Death Stranding 2: Everything We Know So Far About Hideo Kojima’s Bizarre Masterpiece

Love it or hate it, Death Stranding is undeniably one of the most unique and polarizing games of the last decade. Hideo Kojima’s post-apocalyptic “Deliveroo Simulator” left players divided, as its narrative, gameplay mechanics, and overall vibe broke the mold of what we expect from a video game. Now, with Death Stranding 2 on the horizon, fans and sceptics alike are eager to see what new strangeness Kojima has in store.

The sequel promises to be darker, more ambitious, and somehow even weirder than the original. Yet, little is known about how it will play or what the story will truly entail. Despite the mystery, excitement is building as new details trickle in, especially after the game’s appearance at the Tokyo Game Show (TGS). Let’s explore what we know so far about Death Stranding 2, from its cryptic trailers to the returning characters and gameplay hints.

A Polarizing Legacy: Why Death Stranding Was So Divisive

Before diving into the sequel, it’s worth revisiting what made Death Stranding such a divisive experience. Kojima Productions’ 2019 release was more than just a game; it was a bold experiment in storytelling and gameplay. Some saw it as a masterpiece, others as pretentious nonsense.

At its core, Death Stranding was about connecting a fractured world, with players taking on the role of Sam Porter Bridges (played by Norman Reedus), a deliveryman tasked with transporting packages across a hauntingly beautiful, post-apocalyptic landscape. The game’s unique blend of walking simulator, social commentary, and strange sci-fi concepts made it a hard sell for many traditional gamers. Yet, for those who embraced its oddities, it became a deeply emotional and thought-provoking journey.

Now, Death Stranding 2 promises to build on this legacy, and the first glimpses of the game suggest that Kojima is doubling down on the bizarre elements that made the original so memorable.

The Return of Sam Porter Bridges: A Familiar Yet Evolved Hero

One of the key takeaways from the TGS showcase was the return of Norman Reedus as Sam Porter Bridges. This time, however, Sam seems even more grizzled, emotional, and haunted by the events of the first game. In the footage shown, Sam returns to his base, where he is greeted by two new characters: Tomorrow, played by Elle Fanning, and Rainy, played by Shioli Kutsuna.

The interactions between these characters immediately set the tone for Death Stranding 2. They discuss the nature of pregnancy in this strange new world, and things quickly spiral into surreal territory when a talking puppet, hanging from Sam’s belt, starts talking about mortality. Yes, you read that right a talking puppet.

This puppet, called Dollman, seems to be one of the many new oddities Kojima is introducing in the sequel. Much like the original, Death Stranding 2 seems intent on challenging players’ expectations, with bizarre characters and cryptic dialogues that make you question everything you’re seeing.

Heartman and Fragile: Familiar Faces with New Twists

Fans of the original game will also be happy to know that Death Stranding 2 features the return of other beloved characters, including Heartman (played by Nicolas Winding Refn) and Fragile (Lea Seydoux). Both characters played crucial roles in Death Stranding, and they seem to have even more to contribute this time around.

Heartman, whose heart must be constantly restarted by a machine on his chest, is still hiding in his strange base filled with zombified creatures. However, he now has a new support unit that allows him to flatline anywhere without falling on his face a small but significant improvement for someone whose life revolves around dying and coming back to life.

Meanwhile, Fragile has undergone a mysterious transformation. In the TGS footage, she appears with a light shade of blue and is piloting a submarine alongside a new character named Tarman, played by George Miller. This submarine seems to allow them to dive beneath the tar that has taken over parts of the world’s landscape, potentially opening up new areas to explore.

Oh, and did we mention that Fragile has a living scarf made of black gloves that lights her cigarettes? It’s just another example of the beautifully bizarre design choices that Kojima is known for.

Exploring New Worlds: Moon Deliveries and Tar Submarines

One of the most exciting aspects of Death Stranding 2 is the promise of expanded world design. While the original game was set in a bleak, mountainous landscape that resembled Iceland, the sequel looks to be much more varied in its environmental settings.

