Death Stranding: Everything We Know So Far

By Jessie Wade

Kojima Productions released a new gameplay trailer for Death Stranding, along with its release date of the game for late 2019.

We wanted to make sure you had a source for all of the information that’s trickled out since the game was first revealed in 2016. To that end, here is everything we know so far about the upcoming action game from Hideo Kojima, from its unique landscape with an intricate narrative.

Death Stranding Release Date

Following a leak shortly before the official announcement, Death Stranding will be released on PlayStation 4 on November 8, 2019. Revealed in a new gameplay trailer, the release date comes nearly three years after Kojima announced the game at Sony’s E3 2016 press conference.

Early Development and Announcements

In late 2015, Kojima announced a partnership between his independent studio – Kojima Productions – and Sony. The two were partnering to develop a new game exclusive to PlayStation consoles. Kojima told IGN that the new game is, “slightly more edgy” than the Metal Gear Solid franchise.

After the first trailer at E3 2016, featuring The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus, teasers continued to be released – with a trailer announcement at 2016’s Game Awards, announcing that actor Mads Mikkelsen and director Guillermo del Toro would have roles in the game.

Mikkelsen said in 2017 that he actually felt lost while the plot of Death Stranding was explained to him, but he was intrigued to learn more. “He [Kojima] was trying to tell me the full plot of the game, and it’s so elaborate that, I mean, I got lost but I really wanted to learn more. It’s a big honour to be there,” Mikkelsen said.

Sony ramped up the reveals with a new gameplay trailer at E3 2018, which included two new cast members: Lea Seydoux and Lindsay Wagner.

Despite early conversations that Death Stranding would release before 2019, Kojima said in March 2019 that the game was a little behind schedule.

“It’s common for studios to fall behind their planned release date, and Death Stranding is very slightly behind our initial plan, but not behind by much,” he said.

Preorders and Special Editions

Death Stranding is available for preorder in four different editions, all with their own bonuses:

• Standard Edition – comes with a preorder in-game bonus that retails for $59.99 USD
• Special Edition – the game comes in a Steelbook and includes the soundtrack for $69.99 USD
• Digital Deluxe version – an all-digital edition and includes various in-game bonuses for $79.99 USD
• Collector’s Edition – comes with a life-sized BB (Bridge Baby) Pod statue, a BRIDGES Cargo Case and more for for $199.99 USD

What’s Death Stranding’s Gameplay Like?

Kojima has stated the game is in the “action” genre. It takes place in an open world, but it has core story elements to it and will have some sort of multiplayer options. He explained in 2017 that Death Stranding will in fact have “an appropriate level” of humor in it, and will not be a horror game – despite the dark and intense trailers.

The landscapes transition from green and lush to rocky and misty, and then from bumpy and sandy to snowy mountainous terrain.

Who Are Death Stranding’s Characters?

In the most recent trailer for 2019, multiple new characters were revealed and individual images with names following were shown – to make it extremely clear on who’s playing what role. The following is a list of the characters who we know about.

Norman Reedus: Sam Porter Bridges

Mads Mikkelsen: Cliff

Lea Seydoux: Fragile

Margaret Qualley: Mama

Guillermo del Toro: Deadman

Nicolas Winding Refn: Heartman

Tommie Earl Jenkins: Die-Hardman

Troy Baker: Higgs

Lindsay Wagner: Amelie

What Is Death Stranding’s Story?

Kojima explained in a PlayStation blog post that the goal of Death Stranding is for the player – who will be portraying Sam Porter Bridges – to be working at connecting the cities that have become isolated in the game’s society. The player will then create new “strands” or bonds as he says, with others around the world. Kojima said Death Stranding is created to combine the story and gameplay elements through the same theme of connection – or “Strand.”

“Through your experience playing the game, I hope you’ll come to understand the true importance of forging connections with others,” Kojima said.

For more on the upcoming game, check out our Death Stranding hub on IGN where you can find trailers, articles, and image galleries. Make sure to also check out all the details we found from the latest reveal trailer, including combat and vehicles that will seemingly be in the game.

Jessie Wade is a writer for IGN and thinks this game looks intricately incredible. Chat with her on Twitter @jessieannwade.