If you’ve spent hours traversing the post-apocalyptic United Cities of America in the first Death Stranding, you already know how deeply memorable the game’s characters, lore, and world design are. As hype builds for the upcoming sequel, demand for high-quality Death Stranding 2 figures has skyrocketed, with both casual fans and serious collectors hunting for pieces that capture the game’s iconic aesthetic. I’ve spent the past 6 months testing, researching, and comparing official and third-party collectibles from the franchise to pull together this no-fluff guide to the best options on the market right now.
Top Rated Death Stranding 2 Figures to Add to Your Collection
The most sought-after official releases right now cater to every budget and preference, from small desk-friendly pieces to massive display-worthy deluxe statues. The 12-inch Sam Bridges deluxe figure leads the pack, with three interchangeable face plates (neutral, focused, and injured), a functional light-up BB pod, and miniature replicas of his delivery bag, exoskeleton, and chiral ladder. Official Kojima Productions releases will always have a holographic authenticity sticker on the box to confirm you’re getting a legitimate product.
Next up is the limited-edition Fragile figure, originally released as a pre-order bonus for the game’s collector’s edition. It features a translucent raincoat etched with subtle chiral network patterns, a glow-in-the-dark base that mimics timefall rain, and an interchangeable hand holding a chunk of chiral crystal. For villain fans, the limited-run Higgs figure (only 3,000 units produced worldwide) comes with his signature golden mask, floating chiral hand accessories, and a poseable cloth cloak. Deluxe editions usually cost 2-3x more than standard releases, but they often include exclusive accessories you can’t get anywhere else, making them worth the splurge for serious collectors.
How to Spot Fake Death Stranding 2 Figures and Avoid Scams
As demand for these collectibles grows, so does the number of fake listings on secondhand marketplaces and unlicensed online stores. I’ve seen dozens of buyers get scammed with low-quality knockoffs that fall apart within weeks, so it’s important to watch for clear red flags before you hand over your money.
- Prices that are 50% or lower than the official retail price, especially for limited-edition releases
- Blurry product photos that don’t show the authenticity sticker or fine details of the figure’s paint job
- Sellers that refuse to show close-up shots of the figure’s face, accessories, or original packaging when asked
- Listings that use official promotional images instead of photos of the actual product being sold
Most fake figures have sloppy paint lines, misprinted Kojima Productions logos, and flimsy plastic parts that break easily when you try to pose them. If a deal seems too good to be true, it almost always is when it comes to limited-edition video game collectibles. Stick to official retailers, licensed merch sites, or secondhand platforms with built-in buyer protection to lower your risk of getting scammed. If you do accidentally buy a fake, most payment providers will let you file a dispute to get your money back, as long as you have proof the product wasn’t as advertised.
Tips for Displaying and Maintaining Your Figure Collection
Even the highest-quality figure will get damaged over time if you don’t display and care for it properly. The first rule is to never keep your figures in direct sunlight for long periods. UV rays will fade the paint, especially on translucent parts like BB pods or chiral crystal accessories, and can make plastic parts brittle enough to break with a light bump. If you want to display your figures near a window, invest in a UV-protective display case to block harmful rays.
Dust is another big enemy of collectible figures, as it can build up in small crevices and be hard to remove without scratching the paint. Use soft, lint-free microfiber cloths to dust your figures every 2-4 weeks to avoid scratching the paint or breaking small accessories. Never use harsh cleaning products like rubbing alcohol or bleach, as these will strip the protective top coat and ruin the figure’s finish. If you live in a humid area, add a few small silica gel packets to your display case to absorb excess moisture and prevent mold growth on cloth accessories like cloaks or bags. I learned this the hard way when my cat knocked over a limited-edition Sam figure last year, and I had to spend $80 on replacement parts for the broken BB pod, so I also recommend keeping valuable figures on high shelves or wall-mounted cases if you have kids or pets.
Are Budget Death Stranding 2 Figures Worth Buying?
You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to get a great collectible for your collection. Licensed budget figures, usually priced between $15 and $30, are a great option for casual fans who just want a nice piece to put on their desk without breaking the bank. The POP Vinyl line of Death Stranding 2 figures, for example, are sturdy, cute, and require no assembly, making them perfect for people who don’t want to deal with small, fragile accessories.
The downside of budget figures is that they have less detailed paint jobs, fewer interchangeable parts, and won’t hold their value over time like limited-edition official releases. If you’re collecting as an investment, you’re better off saving for numbered limited-edition pieces, as these often increase in value by 50% or more once they sell out. Budget figures are a great pick for new collectors, but they won’t hold their value over time like limited-edition official releases will. I have a mix of both in my own collection: my $15 POP Sam figure sits on my work desk where I don’t worry about it getting knocked around, while my limited-edition Higgs figure stays in a locked display case in my living room. There’s no right or wrong choice, as long as the piece makes you happy.
At the end of the day, the best Death Stranding 2 figures are the ones that make you smile every time you look at them, whether it’s a $20 vinyl figure or a $300 limited-edition deluxe statue. Take your time to research sellers, check for authenticity, and pick pieces that fit your budget and display needs, and you’ll end up with a collection you can be proud of for years to come, even after you finish playing through the sequel’s full story.
