Summary
Hideo Kojima has spoken aboutDeath Stranding 2’s new companion, Dollman, saying it will be “very popular” among players, and for good reason. Since its reveal at SXSW 2025, Dollman has stood out as one ofDeath Stranding 2’s most intriguing new features, sparking curiosity about its interactions with Sam and its impact on gameplay.
Not much has been revealed about Dollman beyond itssimilarities to Mimir fromGod of War Ragnarok. The comparison stems from the fact that Dollman will be attached to Sam’s suit and accompany him throughout the journey, much like Mimir did with Kratos. Visually, Dollman, which is also known as The Living Doll, appears to be inspired by Bunraku puppets, traditional figures used in Japanese theaters. And its face resembles Fatih Akin, a Turkish-German film director and screenwriter who has become a close friend of Hideo Kojima.
Sharing the stage with Fatih Akin at the Cannes Film Festival, Hideo Kojima discussed Dollman, revealing that the character will talk a lot. Even when Sam enters his private room, he’ll continue interacting with the living puppet, leading to some entertaining exchanges. Kojima believes these quirky moments will make Dollman a fan favorite. It’s worth noting that the firstDeath Strandingalready featured plenty of humorous lines, something Kojima is known for. And these new details suggest that Dollman may serve as a source of comic relief in the sequel’s otherwise somber narrative.
Death Stranding 2’s Dollman Is a Handy Companion
After showcasing a demo of Dollman at the Cannes Film Festival, Kojima revealed that players will also be able to use the quirky companion during expeditions. “You can throw the Dollman,” he said, noting that it will help watch over the player in open spaces. It was also previously revealed thatDeath Stranding 2’s Dollman was once a spirit mediumbefore somehow transforming into the sentient puppet seen in the trailers, so it might also retain some of its supernatural powers.
Based on what’s been revealed so far, it’s clear that Dollman will play a significant role in the gameplay and possibly the story. It’s also likely that the player’s interactions with Dollman will uncover bits of lore or hint at hidden secrets within the game. Some excited fans are already calling The Living Doll a contender for the best video game companion of all time, trusting Kojima’s vision to deliver a memorable character. For now, fans will have to wait untilDeath Stranding 2launches on June 26to find out if the quirky puppet truly lives up to the hype.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam—with companions by his side—sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.
