If you’ve spent hours traversing the post-apocalyptic United Cities of America in the first Death Stranding, you’re probably already hyped for the upcoming sequel and all the official merch dropping around it. For many long-time fans, adding a high-quality Death Stranding 2 figure to their display shelf is non-negotiable, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the flood of official releases, third-party options, and pre-order exclusives hitting the market right now. I’ve been collecting Kojima Productions merch for over seven years, and I’ve messed up enough pre-orders and overpaid for bootlegs to know exactly what to look for when shopping for these pieces. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to pick a figure that fits your budget, matches your display style, and holds its value over time.
What to Look For in a High-Quality Death Stranding 2 Figure
Not all figures are made equal, and even official releases can vary wildly in quality depending on the manufacturer. First, always prioritize official licensing over unlicensed third-party options, even if the unlicensed version is cheaper. Licensed pieces go through strict quality checks from Kojima Productions, so you’ll get accurate character details and far more durable construction. Next, pay attention to material quality: most mid-to-high end figures use a mix of PVC and ABS plastic, which balances flexibility for poseable parts and rigidity for fine details like suit textures and BB pod markings.
Before you buy, run through this quick checklist to avoid wasting money on a low-quality piece:
- Verified Kojima Productions or official Sony Interactive Entertainment licensing marking on the packaging or product base
- No obvious paint bleeding, misaligned prints, or loose joint parts on product preview images (if shopping online)
- Clear return policy from the seller in case the figure arrives damaged or misrepresented
- Compatibility with your existing display setup, including size and weight limits for your shelf
I once dropped $120 on an unlicensed Sam figure that fell apart less than three months after I got it, so I always make these checks before I hit buy now, no matter how good the listing looks. If a seller refuses to send close-up photos of the product or licensing marks, walk away immediately.
Most Popular Character Figures to Shop Right Now
So far, official pre-orders are open for three core character figures from the sequel, with more expected to drop closer to the game’s release date. The top seller right now is the 1/6 scale Sam Porter Bridges figure from Good Smile Company, which comes with interchangeable hands, a removable delivery backpack, a fully functional miniature BB pod, and even tiny replica chiral network packages you can attach to his suit. It’s on the pricier side at $229, but the detail is incredible, down to the scuffs on his boots and the small screen on his cuff that displays actual in-game UI designs.
For Fragile fans, there’s a 1/10 scale figure of her updated sequel suit that comes with a small chiral network terminal accessory and interchangeable face plates for both neutral and smiling expressions. It’s priced at $89, which is a great middle ground for casual collectors who don’t want to drop hundreds on a single piece. The limited-edition Higgs statue is the rarest release so far, with only 5000 units being made worldwide. It features his updated golden mask and small chiral creature tendrils wrapping around his base, and it’s already projected to double in resale value once pre-orders sell out.
If you’re on a tight budget, Nendoroid versions of Sam and Fragile are set to release later this year for around $49 each. They’re smaller, less detailed, but fully poseable and perfect for desk display if you don’t have space for larger statues.
How to Avoid Bootleg Death Stranding 2 Figures
Bootleg figures are a huge problem for Kojima Productions merch, especially for popular releases like these. The easiest way to spot a bootleg is price: if a listing for the 1/6 scale Sam figure is priced at $50, it’s definitely a fake. Official MSRPs are set by manufacturers, and legitimate sellers almost never discount new releases by more than 10-15% for pre-order bonuses.
Another easy red flag is blurry product photos or listings that use official promotional images instead of photos of the actual product. Bootleggers often steal official marketing shots to trick buyers into thinking they’re getting the real thing. Pre-ordering directly from official retailers is the safest way to avoid fakes, even if you pay a little extra for shipping. If you do choose to buy secondhand, always ask for close-up photos of the figure’s base, packaging, and any licensing marks before you send payment.
Bootlegs might look identical in photos, but they almost always have chipped paint, loose joints that won’t hold a pose, and cheap plastic that breaks easily. They also don’t come with any of the official accessory packs, and they won’t hold any resale value down the line. It’s worth paying a little extra to get the real thing, trust me.
Tips for Displaying and Maintaining Your Figure
Once you’ve got your perfect figure, you’ll want to make sure it stays in good condition for years to come. First, never display it in direct sunlight. UV rays will fade the paint over time, and even a few hours of sun a day can make your figure look dull and washed out in less than a year. If you can, invest in a dust-proof display case to keep it protected. The small crevices in suit details, hair, and accessories collect dust really fast, and cleaning them without scratching the paint is a huge hassle.
If you have a poseable figure, don’t force joints past their intended range of motion. Plastic can snap easily if you apply too much pressure, and replacement parts are almost impossible to find for limited edition releases. If you like to adjust your figure’s pose regularly, opt for a Figma or Nendoroid release instead of a static statue, since those are built to be moved more often. You can also add a small amount of clear wax to the bottom of the figure’s base to keep it from slipping off your shelf if you live somewhere with frequent tremors or have pets that knock things over.
For serious collectors looking to keep their figures in mint condition, leave them in their original packaging if you plan to resell them later. Unopened figures sell for 2-3 times more than opened ones, even if the opened piece is in perfect shape.
At the end of the day, picking the right Death Stranding 2 figure comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and what you want out of your collection. If you just want a fun piece to put on your desk, a lower-priced Nendoroid works perfectly, but if you’re a serious collector looking for an investment piece, a limited-edition 1/6 scale statue is the way to go. Take your time comparing options, check for official licensing, and don’t rush into pre-orders unless you’re 100% sure the piece is right for you. You’ll end up with a piece you’ll be proud to show off for years to come.
