‘Death Stranding 2’ leaks, rumors, and speculation about the Kojima sequel

Hideo Kojima’s first game after his messy departure from Konami was the weird yet poignant Death Stranding. The AAA walking simulator starred Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus, amongst many other famous faces. The game received mixed reviews, but overall was an astounding new experience from the mastermind behind Metal Gear Solid. Thanks to some loose-lipped individuals that are seemingly involved in the game, we might be seeing a sequel sometime soon. Here’s everything we know about a possible sequel.

Has Death Stranding 2 been officially announced?

Not yet. While no official announcement has been made about a Death Stranding sequel, it seems like a foregone conclusion that one is in the works. Summer Game Fest 2022 is being held on June 9, 2022, and the close relationship between Kojima and Summer Game Fest host Geoff Keighley may mean an official announcement is just around the corner.

How many times has Death Stranding 2 been teased?

Norman Reedus, probably spilling secrets about Death Stranding 2.Kojima Productions

Twice! The first tease that a Death Stranding sequel was in the works came from actor Norman Reedus. In an interview with men’s lifestyle site Leo in late May 2022, the actor was asked about the motion-capture work on Death Stranding. Reedus responded:

“It took me maybe two or three years to finish all the MoCap sessions and everything. It takes a lot of work. And then the game came out, and it just won all these awards, and it was a huge thing, so we just started part two of that.”

Then on June 1, 2022, Kojima tweeted a cryptic video with a model of HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey and a picture of a girl that said June 6. Some think the date may be June 16 as the picture is up to interpretation. No gaming events are set for either date, but conspiratorial fans point out that a 9 is an upside-down 6, and Summer Game Fest is on June 9.

Koijma is pretty chummy with SGF producer Geoff Keighley — Keighley even has a cameo as an NPC in Death Stranding — which is one reason speculation is high leading into the June 9 event. What’s more, leaks from all the way back in March 2020 claimed that Sony wasn’t pleased with the sales of the game, kicking off more than two years of speculation about a potential partnership between Kojima Productions and Xbox.

What platforms will Death Stranding 2 be on?

The original Death Stranding debuted in 2019 for PS4, with a director’s cut being released on PS5 and PC in 2021 and 2022, respectively. At one point there were rumors that Kojima Productions would be purchased by Sony. However, these rumors were shot down by Kojima himself in a tweet.

The close relationship between Kojima and Sony could mean that Death Stranding 2 would be another Sony console exclusive, like its predecessor. Kojima also loves to push console hardware and technology so he could opt for a current-gen only release for Death Stranding 2, to allow the game to take full advantage of the PS5.

What will Death Stranding 2 be about?

Traversing the world of Death Stranding was a unique gameplay loop.Kojima Productions

Spoilers follow for the ending of Death Stranding.

The original Death Stranding sees Sam Porter Bridges convinces Amelie to not initiate the Last Standing, an event that would end all life on Earth. Sam also discovers that he was the first BB created. Upon reviving the BB Lou from death Sam decides to raise the child as his own, giving it a normal upbringing.

A sequel could see the story pick up several years after the end of the original. One possibility is that Sam must continue reconnecting the country and bring Lou along with him. There is also the possibility Death Stranding 2 will pull a Metal Gear Solid 2 and the player will actually control a grown-up Lou. Norman Reedus could appear as an older Sam who helps guide Lou on her journey. Either way, fans will have a lot to do when a sequel is announced.

Hideo Kojima’s first game after his messy departure from Konami was the weird yet poignant Death Stranding. The AAA walking simulator starred Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus, amongst many other famous faces. The game received mixed reviews, but overall was an astounding new experience from the mastermind behind Metal Gear Solid. Thanks to some loose-lipped…

Hideo Kojima’s first game after his messy departure from Konami was the weird yet poignant Death Stranding. The AAA walking simulator starred Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus, amongst many other famous faces. The game received mixed reviews, but overall was an astounding new experience from the mastermind behind Metal Gear Solid. Thanks to some loose-lipped…