If you’re a long-time Kojima Productions fan, you’ve probably scoured every trailer and leak for details about the upcoming sequel, and one of the most anticipated drops for franchise loyalists is the premium physical bundle. The Death Stranding 2 limited edition has been the subject of rampant rumors since the game was first announced, and now that official details are rolling out, it’s easier than ever to figure out if it’s worth the extra cash over the standard copy. I’ve covered Kojima’s releases for over seven years, including the original Death Stranding’s collector’s edition that now sells for 3x its original price on resale markets, so I know exactly what to look for when evaluating these premium bundles. The original split fans at launch in 2019, but it’s since built a massive cult following of players who love its unique mix of delivery gameplay, surreal storytelling, and star-studded cast, so it’s no surprise demand for the limited edition is already off the charts.
What’s Included in the Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition Bundle?
Kojima Productions is known for packing its premium bundles with high-quality, display-worthy collectibles, and this release is no exception. All confirmed contents for the bundle are listed below, based on official announcements from the publisher:
- Custom game case with exclusive art by Hideo Kojima and Yoji Shinkawa – The matte, foil-stamped outer case features new artwork of Fragile and Sam Bridges that won’t be available on any other release of the game, with embossed logos that catch light for a premium display look.
- 1:12 scale BB pod figurine with LED lighting – This 6-inch tall replica of the updated BB pod from the sequel lights up from the inside, with interchangeable face plates for the BB character inside and a detachable stand for shelf display.
- Digital content pack – Includes in-game cosmetic items for Sam’s backpack, exclusive Bridges delivery suit skins, a 100-page digital art book, and the full original soundtrack plus 12 bonus unreleased tracks from composer Ludvig Forssell.
- Steelbook case and physical copy of the game – The standard disc copy comes in a separate Shinkawa-designed steelbook, so you get two separate cases for display if you prefer to keep the outer collector’s box in mint condition.
- Exclusive delivery lanyard and Bridges ID card replica – The woven lanyard has the new Bridges logo from the sequel, and the ID card is customizable with your own name and in-game player level if you pre-order before launch.
I was surprised to see the BB pod figurine is larger than the one included with the original game's collector's edition, and the LED function runs on a small rechargeable battery instead of disposable cells, which is a nice upgrade for people who want to display it on their shelf long-term. You don’t have to worry about swapping out batteries every few months if you leave the light on during game sessions, and the charging port is hidden on the back of the stand so it doesn’t ruin the display aesthetic. The digital art book also includes behind-the-scenes concept art that won’t be released anywhere else, including early designs for new characters and locations that were cut from the final game.
How Does the Limited Edition Compare to the Standard and Digital Deluxe Versions?
To figure out if the limited edition is a good deal for you, it helps to break down what you get with each available version of the game. The standard physical or digital copy costs $69.99, and only includes the base game with no extra content. The digital deluxe edition costs $89.99, and includes all the digital content from the limited edition: the in-game cosmetics, digital art book, and full soundtrack. The limited edition costs $179.99, and includes everything from the digital deluxe edition plus all the physical collectibles.
You won’t get any of the physical collectibles with the digital deluxe bundle, so if you’re the type of fan who displays your game collection on a shelf, the limited edition is the only option for extra physical goods. It’s also worth noting that the limited edition is only available as a physical copy, so if you only buy digital games, you won’t be able to get this specific bundle. For casual players who only plan to play through the story once and then move on to other games, the $110 difference between the standard edition and limited edition is hard to justify. You’re paying mostly for display items that won’t impact how you experience the game itself.
Some retailers are throwing in extra pre-order bonuses for the limited edition, like a rolled Shinkawa art poster or sticker pack, so it’s worth checking different listings before you buy. These retailer-exclusive bonuses are usually produced in even smaller runs than the limited edition itself, so they add extra resale value down the line if you keep them in good condition.
Is the Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition Worth the Extra Cost?
The answer depends almost entirely on how much of a Death Stranding fan you are, and how much value you place on physical collectibles. If you’re a long-time fan who collected the original game’s limited edition, replayed the campaign multiple times, and love displaying gaming merchandise on your shelf, it’s almost certainly worth the cost. Resale value for Kojima Productions limited editions typically increases by 150% to 300% within two years of release, so if you keep your copy in good condition, it could end up being a solid investment down the line. I still have my original Death Stranding collector's edition on my shelf, and I've had multiple offers to buy it for over $400, so the extra cost is usually justified long-term for collectors.
That said, there are definitely cases where it’s not worth the money. If you’re on a tight budget, or you only care about playing the game and don’t have any interest in display items, you’re better off sticking to the standard or digital deluxe edition. None of the in-game digital content included with the limited edition gives players a competitive advantage – all the extras are cosmetic, so you won't be at a disadvantage if you pick up the standard copy. You also won’t miss any story content or gameplay features by skipping the limited edition, so casual players won’t lose anything by going for the cheaper option.
One thing to keep in mind is that the limited edition run is very small. The publisher has confirmed they’re only producing 150,000 copies worldwide, which is less than 10% of the total first print run of the game. That means it will sell out very quickly, and resellers will almost certainly mark up prices by 50% or more once stock is gone from official retailers. If you’re on the fence, it’s better to pre-order and cancel later if you change your mind, rather than waiting and missing out entirely.
Tips for Securing a Limited Edition Copy Before It Sells Out
Given how small the production run is, securing a limited edition copy at retail price takes a bit of planning, but it’s not impossible if you know what to look for. The first and most important tip is to pre-order as soon as possible. The original Death Stranding limited edition sold out within three days of pre-orders going live, and this one is likely to sell out even faster given how much bigger the franchise’s fanbase is now. Don’t wait until a week before launch to place your order – by that point, all official stock will be gone, and you’ll be stuck paying resale prices.
Stick to official retailers and first-party storefronts as much as possible. Third-party reseller sites often list pre-orders at marked up prices before the bundle is even released, and some sellers have been known to cancel orders at the last minute if they can get a higher price from someone else. If you miss the first pre-order window, sign up for restock alerts directly from the publisher and your favorite official retailers. They often release small batches of extra copies in the month leading up to launch for people who missed the first round.
If you’re buying the console bundle version, double check the listing to confirm it includes all limited edition collectibles. Some retailers mix up the standard console bundle (which only comes with the base game) with the limited edition console bundle, so you could end up paying extra for no additional collectibles if you don’t read the fine print. It’s also a good idea to save your order confirmation email, as some retailers have had issues with pre-order allocations in the past for high-demand bundles, and you’ll need proof of purchase if there’s a problem with your order.
At the end of the day, the Death Stranding 2 limited edition is a premium product made specifically for the franchise's most dedicated fans, and there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to buying it. If you get excited about exclusive physical collectibles and have the budget to spare, it's one of the most thoughtfully put together premium game bundles we've seen in years, with high-quality items that feel like a genuine thank you to long-time fans. If you just want to jump back into the world of chiral networks and BTs when the game launches, the standard copy will give you the exact same core experience without the extra cost. Whatever you decide, make sure you place your order early if you have your eye on the premium bundle, because it won't be available for long.
