The wait is almost over for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, hitting shelves later this month. But for eager fans, Hideo Kojima just dropped fresh gameplay footage during Summer Game Fest - including our first look at two intriguing new characters.
Meet the New Faces of the Stranding Universe
The new trailer introduces Lucy (portrayed by Alissa Jung) and Neil (Luca Marinelli), another porter like our protagonist Sam. Their emotional encounter - triggered by matching hand brands - hints at deep personal history, with Neil seeming to recognize Lucy while she reacts with visceral distress.
Kojima teased that Neil's role will carry similar narrative weight to Mads Mikkelsen's unforgettable performance in the original game, promising another complex, emotionally charged character.
Returning to Kojima's Surreal World
Set years after the first installment, this sequel continues Sam Bridges' journey through Kojima's signature blend of existential sci-fi and supernatural weirdness. Last September's reveal showcased bizarre new elements including:
- An unsettling photo mode that warps reality
- Macabre dancing puppet figures
- A character portrayed by Mad Max director George Miller
The trailer also gave us shirtless Norman Reedus emerging from black ooze to encounter Miller's mysterious Tarman - who comes complete with a levitating feline companion and nightmare-inducing ventriloquist dummy. New cast members Elle Fanning (as Tomorrow) and Shioli Kutsuna (Rainy) round out the game's eccentric ensemble.
Mark your calendars: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach delivers its bizarre package exclusively to PS5 on June 26, 2025.
