Hideo Kojima loves his easter eggs and references, andDeath Stranding 2is filled with them. There are so many easter eggs and secrets inDeath Stranding 2, and many of them reference other games and pieces of pop culture, and others feature secret cutscenes that most players might have missed in their playthrough.
The best easter eggs inDeath Stranding 2are still being discovered, but we’ve compiled some of our favorite finds that will have players desperate to jump back intoSam’s porter shoesto check out these easter eggs for themselves.
8Metal Gear Solid Lives On
Kept You Waiting, Huh?
Despite cutting ties with Konami all those years ago, it seems that Hideo Kojima will never shy away from his baby. Kojima’s love for his creation of theMetal Gearfranchise stands strong, and there are plenty of references to the series featured inDeath Stranding 2. The most obvious example is that ofNeil’s bandannabeing an ode to Solid Snake, but it doesn’t end there. Higgs abruptly says “Kept you waiting, huh?” which is a line said by Snake across all games, and even better is Tarman saying “Phantom Pain”, which is a reference to a real-life condition, but it’s hard not to hear those words and not think ofInvisibleby Duran Duran.
7Hideo Kojima Watches Over You
Kojima-San is Quite Literally in the Stars
Hideo Kojima loves to reference himself, and his games always feature a cameo from him one way or another.Death Stranding 2is no exception from the rule, and across the game, players can find plenty of references to Kojima Productions with graffiti, wall art, and even merchandise. However, it doesn’t stop there, as Hideo Kojima can actually be seen himself if players are to study the constellation of stars while resting in a hot spring on a clear night sky. Doing so will trigger Kojima’s face to pop up, showing how, despite his busy schedule, he’s always watching the player, even if they’re trying to bathe, apparently.
6Sam’s Nightmares
Experience Secret Terrors
When aboard the DHV Magellan, Sam can head tohis private roomand crash out for a well-deserved sleep. However, if Sam decides to go back to sleep when he wakes up, there’s more of a chance for him to have a nightmare. These nightmares can be triggered by interacting with Lou’s Pod, Dollman, or even just by trying to return to the surface. Each nightmare is unique, and while some can be funny, others can be extremely terrifying. These nightmares can consist of Dollman hiding in Lou’s pod and singing, to seeing Charlie with arms and legs in the hallway, just standing there… menacingly!
5Breaking the Fourth Wall
A Kojima-Classic is Kojimatastic
There are plenty of fourth wall-breaking moments inDeath Stranding 2that prove that, despite the genius of his writing and the fun of his gameplay, Hideo Kojima doesn’t take things too seriously. It’s part of his immense charm, and some of the best moments from the game come from these moments. The most egregious examples come from Higgs, who seems to know he’s in a video game. Higgs will often look directly at the camera and say things like “we won’t be having ourselves a boss fight this time.You see, y’all can’t win.” The fact that Higgs is directly addressing the player adds to his terrifying charm, but that’s just one of many examples of fourth wall breaks that make the game so fun.
4Happy Birthday, Sam!
The World Celebrates Your Birthday
When players start a new game ofDeath Stranding 2, they will be asked to set a birthday. While this seems like nothing at the start, it actually provides players with a reason to come back and celebrate. Players are not only treated to a fun cutscene on board the DHV Magellan, but every interaction with porters and preppers willsee everyonecelebrate your birthday. Ghostly Sams will say happy birthday, and other preppers will celebrate the big day too. It’s cute and a lot of fun for players who want the very best birthday wishes.
3The Ghost Monorail
The Soul Train Down Under
While not necessarily a horror title,Death Stranding 2does have aspects of horror, proven by the Ghost Monorail. Porters have heard rumors of a ghostly monorail that flies through the sky with lost cargo, and if players look up at a clear sky during the night, they might see the Ghost Monorail. A screeching train on the rails that rides through the darkness, the Ghost Monorail can terrifythe most cowardly of porters, especially when it’s described as stealing one’s soul if players watch it for too long, and that might be true, since if players do stare for too long, red charging BTs rush towards Sam to explode.
2Embracing Higgs
The Coffin Board Isn’t Just for Riding
Players can acquire a Coffin Board by fabricating one at any facility after Main Order 29. With the Coffin Board, players will have an extremely fun vehicle, but only when they are connected to the Chiral Network. However, the speed and joy of the Coffin Board isn’t the show stealer here, it’s the fact that if Sam holds the Square button to rest beside the coffin, Higgs might occasionally emerge from inside to surprise Sam, and then… embrace him with a tentacle sprouted from his mouth? It’s very odd, very Kojima, and true nightmare fuel that shows that it’s probably not the best idea to drift off to sleep next to a coffin.
1The Mask of Yotei
Become the Ghost of Yotei Before the Game Releases
Despite not being out yet, it seems that the promotion ofGhost of Yoteihas begun with Kojima Productions. With PlayStation titles having suchgreat synergy with each other, and Hideo Kojima loving the video game industry, it’s no surprise that players can get the Mask of Yotei, the featured mask for Sucker Punch’s upcomingGhost of Yoteititle. This unusual mask provided by the Adventurer in the snowy mountains will block and reflect sunlight, but it won’t turn Sam into a dangerous samurai turned ninja.
