If you fell in love with the first Death Stranding’s weird, heartfelt mix of post-apocalyptic traversal, connection-focused storytelling and signature Kojima weirdness, you’ve probably been scouring every update for news of the sequel for months. Hype hit a fever pitch after the latest extended gameplay trailer dropped, showing off returning characters, new traversal tools and a much darker take on the world we first explored back in 2019. Whether you’re a casual fan who just wants to play the game on launch day or a diehard collector chasing limited-edition merch, this guide breaks down every part of the Death Stranding 2 On The Beach pre order process to help you get the best value for your money.
What's Included in Standard Death Stranding 2 On The Beach Pre Order Bundles?
The standard edition is the most accessible option for most players, priced at $69.99 for both physical and digital copies on PlayStation 5. If you lock in your purchase before launch day, you’ll get a set of exclusive in-game bonuses that won’t be available for separate purchase for at least 12 months after release, per official Kojima Productions announcements. These perks include a custom chiral-patterned backpack skin for Sam, early access to the all-terrain support rover that lets you haul cargo across rough terrain faster, a 10-page digital snippet of the official art book, and two exclusive emotes you can use in multiplayer sessions with other players.
Digital standard pre orders also come with a free static theme for your PS5 dashboard, while physical pre orders from participating retailers include a double-sided poster featuring key art of Sam and Fragile. Standard pre order bonuses are only available if you purchase before the official launch date, so if you have your eye on those exclusive in-game items, you’ll want to lock in your order sooner rather than later. PC pre orders are not yet available, but official statements note they will open roughly six months after the console launch, with the same pre order bonus bundle for PC players.
Is the Collector's Edition of DS2 On The Beach Worth The Extra Cost?
For super fans who want more than just the base game, the limited-run collector’s edition is priced at $199.99 and comes with a mix of physical collectibles and extra in-game content. It includes everything in the standard pre order bundle, plus exclusive in-game perks like a glowing chiral parachute skin, full private room customization set, and early access to the rare support companion character that would otherwise take 20+ hours of gameplay to unlock. The physical items are where this edition really shines, with a 1:12 scale high-quality Fragile statue produced by Prime 1 Studio, a 200-page hardcover full art book, the official game soundtrack on vinyl, and a replica BB pod keychain with working LED lights.
Before you drop $200 on this edition, it’s important to weigh whether you’ll actually get value out of the physical items. If you don’t collect game merch or don’t have space for statues, you’re better off sticking with the standard edition. Only 5,000 collector's edition units are being produced globally, so they’re expected to sell out within hours of going live for general pre order. If you’re set on picking one up, keep this checklist handy to avoid headaches:
Common Pre Order Mistakes to Avoid for DS2 On The Beach
With a game this hyped, it’s easy to make impulsive decisions that leave you out of pocket or without the items you paid for. One of the most common mistakes we’re already seeing is people purchasing pre order listings from unlicensed third-party sellers on auction sites, many of whom are listing collector’s edition units for $500+ even before official pre orders open. Most of these listings are scams, or sellers are flipping stock they don’t actually have allocated. Never pre order from a seller that can't provide official proof of stock allocation from Kojima Productions or Sony, even if the listing looks legitimate.
Another common mistake is assuming pre order bonuses will be available after launch. While some games eventually release pre order DLC for separate purchase, Kojima Productions has explicitly stated that the launch pre order bonuses will not be sold separately for at least a year, and some of the physical collector’s edition items will never be re-released. A lot of players also forget about region locking for DLC. All pre order DLC for DS2 On The Beach is region locked to the version of the game you purchase, so if you buy a physical copy from a Japanese retailer to get the exclusive cover art, you won’t be able to redeem the DLC on a North American PlayStation account.
If you’re buying a physical copy, make sure you check the retailer’s delivery timeline. Many retailers only guarantee launch day delivery for pre orders placed at least two weeks before launch, so if you wait until the last minute, you might end up waiting an extra 3-5 business days to play even after the game is out.
How to Lock in Your Pre Order Without Overpaying
You don’t have to pay full price for your pre order if you know where to look for discounts. First, sign up for newsletters from official retailers like PlayStation Store, GameStop and Amazon, as they often give newsletter subscribers early access to pre order drops 24 hours before they go live to the general public. This is especially important if you’re trying to get a collector’s edition, as they will sell out very quickly during the general pre order window.
If you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription, you’re eligible for a discount on all digital pre orders. PlayStation Plus subscribers get an exclusive 10% discount on all digital DS2 On The Beach pre orders, which saves you $7 on the standard edition and $20 on the collector’s edition. Many physical retailers also offer layaway plans for high-priced collector’s editions, so you can split the cost into 3-4 monthly payments instead of paying the full $200 upfront.
You can also save by choosing a retailer that offers free pre order bonuses with purchase. For example, GameStop is offering a free set of DS2 On The Beach enamel pins with all physical pre orders, while Best Buy is giving away a free steelbook case with standard edition pre orders while supplies last. If you’re still on the fence about whether you’ll enjoy the game, choose a retailer with a flexible refund policy. PlayStation allows full refunds for digital pre orders up to 14 days after purchase as long as you haven’t downloaded the full game, and most physical retailers let you return unopened copies for a full refund within 30 days of launch.
At the end of the day, the right pre order option depends on your budget and how much you care about exclusive content and collectibles. If you only care about playing the game on launch day, the standard edition will give you everything you need for a great experience. If you’re a long-time Death Stranding fan who loves collecting physical merch, the collector’s edition is well worth the extra cost if you can get your hands on a unit. Taking the time to research your options and avoid common scams will ensure your Death Stranding 2 On The Beach pre order process is smooth, and you’ll be ready to dive back into Kojima’s weird, wonderful post-apocalyptic world the second the game launches. I locked in my collector’s edition pre order during the early access drop last week, and I’m already counting down the days until I can get my hands on that Fragile statue. If you have any questions about specific retailer offers or pre order steps, drop them in the comments below!
