If you’ve been waiting for Hideo Kojima’s next surreal post-apocalyptic delivery adventure, you’ve probably run into a wall of options when browsing pre-order listings. There are multiple Death Stranding 2 editions available right now, each with different perks, price points, and exclusive content that can make choosing feel overwhelming if you don’t know exactly what you’re paying for. This guide breaks down every version, their pros and cons, and who each one is best suited for so you don’t waste money on content you’ll never use.
What Are the Different Death Stranding 2 Editions Available?
Right now, publishers have confirmed three core editions of the game, available in both digital and physical formats depending on the version you pick. Each tier adds more bonus content on top of the base game, with the highest tier including high-end physical collectibles designed by Kojima Productions’ in-house art team. Standard edition is the best pick for casual players who only care about the base game and don’t care about extra skins or behind-the-scenes content.
All editions share a few core features regardless of price point, so you don’t have to worry about missing critical gameplay content no matter which one you buy. The universal inclusions are:
The Digital Deluxe edition adds exclusive in-game items, a digital artbook, a full digital copy of the official soundtrack, and early access to a rare delivery vehicle you can’t unlock in the base game for the first three months post-launch. The top-tier Physical Collector’s Edition includes all Digital Deluxe content plus a range of physical collectibles, from a steelbook case to a life-sized BB pod statue that lights up.
Digital vs Physical Death Stranding 2 Editions: Which Is Better?
One of the first choices you’ll have to make before picking your edition is whether you want a digital or physical copy of the game, and the right choice depends entirely on your play habits and preferences. Digital editions are ideal if you want to play the second the game unlocks, no disc swapping required. You won’t have to wait for shipping or run to a store on release day, and you can switch between the game and other titles on your console without getting up.
That said, digital editions do have a few downsides. The game takes up roughly 120GB of storage space on your console, so you may have to delete other installed games to make room if you have a base PS5 with no extra storage. You also can’t resell the game when you’re done playing, or lend it to friends who want to try it out.
Physical copies hold their resale value far better than digital versions, especially if you keep the packaging intact. I’ve personally sold physical copies of Kojima games for 70% of their original price years after release, which is impossible with digital purchases. You also get to display the case or collectibles on your shelf, which is a big plus for fans who love showing off their game collections. The only real downside is you have to wait for delivery if you order online, and you’ll need to insert the disc every time you want to play.
Is the Premium Death Stranding 2 Edition Worth the Extra Cost?
The price gap between the standard and premium editions is pretty wide, so it’s normal to wonder if the extra cost is justified. The standard edition costs $69.99, the Digital Deluxe edition is $89.99, and the Physical Collector’s Edition retails for $179.99. The Digital Deluxe edition is worth the extra $20 only if you plan to play the game for 50+ hours and want custom in-game items. If you’re just going to play through the main story once and move on to another game, you’ll never use the extra skins, artbook, or soundtrack, so the extra cost is a waste.
For players who spend hundreds of hours in the first Death Stranding building roads, delivering rare goods, and interacting with other players’ structures, the Digital Deluxe perks are actually really useful. The early access vehicle has higher durability and a bigger storage capacity than base game vehicles, which makes long cross-country deliveries far less frustrating for the first few months of play.
The $179 Collector's edition is only a good pick for diehard Death Stranding fans who already know they love the franchise. The physical collectibles are high quality, but they don’t add any value to the actual gameplay, so casual players will have no use for them. Don’t buy it as an investment either, most special edition games don’t appreciate in value unless they’re part of an extremely limited run, so you’re unlikely to make your money back if you try to resell it later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your Death Stranding 2 Edition
It’s easy to get caught up in pre-order hype and make a purchase you regret later, so there are a few small mistakes you should watch out for. First, don’t buy a third-party listing for a platform the game hasn’t been confirmed for. Right now, Death Stranding 2 is only announced for PS5, so any listings for Xbox, PC, or Switch versions are either scams or pre-orders for unconfirmed ports that may not come out for years.
Second, don’t pay extra for pre-order only bonuses you don’t actually care about. Most of the pre-order exclusive skins and small items are released as free DLC 3 to 6 months after launch, so if you don’t mind waiting a few months to get them, you can save money by sticking to the standard edition. The only pre-order bonus that won’t be released later is the physical collectibles in the Collector’s Edition.
Third, if you’re buying a used copy of any special edition, always ask for photos of all included items before you pay. I made this mistake with the first Death Stranding Collector’s Edition years ago, and the copy I bought was missing the limited edition BB pod charm that was supposed to come with it. Most resellers are honest, but some will keep high-value collectibles and sell the rest of the package as complete to make extra money.
At the end of the day, picking the right Death Stranding 2 editions all comes down to how much you enjoy the franchise and what you want to get out of your purchase. If you’re just curious to try Kojima’s weird, heartfelt delivery world for the first time, the standard edition is more than enough to get the full experience. If you’re a long-time fan who spends hundreds of hours exploring every corner of the map and collaborating with other players online, the premium editions will give you all the extra content and perks you’re looking for. Whatever you pick, you’re in for one of the most unique gaming experiences of the year.
