If you’re a fan of the first Death Stranding, you’re probably already counting down the days until the sequel’s launch. The original game’s weird, heartfelt mix of post-apocalyptic traversal, community building, and signature Kojima charm won over millions of players, so it’s no surprise people are already hunting for the best Death Stranding 2 best buy options ahead of release. With so many different editions, retailer-exclusive perks, and pre-order bonuses floating around, it can be hard to tell which deals are actually worth your money. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to score the best possible value, no matter what your budget or play style is.
What to Look for in a Death Stranding 2 Best Buy Deal
Not all game deals are created equal, and what counts as a great buy for one person might be a waste of money for another. Before you click “pre-order” on the first discounted listing you see, take a minute to evaluate the offer against a few key criteria. These factors will help you avoid the common mistakes that leave a lot of players disappointed after launch.
- Included exclusive content: Check if the deal comes with in-game items, behind-the-scenes footage, or physical collectibles you actually want, not just low-effort filler no one uses.
- Price match guarantees: Many reputable retailers will match lower prices from competitors if you find a better deal after pre-ordering, so prioritize sellers that offer this perk.
- Shipping terms: Look for free fast shipping that guarantees you get the game on launch day, no surprise delays or extra delivery fees added at checkout.
- Return policy: Make sure you can cancel your pre-order for a full refund if you change your mind before launch, with no hidden hoops to jump through.
I learned this lesson the hard way when I pre-ordered a limited edition of another Kojima game a few years back. I found a listing that was $20 cheaper than the official store price, but it turned out the seller was based overseas, and the game arrived three weeks after launch with none of the pre-order DLC that was advertised. I had to file a payment dispute to get my money back, and ended up paying full price at a local shop just to play on release day. Don’t make that same mistake. Taking these factors into account will help you narrow down the strongest options for your needs, no matter how much you want to spend.
Death Stranding 2 Edition Comparison: Which Is Worth Your Money?
Based on official teases and patterns from the first game’s release, we already have a pretty good idea of what editions will be available for Death Stranding 2. Each tier comes with different perks and price points, so it’s worth taking the time to pick the one that aligns with what you actually want out of the game. You don’t have to buy the most expensive option to get the full experience, after all.
The standard edition is the most affordable option, usually priced at $69.99 for the PS5 release. It only includes the base game, no extra digital or physical content. You don’t need to buy a more expensive edition to enjoy the full game story — all core missions, characters, and gameplay features are included in the standard edition. This is the best pick for casual players who just want to play through the story and don’t care about extra collectibles or cosmetic items.
The deluxe edition, typically priced around $89.99, adds a handful of digital perks on top of the base game. These usually include a digital art book, full digital soundtrack, a handful of exclusive suit skins for Sam and other characters, and early access to a special side mission. This is a great middle ground for fans who want a little extra content without spending hundreds on physical collectibles. I usually go for this tier if the extra in-game content feels useful, rather than just throwaway cosmetic skins I’ll never use.
The collector’s edition is the priciest option, usually retailing for $179.99 or more. It includes all the digital content from the deluxe edition, plus high-quality physical collectibles. Based on the first game’s collector’s edition, we can expect items like a 1/12 scale BB pod statue, hardcover art book, vinyl soundtrack record, and a replica of one of the game’s iconic charms like Fragile’s umbrella. These editions are printed in very limited quantities, so they sell out within hours of going live. Only buy this if you’re a diehard collector who will actually display the physical items — otherwise, it’s a huge waste of money.
Hidden Hacks to Save Money on Your Purchase
You don’t have to pay full price to get a great deal on the game, even if you want to pre-order to get launch day delivery. There are a handful of simple, low-effort hacks that can save you $10 to $50 on your purchase, with almost no extra work required. You just have to know where to look.
First, sign up for retailer loyalty programs before pre-orders go live. Stores like Best Buy and GameStop offer exclusive discounts and early pre-order access for members of their free loyalty programs. You can also earn points on your purchase that you can redeem for future game discounts. Avoid third-party resellers on marketplaces like eBay for pre-orders — a lot of them mark up limited editions way above retail price, and some even sell fake pre-order codes that don’t work when launch day rolls around.
If you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription, you can get an extra 10% off all pre-orders on the PlayStation Store, including Death Stranding 2. That’s an easy $7 discount on the standard edition, no extra effort required. Some credit cards also offer 5% cashback on entertainment purchases, including video games, so use that card at checkout to save a few extra dollars without doing anything different. If you own the first Death Stranding, check for loyalty discounts from the publisher — Sony and Kojima Productions have offered fan discounts for past releases, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for that when pre-orders go live.
If you don’t care about playing the game on launch day, wait a couple of months after release for the first round of sales. Most big AAA games drop to 20-30% off within 2-3 months of launch, especially during holiday sales events. You’ll still get the full game experience, just a little later, for a much lower price. That’s my go-to move for games I’m curious about but not desperate to play the second they come out.
Common Death Stranding 2 Buying Mistakes to Avoid
Even if you think you’ve found the perfect deal, there are a few common pitfalls that can turn your exciting pre-order into a frustrating headache. These mistakes are super easy to avoid if you know what to look for, so keep them in mind when you’re shopping around.
The first big mistake is buying an edition with content you don’t actually want. If you never listen to video game soundtracks or look at art books, don’t pay $20 extra for the deluxe edition just because it feels like a better deal. You’re wasting money on content you’ll never touch. The same goes for collector’s editions — if you don’t have space to display statues or physical collectibles, skip that tier entirely and put the extra money toward another game you want to play later.
Never share your payment information with untrusted sites offering “early access” or “free copies” of the game. These are almost always scams designed to steal your credit card information or install malware on your device. There is no way to get a full copy of the game before the official launch date, no matter what a random website advertises. The only “early access” offered will be short playable demos for people who pre-order, and those are only available through official retailer channels.
Double check the platform before you buy. Death Stranding 2 is launching first on PS5, with PC and potential PS4 releases coming at a later date. Don’t accidentally buy a PS5 copy if you only own a PS4, because it won’t work. Also, if you’re buying a physical copy from an international seller, make sure it’s region-free — while PS5 games are almost always region-free, some DLC is locked to the region of the game, so you won’t be able to redeem any pre-order codes if you buy a copy from a different region.
Another small but annoying mistake is paying extra for expedited shipping when you don’t need it. Most major retailers offer free standard shipping for pre-orders that guarantees delivery on launch day, as long as you order at least a week before release. You don’t need to pay an extra $10 for two-day shipping unless you’re pre-ordering at the very last minute. That extra $10 can go toward a snack to eat while you play on launch day, after all.
At the end of the day, the right Death Stranding 2 best buy deal depends entirely on your budget and what you want out of the game. If you’re a casual player just excited to explore Kojima’s weird new post-apocalyptic world, the standard edition from a trusted retailer with free launch day shipping is more than enough. If you’re a diehard fan who collects Kojima memorabilia, splurging on the collector’s edition as soon as listings go live is a smart move, as long as you’ll actually use the extra content. Take your time to compare deals, check for hidden fees, and don’t fall for hype that makes you spend more than you’re comfortable with. You’ll be delivering packages and avoiding BTs across the ruined wasteland before you know it.
