Death Stranding 2 features some Kojima-inspired Easter eggs that might come off as a bit cringeworthy. Discover how these hidden references came about and how the sequel has transformed the protagonists' surroundings.
Death Stranding 2 Easter Eggs and Story Evolution
Kojima's Self-Referential Easter Eggs Might Be Awkward
Death Stranding 2 (DS2) is packed with unexpected cameos and Easter eggs, including several personal nods from director Hideo Kojima that might cause some secondhand embarrassment. In a June 26 interview with GameSpark, Kojima shared that his team was initially hesitant about including these references.
As the series creator, Kojima left his mark all over DS2—even casting his favorite VTuber, Usada Pekora, as a Prepper in the game. Beyond that, he added other personal touches that he admits could make players feel a bit uncomfortable.
Kojima has a long history of weaving himself into his projects. He made multiple appearances throughout the Metal Gear series—as a "ghost" in Metal Gear Solid, a portrait in Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes, and an operative in Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes, among others.
For DS2, Kojima asked his developers to add these self-referential Easter eggs, to which they often jokingly replied, "Huh?" as if they couldn't believe it. Kojima also hinted, "If you look up at the night sky while at the hot spring, you'll see a stunning view. Zoom in, and all sorts of surprises await—give it a try."
Although the game has been out for less than a week, fans have already spotted numerous celebrity cameos beyond the main cast. These include Ghost in the Shell director Mamoru Oshii as The Pizza Chef and Train to Busan actor Ma Dong-seok as Samson Hook. With so many hidden gems, players should stay alert for more of Kojima’s signature awkward surprises.
Exploring "Loneliness Within a Community"
Beyond cameos and Easter eggs, DS2 introduces a fresh narrative shaped by protagonist Sam Porter Bridges' new experiences and environment. Unlike the first game, where Sam journeyed mostly alone, he now returns to a mothership called the "Magellan." According to Kojima, this setup enables richer character interactions and deeper emotional bonds.
Kojima noted that technical restrictions in the original Death Stranding limited gatherings to three or four characters. DS2 pushes that number to five or six, creating more opportunities for dramatic expression.
"Having a home and a diverse cast of characters brings complex human relationships to the forefront," Kojima explained. "I wanted to portray a new form of loneliness—one that emerges within a group, through conflict and disagreement."
Death Stranding 2 Final Launch Day Trailer
On June 26, coinciding with the game’s release, PlayStation dropped a final trailer that gave fans a glimpse of what to expect. The video opens with Sam interacting with BB-28, set to the classic tune "Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head."
The trailer goes on to highlight the game’s plot and varied gameplay, showcasing Kojima’s trademark eccentricity and creativity. It also introduces the star-studded cast, featuring actors like Norman Reedus, Lea Seydoux, Elle Fanning, Troy Baker, and Luca Marinelli.
Despite Kojima’s earlier concerns that the game felt "too mainstream" and his mixed feelings about initial reviews, he expressed deep satisfaction with DS2’s launch. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is now available on PlayStation 5. For the latest updates, check out our coverage below.
