Death Stranding 2: On the Beach — Hideo Kojima Unveils Gameplay and New Characters at Summer Game Fest 2025

Hideo Kojima captivated fans during a special showcase at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, offering an extended look at Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the highly anticipated sequel to his 2019 hit. The event, part of Summer Game Fest 2025, featured new gameplay demos, cinematic cutscenes, and commentary from Kojima and key cast members — building anticipation for the game’s release on June 26.

“I don’t want to give any secrets away,” Kojima teased the crowd, joined onstage by Troy Baker, Shioli Kutsuna, and composer Woodkid.

Tony Gilroy’s Andor: A Darker, Mature Star Wars Saga That Redefined the Franchise

Set in a fractured, post-apocalyptic United States, the original Death Stranding told the story of Sam Porter Bridges (played by Norman Reedus), a courier connecting isolated communities. The sequel deepens these themes, now reflecting the collective trauma and digital disconnection following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kojima explained that while he had early ideas for Death Stranding 2, he rewrote the story after experiencing the pandemic firsthand.

“It moved too much to digital, and we forgot about analog connection, to meet in person,” he said. “I rewrote [the story] because it’s a new connection after the pandemic.”

New Characters and Emotional Storytelling

Fans at the premiere were treated to two cinematic sequences from the upcoming game. The first introduced Tomorrow (Elle Fanning) and Rainy (Shioli Kutsuna), crew members of the DHV Magellan, who assist Sam on his journey. A tender moment unfolds as the two women discuss pregnancy, with Rainy singing “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” — a poignant reminder of human connection in a dystopian world.

The second scene revealed Tomorrow’s mysterious powers. In a dynamic battle, she melts into tar and annihilates a group of monsters — a cryptic glimpse into her evolving role in the story. Kojima, however, withheld further details, maintaining the suspense around her character arc.

Our super early ‘Survivor 50’ predictions: Mike White is ‘going home first,’ and Kamilla Karthigesu

Expanding Gameplay: Real-Time World Changes

Kojima showcased an open-world gameplay segment in which Sam navigates rugged terrain to return home. Unlike the original game, the sequel features real-time map evolution. Natural disasters dynamically alter the environment, challenging players to rethink their route mid-mission.

The score, composed by Woodkid, is equally dynamic.

“It’s a very nerdy approach to music,” said Woodkid. “I had to reverse engineer the tracks and build harmony based on the player’s actions.”

This adaptive soundtrack shifts based on in-game decisions, enhancing the emotional and immersive experience.

Another gameplay sequence featured a fierce showdown between Sam and Neil (played by Luca Marinelli). Kojima promised that this encounter is just a taste of the larger-scale challenges awaiting players in the sequel.

Release Dates and Soundtrack Launch

To further excite fans, Kojima revealed that the official Death Stranding 2 soundtrack will be released on June 13, ahead of the game’s launch. The album includes a special version of “Into The Wilder”, a haunting theme composed by Woodkid and performed by Elle Fanning.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach arrives on June 26, promising a bold evolution in storytelling, gameplay, and emotional resonance — a true reflection of Hideo Kojima’s vision for connection in a post-pandemic world.

UK Filmmaker Joanna Quinn Honors Gaza Animator Haneen Koraz at Annecy Festival