Will We Get Death Stranding 3? Kojima Confirms Concept Exists (March 2026)
I’ve been following the Death Stranding franchise since Sam Porter Bridges first stepped into that post-apocalyptic world, and with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach now available, everyone’s asking the same question: Will we get Death Stranding 3?
The short answer? Yes, there’s a strong possibility – but it won’t be the Death Stranding sequel you might expect.
Kojima Already Has Death Stranding 3 Concept Ready
In an exclusive interview with VGC in May 2026, Hideo Kojima dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the gaming community. The legendary director confirmed he already has a complete concept for Death Stranding 3 in his mind.
“I already have a concept for another sequel,” Kojima revealed during the interview. But here’s the twist – he won’t be directing it himself.
This revelation came as Kojima discussed the new Plate Gate technology introduced in Death Stranding 2. These portals allow players to travel between continents instantly, opening up endless possibilities for future games. “If I use this Plate Gate concept, I could make endless sequels,” he explained.
Death Stranding 2’s Post-Credits Scene Sets Up the Third Game
Warning: Major Death Stranding 2 Spoilers Ahead!
If you’ve completed Death Stranding 2, you already know the game doesn’t just end – it plants seeds for the future. The final cutscene shows delivery bots running in a land taken over by nature again, with the DHV Magellan vessel now history.
The most significant revelation comes when we see Tomorrow (Elle Fanning) donning a porter suit and sitting near a Plate Gate. She talks about her love for porters and goes through her photo collection showing the happy endings of our favorite characters.
This isn’t just fan service – it’s a clear setup for Death Stranding 3 with Tomorrow as the potential protagonist. Remember, Tomorrow is actually Lou (Sam’s BB) in adult form, making this generational handoff deeply meaningful.
Why Kojima Won’t Direct Death Stranding 3 Himself
At 61 years old, Kojima has valid reasons for passing the torch. “I am not going to make it myself, but if I passed it on to someone else, they could probably make it,” he stated.
His plate is already overflowing with ambitious projects:
- OD – A horror game collaboration with Jordan Peele for Xbox
- Physint – An action-espionage game for PlayStation
- Death Stranding Movie – In development with A24
The director’s health scare during COVID-19 also influenced his decision. He mentioned feeling isolated and thinking he might never make another game, which led him to prioritize certain projects over others.
What We Know About Death Stranding 3’s Potential
The Plate Gate System Opens Infinite Possibilities
The Plate Gate technology is more than just a gameplay mechanic – it’s Kojima’s blueprint for the franchise’s future. These portals connect continents when linked to the Chiral Network, meaning Death Stranding 3 could take place anywhere in the world:
- Asia – Exploring the origins of the Death Stranding
- Europe – Discovering how other continents survived
- Africa – Uncovering ancient connections to the Beach
- Antarctica – A frozen wasteland with unique BT types
Tomorrow as the New Protagonist
Elle Fanning’s character Tomorrow represents the next generation of porters. Her journey would likely explore:
- The burden of being Sam’s daughter and Amelie’s successor
- New connections beyond what Sam achieved
- The evolution of humanity post-Death Stranding
Without Kojima’s Direction
This is perhaps the biggest question mark. The most prominent danger someone other than Hideo Kojima would face in developing Death Stranding 3 is potentially alienating the series’ most dedicated fans if something were done to compromise the IP’s identity.
However, Kojima Productions has talented developers who’ve worked closely with him for years. They understand the franchise’s DNA and could potentially deliver a worthy sequel.
When Could Death Stranding 3 Release?
Let’s be realistic about timelines. Even if Death Stranding 3 enters development soon, we’re looking at:
- 2026-2027: Earliest possible announcement
- 2029-2030: Realistic release window
- Post-2030: More likely given current project schedules
Remember, Kojima Productions is currently juggling multiple projects. OD and Physint need to be completed first, and the Death Stranding movie is also in production.
The Expanding Death Stranding Universe
Death Stranding isn’t just about games anymore. The franchise is growing into a multimedia property with:
- Death Stranding Movie – Co-produced by A24
- Potential Anime Series – In early development
- Expanded Lore – Through various media formats
This expansion suggests Sony and Kojima Productions see long-term value in the franchise, increasing the likelihood of Death Stranding 3.
Should We Have Connected? The Thematic Evolution
Death Stranding 2’s tagline “Should we have connected?” reflects Kojima’s post-pandemic perspective on human connection. For Death Stranding 3, we might see themes exploring:
- The consequences of hyper-connectivity
- Generational responsibility
- The balance between isolation and connection
- Evolution of human consciousness
What Death Stranding 3 Needs to Succeed
For a Kojima-less Death Stranding to work, it needs:
- Respect for the Source Material – Understanding what makes Death Stranding unique
- Fresh Perspective – New ideas while maintaining core identity
- Technical Innovation – Pushing boundaries like previous entries
- Emotional Depth – The human stories that define the series
- Kojima’s Blessing – His concept as the foundation
Community Speculation and Theories
The Death Stranding community is buzzing with theories about the third game:
- Multiple Protagonists – Playing as different porters across continents
- Time Manipulation – Using the Beach to alter past events
- Origin Story – Exploring the first Death Stranding event
- Space Exploration – Taking the concept beyond Earth
My Take: Will Death Stranding 3 Actually Happen?
Based on everything we know, I believe Death Stranding 3 will happen – but not soon. The franchise is too valuable, the concept exists, and the story clearly isn’t finished.
However, it won’t be the Death Stranding 3 we might expect. Without Kojima’s direct involvement, it’ll be a different beast entirely. Whether that’s good or bad remains to be seen.
The real question isn’t “if” but “when” and “how.” Will Kojima Productions find someone worthy to carry the torch? Will they wait until Kojima can return? Or will they forge ahead with his blessing?
FAQs
Is Death Stranding 3 officially confirmed?
No, Death Stranding 3 isn’t officially confirmed for development. However, Kojima has stated he has a complete concept for the game and would pass it to someone else to direct.
Will Hideo Kojima direct Death Stranding 3?
Kojima has no intention of making the game himself but has expressed willingness to pass his concept to another director at Kojima Productions or elsewhere.
Who would be the protagonist of Death Stranding 3?
Based on Death Stranding 2’s post-credits scene, Tomorrow (Elle Fanning) would likely be the protagonist, taking over from her father Sam Porter Bridges.
When could Death Stranding 3 release?
Realistically, Death Stranding 3 wouldn’t release before 2029-2030 at the earliest, given Kojima Productions’ current project slate including OD and Physint.
What are Plate Gates in Death Stranding?
Plate Gates are portals introduced in Death Stranding 2 that allow instant travel between continents when connected to the Chiral Network, opening possibilities for future games in different locations.
Could Death Stranding 3 happen without Kojima?
Yes, it’s possible. Kojima has the concept ready and seems open to someone else directing it. The key would be finding someone who understands the franchise’s unique identity.
What other Death Stranding projects are in development?
A Death Stranding movie with A24 is confirmed in development, and there are reports of a potential anime series being considered.
The Bottom Line
Death Stranding 3 exists – at least in Hideo Kojima’s mind. Whether it becomes reality depends on finding the right person to bring his vision to life. The post-credits scene of Death Stranding 2 clearly sets up Tomorrow’s journey, suggesting the story is far from over.
For now, we wait. But in a franchise about connection and patience, perhaps that’s fitting. After all, the best deliveries are worth the wait.
Keep checking back as we update this article with any new Death Stranding 3 announcements. And remember – keep on keeping on, fellow porters.