When acclaimed game creator Hideo Kojima unveils a new project, speculation runs wild across the internet. This frenzy occurred with the Metal Gear Solid series before his departure from Konami. It continued with the introduction of Death Stranding and has now intensified with its successor, aptly named Death Stranding 2.
Although concrete details about the game, slated for a 2025 release, remain scarce, Kojima enjoys teasing his audience. His cryptic hints fuel extensive fan theories that suggest Death Stranding 2 could surpass its predecessor in terms of excitement and innovation.
8 The Potential Inclusion of Nicholas Cage
More Than Just a Visit?
In July 2023, Nick Cage ventured into the realm of video games by appearing as himself in Dead by Daylight as a playable character. During the same period, Kojima shared a photo of himself alongside the actor next to a Death Stranding statue in his Japanese studio.
While Cage's visit was reportedly a casual tour, could it signify his involvement in Death Stranding 2? The notion isn't far-fetched considering Kojima's history of casting notable personalities in his projects. Some enthusiasts speculate that Nicholas Cage might portray a secondary antagonist alongside Troy Baker's Higgs in the upcoming sequel.
7 Elle Fanning's Role as an Adult Lou
A Fresh Character or a Familiar Face?
In February 2024, Kojima Productions unveiled a State of Play trailer brimming with intriguing hints. Towards the conclusion of the trailer, American actress Elle Fanning is depicted in a scene with Sam, Fragile, and a doctor, examining the body of a deceased woman discovered within a chrysalis.
Clues within the scene suggest a potential link between the two women. Ever since Fanning's involvement was revealed, fans have theorized that she might portray an adult version of Lou (Sam's infant companion from the original game). Kojima's admiration for the actress and the game's narrative adjustments if she had declined the role indicate Fanning's character will play a significant role in the storyline.
6 Exclusive PlayStation 5 Release with Future PC Prospects
Expanding Platform Availability
Confirmation has been received that Death Stranding 2 will launch on PlayStation 5 in 2025. However, no information has been disclosed regarding other platforms, hinting at a period of PlayStation exclusivity.
Despite the initial exclusivity, optimism remains high for a later release on PC. The original game debuted as a PS4 exclusive in 2019 before reaching PC players on March 30, 2022, even becoming available on PC Game Pass. This trajectory suggests that PC gamers may eventually gain access to Death Stranding 2, albeit after a waiting period.
5 Enhanced Action-Oriented Gameplay
Transitioning Beyond Walking Simulations
Combat played a minor role in the original Death Stranding, which primarily emphasized traversal mechanics and stealth, promoting a pacifist approach. While combat existed, particularly against BTs, it didn't dominate the gameplay, leading some critics to label the game as a "walking simulator."
Scenes from the sequel's State of Play trailer have sparked speculation about a heightened focus on combat in the upcoming installment. The trailer showcases Sam equipped with an array of weapons (in contrast to the original's limited selection) and engaging in combat with NPCs, supported by dialog from Higgs hinting at a necessity for force in Sam's mission this time.
4 Could Sam Embark on a Lunar Journey?
Exploring New Horizons
Central to the original Death Stranding was guiding Sam from one point to another. However, some enthusiasts speculate that the sequel might take Sam on an unprecedented journey.
A mention in the game's trailer acknowledging NASA for a "CGI Moon Kit" has led to conjecture that the protagonist of the game may venture to the moon in the sequel. While this concept may seem ambitious, exceeding expectations aligns with Kojima's renowned style. Additionally, the spaceman motif of his company adds to the credibility of this theory.
3 Playable Higgs and Evolving Gameplay
Unveiling a Transformed Antagonist
Higgs emerged as one of the standout characters in Death Stranding, a considerable feat given the game's ensemble. For the sequel, Higgs exhibits a more aggressive appearance and introduces new abilities, reminiscent of a cyborg ninja from Metal Gear Solid.
Speculation suggests that Higgs may transition into a playable character this time. Kojima's propensity for unexpected twists, such as controlling Raiden instead of Snake in Metal Gear Solid 2, fuels the possibility of players assuming the role of Higgs during the game's action-driven segments.
2 Expansive Environments and Diverse Settings
Venturing into Uncharted Territories
Confirmation from Kojima indicates that Death Stranding 2 will introduce fresh locales. The game will steer away from North America, as evidenced by the released imagery portraying Icelandic-like landscapes, a crimson desert, expansive canyons, and snow-capped peaks.
Furthermore, players can anticipate traversing bustling urban centers in Death Stranding 2, potentially offering one of the most extensive open-world maps to date. The inclusion of indoor settings, hinted at in trailers through Fragile's stealth sequences in corridors and vents, suggests a shift towards stealth gameplay reminiscent of Metal Gear Solid.
1 Anticipate the Unforeseen
Awaiting Surprises, Not Just Advancements
The glimpses of Death Stranding 2 thus far indicate a game that is poised to surpass its predecessor - offering more weapons, increased action, a larger map, and a more intricate narrative. The trailers and official statements have both validated and refuted numerous theories circulating since the game's announcement in 2022.
Nonetheless, Kojima is renowned for his unpredictability and penchant for surprising his audience. With the game's release scheduled for 2025, players can only speculate about what awaits them. The element of mystery associated with a Kojima Productions title ensures that there are always unexpected twists on the horizon.