Death Stranding 2 revealed a new trailer that showcased a new character in the game that suspiciously looks like Metal Gear’s Solid Snake. Read to learn more about Death Stranding 2’s release date and pre-order information.
No, Just a Solid Snake Lookalike
Death Stranding 2 Details Shown During SXSW 2025
Kojima Productions and Sony revealed the release date of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach (DS2) during the South by Southwest (SXSW) on March 9, 2025 in Austin, Texas. DS2 Director Hideo Kojima started the panel with a 10-minute trailer, which showcased new story snippets and gameplay footage from the game. Based on the trailer, DS2 looks to continue the theme of human connectivity in a post-apocalyptic world.
Kojima was joined by PlayStation’s Global Content Communications Manager Kristen Zitan, along with DS2 actors Norman Reedus, returning as Sam Porter Bridges, Troy Baker, and French Music Director and Designer Woodkid. The trailer also revealed a new character leading a mysterious faction, Neil, played by Luca Marinelli. Fans quickly pointed out the character’s resemblance to Metal Gear’s Solid Snake, especially with him also sporting the same headband, sparking some speculation.
Not only did fans notice this, but Kojima himself mentioned this on a post on Instagram in July 2020, saying that Marinelli, when sporting a bandana, looks like the splitting image of Solid Snake. It is, as expected given Konami's history with Kojima, not Solid Snake that was shown. Regardless, the new faction led by Neil looks to play a huge role in the upcoming sequel of Death Stranding.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is set to release on June 26, 2025 on PlayStation 5. To stay up to date with the latest information about the game, check out our Death Stranding 2: On The Beach article below!
Death Stranding 2 Collector’s Edition Pre-Orders Available on March 17, 2025
The trailer also revealed that DS2 will have 3 editions for its release: Digital Standard edition, Digital Deluxe edition, and Collector’s edition. Pre-ordering any of those editions will give the player the following in-game items:
● Quokka Hologram
● Battle Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
● Boost Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
● Bokka Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
Meanwhile, the Digital Deluxe edition includes the following:
● Full Game Digital Download
● 48-hour Early Access to the game
● Machine Gun (MP Bullets) LV1 early unlock
● Battle Skeleton: Gold (LV1, LV2, LV3)
● Boost Skeleton: Gold (LV1, LV2, LV3)
● Bokka Skeleton: Gold (LV1, LV2, LV3)
● Quokka Patch
● Chiral Feline Patch
● Why Me? Patch
Along with the 48-hour early access to the game and in-game items in the Digital Deluxe edition, the Collector’s edition will have additional items, which include the following:
● Collector’s Box
● 15” Magellan Man Statue
● 3” Dollman figurine
● Art cards
● Letter from Hideo Kojima
Pre-orders for the Collector’s Edition will begin on March 17, 2025 at 10 AM ET in the U.S., and 10 AM local time in the U.K., France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, exclusively through PlayStation Direct in limited quantities.
For more information regarding DS2’s pre-order and DLC, check out our article below!
Strands of Harmony World Tour
Also announced during the DS2 SXSW panel was the special concert world tour celebrating the music behind Death Stranding. The concert will feature a full orchestra performing music from the series, accompanied by synchronized HD videos played on screen to relive Sam’s encounters, farewells, fierce battles, joys, and sorrows.
On the official website of Death Stranding Strands of Harmony World Tour, Kojima noted, "In DEATH STRANDING, it plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of the game and evoking players’ emotions. I hope that the songs, whether they are songs that play in moments of solitude or ones that evoke cinematic spectacle, I hope that they will touch your hearts."
Death Stranding Composer Ludvig Vorsell explained the importance of music to the series, and stated, "DEATH STRANDING's music stretches from intimate ballads, to synthwave, all the way to climactic orchestral anthems and I can't wait to bring this eclectic musical experience to life with arrangements aimed to elevate each piece in a full orchestral setting. I also hope that we will be able to take you on a journey along with Sam as the story and music evolves from the first installment to its sequel."
Death Stranding Strands of Harmony World Tour will begin in November 2025, starting in Sydney. According to the website, tickets to most cities go on sale on March 12, 2025, while special guests and exclusive tour merchandise will be announced at a later date.
For the full list of tour dates, read on below:
● Sydney: Sydney Opera House - November 8, 2025
● London: Eventim Apollo - November 16, 2025
● Los Angeles: Dolby Theatre - November 22, 2025
● Shanghai: TBA - November 28, 2025
● Bangkok: TBA - November 30, 2025
● Singapore: Esplanade Concert Hall - December 2, 2025
● Seoul: Gwangwoon University Donghae Arts Center - December 6, 2025
● Newark: Njpac - December 13, 2025
● Berlin: Tempodrom - January 15, 2026
● Paris: Salle Pleyel - January 17, 2026
● Milan: Teatro Dal Verme - January 19, 2026
● Seattle: Paramount Theatre - February 4, 2026
● Chicago: Auditorium Theatre - February 7, 2026
● Yokohama: Pacifico Yokohama - February 23, 2026
● Osaka: Grand Cube Osaka - February 28, 2026
● Austin: Bass Concert Hall - March 7, 2026
● Boston: Symphony Hall - March 9, 2026
● Montreal: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier - March 26. 2026
● Toronto: Meridian Hall - March 28, 2026
Source:
DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH | Pre-Order Trailer
DEATH STRANDING Strands of Harmony World Tour
Death Stranding 2 PlayStation.blog
