‘Death Stranding 2' Premiere Teases Game Opening, Innovative Combat Sequence Ahead Of Release

Geek Culture

3 days ago

It won't be long until fans of Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding return to the touted delivery and walking simulator Death Stranding 2: On the Beach as Sam Porter (Norman Reedus).
With nearly two weeks left until the game's release, host Geoff Keighley, Kojima, and its cast have provided a closer look at Death Stranding 2 through a premiere livestream, teasing its opening, innovative combat sequence, and more. Aside from Kojima and Keighly, present in the panel were Troy Baker (returning as Higgs), Shioli Kutsuna (who voices a new character Rainy), and the game's music composer Woodkid.
The major highlight of the premiere was a live demo of the game's first five minutes, taking place on the border of Mexico, as Sam traverses a vast mountainous landscape toward his hideout. This sequence functions as a tutorial while giving players a taste of what they can expect as a porter. There, Kojima revealed that the game's story begins 11 months after the events of Death Stranding . He also boasted about how Death Stranding 2's soundtrack would adapt to the player's actions, and that natural disasters like earthquakes, forest fires and avalanches would occur dynamically in the environment.
Following the tutorial, the premiere brought the audience to an action sequence against Neil (Luca Marinelli) in a spirit world-like environment, similar to the action sequences in the first game against Cliff Unger (Mads Mikkelson) in the trenches of World War 1. The game showed how combat has been expanded, allowing players to experience fights differently depending on their chosen weapons and tools. Notably, a tar cannon was used to put out fires and eliminate enemies, while other weapons, including a blood boomerang, a grenade pistol and other tactical military items like smoke grenades, were used against Neil and his band of skeleton-like warriors.
Surrounding the major highlights were first mentions of the game's mobile central hub: the DHV Magellan, and the former introduction of new characters like Rainy and Tomorrow (Elle Fanning). Fans were also given a closer look at Fanning's contributions to Death Stranding 2's soundtrack, and her debut as Tomorrow during an action-packed sequence, which showed her special abilities to teleport through pools of tar, and age enemies through touch.
The event concluded with Kojima reminding the audience that although the game would bring awe to them through gameplay and story, players should keep in mind that the theme of the game is about 'connecting the world.'
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach's game premiere has, no doubt, set high expectations for fans. We can all connect the world once again on 26 June 2025, exclusively on the PlayStation 5. Meanwhile, potential porters can stand a chance to win a trip to Taipei and be a part of the DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 TAIPEI to meet Kojima, and the game's art director, Yoji Shinkawa.
Crack open a cold one with Joey, because the moment you approach him, he will start talking about film and video games for days. He spends his waking moments during the weekends meditating on how the latest movie he's watched or game he's played has impacted his worldview.