The Dying Stranding particular panel at SXSW 2025 included quite a lot of new bulletins and particulars. Director Hideo Kojima additionally spoke fairly a bit concerning the growth of the unique Dying Stranding and its upcoming sequel. One of many issues Kojima spoke about is how the central theme of “connection” in Dying Stranding happened.
In accordance with Kojima, the theme happened within the wake of his departure from Konami main as much as the discharge of Steel Gear Strong 5: The Phantom Ache. Kojima describes the time as a lonely one for him, believing that he had misplaced every thing on the time.
“The sport was about connection,” mentioned Kojima about Dying Stranding. “I assumed I misplaced every thing after I grew to become alone 9 years in the past.”
“I had one thing crucial, which was [a] reference to individuals,” he concluded.
Dying Stranding 2: On the Seaside additionally received a brand new trailer throughout the particular panel at SXSW 2025. The trailer, clocking in at 10 minutes in size, gave us cryptic hints about what the plot of the story may probably be. We additionally received to see that the gameplay in Dying Stranding 2: On the Seaside goes to be fairly just like the unique Dying Stranding, with gamers taking up the position of protagonist Sam Porter as he makes deliveries throughout huge areas of uninhabited land.
The trailer additionally revealed that well-liked character Higgs could be returning within the sequel. Performed by Troy Baker, the character proved to be one of many fan-favourites from the unique Dying Stranding. Kojima has mentioned that the Higgs we see in Dying Stranding 2: On the Seaside will probably be much more ridiculous than what we noticed within the authentic sport. Kojima pre-emptively apologised for gamers probably throwing their controllers on the sight of his ridiculousness.
“Higgs isn’t like twice or thrice higher – it’s 100 instances higher than Dying Stranding 1,” mentioned Kojima. “So on the finish, you’re gonna watch Higgs and say, ‘What is that this?’ And also you’ll in all probability throw the controller, it’s so ridiculous. I’ll apologize beforehand.”
Dying Stranding 2: On the Seaside can even characteristic a brand new character, named Neil, who Kojima has described as being in an analogous position to Mads Mikkelsen’s character Cliff from Dying Stranding. Kojima wrote a prolonged submit about how he got here to find actor Luca Marinelli’s work, and the way they got here collectively for Neil in Dying Stranding 2.
“Through the pandemic, I used to be casting for Dying Stranding 2. Neil could be an vital position that replaces Cliff from Dying Stranding 1,” wrote Kojima. “The followers wouldn’t be glad except the casting would surpass Mads.”
Dying Stranding 2: On the Seaside is coming to PS5 on June 26. Kojima Productions and Sony have additionally revealed particulars about its varied editions, together with a Digital Deluxe and a Collector’s Version, each of which can grant gamers 48 hours of early entry to the sport proper earlier than its launch.
Later within the yr, the Dying Stranding Strands of Concord live performance tour will probably be happening. Kicking issues off on November 8 in Sydney, Australia, the tour will go everywhere in the world earlier than wrapping up in Canada in March 2026.
