Death Stranding 2 Trailer Has Metal Gear References

In the latest Death Stranding 2: On the Beach trailer, eagle-eyed fans noticed several obvious nods to Metal Gear‘s original protagonist and the franchise’s mechs. This marks the first time that Metal Gear creator and Death Stranding 2 director, Hideo Kojima, has openly referenced the Konami-owned IP in his newer works since leaving the company in 2015.

Nearly a decade ago, Kojima and Konami parted ways after the successful release of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. In the aftermath of the breakup, the renowned game director went on to establish Kojima Productions and create the brand-new IP Death Stranding, whereas the Japanese game publisher struggled to produce a noteworthy Metal Gear entry, essentially leaving the highly celebrated series in limbo for years. However, in 2025, things seem to be going well for both entities, with Konami’s Metal Gear revival set to continue through Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Kojima’s Death Stranding sequel also getting closer to release by the day. Most recently, the Kojima Productions head showed off a new look at Death Stranding 2, catching the attention of keen Metal Gear fans.

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Solid Snake from the Metal Gear franchise was referenced in the recently revealed Death Stranding 2: On the Beach trailer showcased during the SXSW 2025 event. The new video depicts a bandana-wearing armed character named Neil, who bears a strong resemblance to the Metal Gear Solid protagonist. Interestingly, the character is shown surrounded by an armed squad, just like Cliff was shown in one of the trailers for the first game. In addition to this, the trailer also depicts a giant robot that looks identical to Metal Gear Rex, one of the mechs featured in Metal Gear titles. In no time at all, Metal Gear enthusiasts swiftly highlighted these similarities on social media and expressed their excitement about Kojima openly giving a nod to one of his most memorable contributions to the industry. In their Reddit post, user CrisisCore4Ever said, “Metal Gear Solid 6 looks crazyyyyyy [sic],” whereas another user commented, “I can’t believe he really went all out with the MGS references.”

Certain excited Metal Gear fans were also quick to point out that Luca Marinelli, who portrays Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is the same person who was labeled the “spitting image of Solid Snake” by Kojima way back in June 2020. In an old Instagram post recently excavated by fans, the former Konami dev could be spotted saying that Marinelli would look like the popular Metal Gear protagonist “if he donned a bandana.”

While this may seem promising to Metal Gear fans who want Kojima to lead the stealth-action franchise again, these additions are likely simple references and nothing more. The owner of the IP, Konami, is charting its own path ahead with Metal Gear and is set to give one of the franchise’s most highly rated titles a complete makeover with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater in August 2025. A release date for Death Stranding 2 was finally revealed alongside the recent trailer, with the game set to be released on June 26.

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Released

June 26, 2025

ESRB

Mature 17+ // Violence, Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language

Publisher(s)

Sony Interactive Entertainment