Exploring Kojima's Hidden Treasures in Death Stranding 2

As I dove into Death Stranding 2 in 2025, I was immediately struck by how Hideo Kojima masterfully blends the serious with the absurd. Playing through the game, I realized it's not just about delivering packages across a post-apocalyptic wasteland; it's a treasure hunt filled with self-indulgent Easter Eggs that only Kojima could dream up. Some might find them cringey, but honestly, they made me leap out of my seat like that Leonardo DiCaprio meme. These hidden gems aren't always obvious—some fly right over your head if you're not a die-hard Kojima fan, while others hit you with nostalgia so hard it feels like a warm hug. I'll share my journey through these quirks, ranking them based on how iconic they felt during my playthrough. Warning: mild spoilers ahead, but trust me, they're worth it. 😊

9. Soaking in the Chiral Springs with a Japanese Tune

One of the first Easter Eggs I stumbled upon was at night in the chiral hot springs. Sitting idle for a moment, Dollman dove into the water and emerged as Japanese comedian Cha Kato, belting out "Ii Yu Da Na" (What a Nice Bath!) while Sam awkwardly danced along. 🛁 This niche reference would've gone over my head if I hadn't grown up in Japan, as it's a throwback to an old comedy show theme song. Sung originally by Duke Aces, it perfectly captures the joy of soaking in those healing waters. Gazing at the constellations above, I spotted not just the Kojima Productions logo but Hideo Kojima himself winking back—talk about meta!

8. BT Battles with Tokusatsu Homages

Midgame introduced me to EX Capture grenades, which let me capture weakened large BTs for later summoning. Initially, I thought it was just a gimmick, but boy was I wrong. During a chaotic BT Bestias encounter, unleashing a captured BT turned the tide—it dealt massive damage and served as a perfect distraction. 🤯 This mechanic pays direct homage to tokusatsu classics like Ultraman, complete with a campy backing track during kaiju brawls. Fans will spot the three-minute time limit, mirroring Ultraman's color timer—pure nostalgic gold.

7. Literary Nods That Made Me Rethink the Story

Kojima's love for classic literature shines through in subtle yet impactful ways. Tarman losing his limb to a "chiral mammal" instantly reminded me of Captain Ahab from Moby Dick, tying him to tar currents like Ahab to the sea. It deepened the nautical themes weaving through both Death Stranding games. Then there's Deadman, an artificial human wrestling with his Frankenstein-esque identity—his quest for a Beach felt like Mary Shelley's monster seeking acceptance. 😮‍💨 The whole game draws from Nevil Shute's On the Beach, depicting a doomed world with eerie parallels, though DS2 offers more hope.

6. Heartwarming Celebrations for Special Days

Remembering my birthday while playing was a highlight. Since Metal Gear Solid 5, Kojima's included surprise cutscenes, and DS2 didn't disappoint. The DHV Magellan crew threw me a warm party on the bridge, with Higgs popping in to deliver pizza—yes, Higgs! 🎉 During Christmas, shelters were decked with trees and preppers wore festive hats. These moments, though small, filled me with cozy warmth, proving that in-game celebrations are Kojima's secret sauce for emotional connection. Here's a quick table of festive elements I encountered:

Occasion	In-Game Event	Emotional Impact
Birthday	Crew surprise party with pizza	Heartwarming and personal
Christmas	Decorated shelters and hats	Festive cheer and immersion
Random days	Quiet moments of reflection	Subtle depth

5. Sam's Haunting Nightmares and Foreshadowing

Sam's troubled mind manifests in random nightmares when he sleeps on the DHV Magellan. I experienced one where he dreamt of Dollman turning demonic or losing an arm like Tarman—chilling stuff! 😱 But the standout was a horror-inspired nightmare where Charlie danced mannequin-like before revealing The Elder's face from the first game. It spoiled a late-game twist in retrospect, making me appreciate Kojima's knack for psychological storytelling.

4. Familiar Faces During Naps

Napping in the open world brought unexpected encounters. Mostly, Sam dreamt of baby Lou floating around like a cherub, complete with sleeptalk. But near a Coffin Board, I triggered a bizarre cutscene where Higgs emerged for a tentacled embrace and makeout session. 🫣 Classic Kojima homoeroticism—no game of his is complete without two rivals sharing intimate tension. It was weird, disturbing, and utterly unforgettable.

3. Star-Studded Celebrity Cameos Galore

Kojima loves stuffing his games with famous faces, and DS2 is no exception. Almost every prepper is a real-world celeb, making deliveries feel like meeting icons. My favorites include:

• VTuber Usada Pekora as The Data Scientist—her quirky energy fit perfectly.

• Gen Hoshino as The Musician, adding musical depth.

• Woodkid as The Mechanic, blending art and gameplay.

• S.S. Rajamouli as The Adventurer, a nod to epic filmmaking.

• RackaRacka (Danny and Michael Phillipou) as Mr. Impossible, tying in horror vibes. 🎬 This star power made the world feel alive and current.

2. Kung Fu Pizza Chef Showdown

Midgame introduced the Pizza Chef, a dead ringer for Mamoru Oshii (director of Ghost in the Shell). His side quest had me delivering pies across Australia, culminating in a secret Jackie Chan-style kung fu fight. 🥋 Maxing his connection unlocked insane pizza-do karate moves for Sam—like spinning with a pizza tray to bash enemies. Absurd? Yes. Fun? Absolutely. It celebrated Kojima's love for cinema and combat.

1. Metal Gear's Heartfelt Homage

Unsurprisingly, Metal Gear references dominated my playthrough. From Yoji Shinkawa's designs making the DHV Magellan resemble Metal Gears REX and Sahelanthropus, to Higgs dropping the iconic "Kept you waiting, huh?" line. The climax featured a shirtless arch-nemesis battle in an arcade-styled arena, echoing MGS4. Neil Vana's bandana ritual before fights sealed it—pure Snake vibes. Kojima might be separated from Konami, but this homage felt like a bittersweet farewell to his masterpiece. 🎮

Reflecting on all this, Death Stranding 2 isn't just a game—it's a love letter to pop culture, packed with Easter Eggs that range from heartwarming to hilariously absurd. In 2025, it's a must-play for anyone craving depth and surprise. So, why not dive in and uncover these hidden gems for yourself? Experience the magic—play Death Stranding 2 now and see what treasures you can find! 🚀