VTuber Usada Pekora Joins Death Stranding 2 as a Cameo Character
- Sagar Mankar
- May 31
- 2 min read
Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind Death Stranding and the Metal Gear Solid series, has once again proven that when it comes to creativity, nothing is off the table. In a surprising yet oddly fitting move, popular Hololive VTuber Usada Pekora is making a cameo appearance in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which launches on June 26, 2025 for PlayStation 5.
Usada Pekora Becomes a Prepper in Kojima’s Post-Apocalyptic World
Kojima Productions officially announced the news on May 29, sharing a short gameplay clip showing protagonist Sam Porter Bridges delivering a package to Pekora, who appears as a holographic Prepper—a type of NPC managing isolated settlements in the Death Stranding universe.
Fans were quick to recognize her signature bunny ears, high-pitched voice, and carrot-loving aesthetic, which have made her one of Hololive’s most iconic talents. Her in-game lines are in Japanese, and it’s currently unclear if her dialogue will be localized into other languages.
Kojima’s Long-Standing Admiration for Pekora
While some were taken aback by the inclusion of a VTuber in a game known for its star-studded cameos, those who follow Kojima closely weren’t surprised. The legendary developer has openly expressed his admiration for Pekora over the years:
In August 2023, Kojima shared screenshots of her playing Metal Gear Solid 3.
A year later, he invited her to visit Kojima Productions in person.
Fans on social media have pointed out that this cameo seems to come from genuine fandom, not just marketing.
Pekora is a member of Hololive Fantasy, the third generation of Hololive talents. She boasts over 2.7 million YouTube subscribers, and her mother figure, Pekomama, is also a beloved VTuber in the community—so much so that fans are jokingly speculating she could be next in line for a cameo.
As a Prepper, Pekora’s role will likely be minor and comedic—consistent with other quirky cameos in Death Stranding, such as Conan O’Brien and Geoff Keighley in the first game. Preppers usually appear as brief holograms who provide players with context, supplies, or side quests.
Fan Reaction Is Mixed—but Mostly Curious
Hololive fans and VTuber enthusiasts are thrilled, seeing this as a major moment for VTuber recognition in mainstream gaming. Others are more skeptical, expecting Kojima to prioritize more conventional celebrity cameos. Notably, Kojima admitted to turning down several celebrity appearances due to time and storage constraints, making Pekora’s inclusion even more interesting.
Still, the move is in line with Kojima’s signature style—blending pop culture, personal interests, and avant-garde storytelling in ways few other developers dare to.
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