In one of the trailers shown at TGS, Sam is seen delivering packages on the moon. Yes, the moon. How did he get there? What are the logistics of delivering packages in zero gravity? We don’t know yet, but it’s safe to say that the sequel is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the Death Stranding universe.

The submarine piloted by Fragile and Tarman also hints at underwater exploration, as the tar that has engulfed parts of the world may hide new secrets beneath its surface. This opens up exciting possibilities for gameplay, as players may be able to navigate both the land and the depths of the ocean in search of new regions to connect and new deliveries to make.

Lou’s Mysterious Fate: What Happened to the Baby in the Pod?

Another intriguing detail from the TGS presentation is the return of Lou, the baby in the pod that accompanied Sam throughout the first game. However, it seems that Lou is now trapped in a different dimension, and one of Sam’s key objectives will be to rescue the child from this strange new realm.

The emotional bond between Sam and Lou was one of the highlights of Death Stranding, and it appears that this relationship will continue to play a major role in the sequel. But how exactly Sam will navigate this new dimension, and what challenges await him there, remain a mystery.

New Mechanics: Expanding the Chiral Network

One of the core gameplay mechanics of Death Stranding was the Chiral Network, a system that allowed Sam to connect various outposts and settlements across the desolate landscape. This network was a metaphor for rebuilding human connection in a world that had been torn apart, and it looks like this concept will be expanded upon in Death Stranding 2.

The TGS footage hinted that Sam and his comrades are still working to expand the Chiral Network, but this time the stakes seem even higher. With more regions to explore and new dangers lurking around every corner, the task of reconnecting humanity seems more daunting than ever.

This ties into the overarching theme of the Death Stranding universe how do we rebuild after a catastrophic event? In a world where isolation and division are rampant, the idea of connection becomes even more important. It’s a theme that resonates with our current global climate, making the game’s narrative feel both timely and profound.

The Importance of Celebrity Cameos and the Uncanny Photo Mode

One of the more light-hearted aspects of Death Stranding is its use of celebrity cameos, and it looks like the sequel will continue this trend. Players can spend time at the base snapping selfies with real-life celebrities using the game’s photo mode, which has an uncanny level of detail.

This feature allows for a bit of fun in an otherwise somber and intense game. It’s a chance for players to take a break from the high-stakes delivery missions and enjoy some light-hearted moments with their favorite celebrities. It’s yet another example of the strange juxtaposition that Death Stranding manages to pull off so well one minute you’re navigating a dangerous world filled with hostile creatures, and the next you’re snapping selfies with a virtual version of Norman Reedus.

A Stunning Visual Experience: The Power of the Decima Engine

One thing that has been confirmed about Death Stranding 2 is that it will once again use the Decima Engine, the same graphics engine that powered the first game. Developed by Guerrilla Games, the Decima Engine is known for its incredible ability to render realistic environments and character animations.

In Death Stranding, the engine helped bring Kojima’s surreal vision to life, and it looks like it will do the same in the sequel. The footage shown at TGS was nothing short of stunning, with beautifully rendered landscapes, detailed character models, and jaw-dropping special effects.

This level of visual fidelity adds to the immersive experience, making the world of Death Stranding 2 feel both otherworldly and eerily familiar. It’s a testament to the power of modern gaming technology and Kojima’s unrelenting dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the medium.

A Journey into the Unknown

Death Stranding 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated and bizarre releases in gaming. Hideo Kojima has once again crafted a world that defies explanation, blending sci-fi, horror, and social commentary into a package that is as unique as it is confusing.

While we don’t have all the answers yet, one thing is clear: Death Stranding 2 will be a journey into the unknown. Whether it’s delivering packages on the moon, diving beneath oceans of tar, or saving a baby trapped in another dimension, the game promises to be an unforgettable experience. And in today’s gaming landscape, where so many titles feel formulaic and predictable, that’s something worth celebrating.

So, are you ready to build bridges once again, or will you be standing on the