in the game’s narrative.
• Tomorrow – Portrayed by Elle Fanning, Tomorrow is a character from the realm of the dead, making her an enigmatic addition to the cast.
• Rainy – Played by Shioli Kutsuna, Rainy is a pregnant woman who, alongside Tomorrow, forms part of the new characters that Sam Bridges will encounter in his journey.

Returning characters include Fragile, played by Léa Seydoux, and Heartman, portrayed by Darren Jacobs with the likeness of director Nicolas Winding Refn. Heartman has also been upgraded with special hardware that allows him to sleep standing up.

Gameplay Features and Mechanics

According to the 90-minute trailer, Death Stranding 2 will retain the original game’s signature mechanics and enhance them further. During the TGS 2024 presentation, Kojima Productions showcased new gameplay elements, including:

• Submarine Travel: The DHV Magellan, captained by Tarman, is a submarine that can dive into the tar and travel underground, opening up new possibilities for exploration and travel in the game.
• Expanded Interactions: The new characters bring a fresh dynamic to Sam’s interactions. For example, Dollman introduces a humorous and quirky element, while Tomorrow and Rainy offer more emotional and complex storylines.
• Photo Mode: In a significant innovation, the Photo Mode in Death Stranding 2 will go beyond the typical screenshot capture found in most games. Characters will react to their environments and one another based on their mood and personality, resulting in more dynamic and authentic photo captures. Kojima even hinted that this mode could impact the story, though the details remain unclear.

Moreover, one of the more surprising reveals was the inclusion of in-game concerts, such as the one featuring the song “Horizon Dreamer” by Daichi Miura. These events provide a more immersive experience, blending the game’s music with the narrative.

Closing Notes

As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that Death Stranding 2 is shaping up to be another unique and groundbreaking experience from Kojima Productions. Given Kojima’s history with ambitious, intricate projects, players can expect a blend of cinematic storytelling, innovative gameplay, and thought-provoking themes.

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