Hideo Kojima, the renowned game director, has finally announced the release date for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the highly anticipated sequel to his 2019 post-apocalyptic masterpiece. The game is set to launch on June 26th, exclusively for the PlayStation 5, with pre-orders starting on March 17th.

The announcement was made during a presentation at SXSW, where Kojima showcased a 10-minute trailer that left fans and critics alike in awe. The trailer features a star-studded cast, including Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, Troy Baker, and Elle Fanning, among others. The gameplay footage showcases Sam navigating the treacherous wasteland, facing off against horrific monsters, and dealing with the harsh weather conditions.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the trailer is the appearance of Neil, played by Italian actor Luca Marinelli, who is seen donning a bandana reminiscent of Solid Snake, the iconic protagonist of Kojima's Metal Gear Solid series. The shot is eerily creepy, with quick flashes showing Neil's face dirty, bloody, or replaced with a skull.

In addition to the game, Kojima also announced "The Strands of Harmony World Tour," a concert tour that will visit 19 cities and feature the music of Death Stranding, performed by a live orchestra and singers. The tour is set to begin on November 8th, 2025, in Sydney, Australia.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a direct sequel to the original game, which saw Kojima branch out with his new studio, Kojima Productions. The original game's success led to a director's cut, multiple ports, and an upcoming live-action film made in partnership with A24.

Kojima Productions is also working on two other projects, including the Xbox horror game OD, starring Sophia Lillis and Hunter Schafer, and an "action espionage" game codenamed PHYSINT. The studio's ambitious plans are a testament to Kojima's vision and creativity, which continue to push the boundaries of the gaming industry.

The release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is highly anticipated, and fans are eagerly waiting to dive back into the strange and captivating world created by Kojima. With its star-studded cast, bonkers gameplay, and intriguing storyline, this game is set to be one of the biggest releases of the year.

Stay tuned for more updates on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and get ready to experience the next chapter in Kojima's post-apocalyptic saga.