If you’re a lifelong Hideo Kojima fan who also collects video game vinyl, you’ve almost certainly heard whispers about the Death Stranding 2 On the Beach vinyl dropping alongside the game’s full launch. The first Death Stranding’s OST, crafted by long-time Kojima collaborator Ludvig Forssell, became a cult favorite among vinyl collectors almost immediately after its release, with limited editions now selling for twice their original retail price on resale platforms. It’s no surprise that the sequel’s vinyl release is one of the most anticipated merchandise drops of the year for both game fans and analog audio lovers. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from available editions to how to avoid expensive counterfeits when shopping secondhand.
What Makes the Death Stranding 2 On the Beach Vinyl a Must-Have for Collectors?
For starters, the soundtrack itself is a work of art that ties directly to the game’s core themes of connection, survival, and hope in a post-apocalyptic world. Forssell returned to score the full game, blending ambient electronic tracks, haunting vocal performances, and subtle nods to the first game’s most beloved musical motifs. Unlike digital or CD releases, the vinyl version features exclusive artwork designed by Kojima Productions’ in-house art team, including stills from cutscenes that never appeared in promotional materials. The vinyl pressings use 180g heavyweight vinyl for richer, warmer sound quality compared to digital streams, even when played on entry-level turntables.
Another big draw for collectors is the release’s long-term value. The limited edition of the first Death Stranding vinyl originally retailed for $69.99, and mint condition copies now regularly sell for over $180 on resale sites like Discogs. The Death Stranding 2 On the Beach vinyl has an even smaller production run for its special editions, so it’s likely to hold or increase its value over time, especially if you keep it in unopened or mint condition. All official editions come with exclusive concept art inserts you won't find with digital or CD OST releases, making them a great pick for fans who love collecting behind-the-scenes game content.
Official Editions You Can Choose From
Kojima Productions announced three distinct official editions of the vinyl, each targeted at different types of collectors. You can still find standard and translucent blue editions at most major game and music retailers, though the collector’s edition sold out within minutes of pre-orders going live. The full list of editions includes:
- Standard Black Vinyl: A 2LP set featuring 12 core tracks from the game’s main soundtrack, with a standard printed sleeve and plain paper inner sleeves. It retails for $39.99 and is the most widely available option for casual fans who just want to listen to the OST on vinyl.
- Limited Translucent Ocean Blue Vinyl: A 2LP set pressed on see-through blue vinyl that mimics the look of the game’s beach settings. It includes 15 total tracks, with three exclusive bonus cutscenes scores that don’t appear on the standard edition. It also comes with a set of 5 art cards featuring character art, and retails for $59.99.
- Collector’s Edition Box Set: A limited run 3LP set with the full 22-track soundtrack, including all ambient and side mission scores. It comes with a beach sand-filled slipmat, a custom vinyl record weight engraved with the Death Stranding 2 logo, and a hand-signed art print from Ludvig Forssell. Only 2000 copies were produced worldwide, and it originally retailed for $149.99.
If you’re just looking for a copy to play regularly, the standard black edition is the most affordable and durable option, since black vinyl is less prone to showing surface scratches than colored variants. For casual collectors who want something a bit more special, the translucent blue edition is the sweet spot. The translucent blue variant is the most popular with casual collectors, as it balances exclusive features with a mid-range price point. If you’re a serious collector looking for an investment piece, you’ll have to shop secondhand for the collector’s edition, but be prepared to pay at least double the original retail price for a mint copy.
How to Spot Authentic Copies vs. Counterfeits
Since the limited editions sold out so quickly, counterfeit copies have already started popping up on secondhand marketplaces, especially for the collector’s edition. These fakes often look nearly identical to the real thing in low-quality listing photos, but they’re usually made with cheap materials that warp easily and sound terrible when played. There are a few key checks you can do to make sure you’re buying an authentic copy before you hand over your money.
First, always ask the seller for clear photos of the back of the sleeve and the inner ring of the vinyl itself. All official copies have the Kojima Productions logo embossed on the bottom right corner of the back sleeve, and the matrix numbers on the inner ring of the vinyl are etched into the plastic, not printed on. Never buy a copy from a seller that doesn't show clear photos of the inner vinyl ring and embossed logo on the sleeve, as this is the easiest way to hide a counterfeit. Second, check the price: if someone is listing a sealed collector’s edition for under $200, it’s almost certainly a fake, since even opened copies rarely sell for less than that right now.
Another easy check for the collector’s edition is the signed art print. Counterfeit copies of the collector's edition never include the authentic signed art print, which has a unique serial number printed on the bottom corner that matches the number on the box set’s outer sleeve. If the seller can’t show you a photo of the serial number on both the print and the box, walk away. It’s also worth noting that all official pre-orders came with a free digital download code for the OST, so if a sealed copy comes with an unused download code, it’s almost definitely real.
Tips for Storing and Maintaining Your Vinyl
Once you get your hands on an authentic copy, proper storage is key if you want to keep it in good condition and preserve its value long-term. A lot of new vinyl collectors make simple mistakes that can drop the value of their records by 50% or more in just a few months, so it’s worth taking a few small steps to protect your investment.
First, always store your vinyl upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Storing records stacked flat can cause the sleeves to bend and the vinyl to warp over time, and sunlight will fade the artwork on the sleeve quickly. Swap out the plain paper inner sleeves that come with the record for poly-lined inner sleeves, which prevent scratches and static buildup on the vinyl surface. Never touch the playing surface of the record with your fingers, since the oil from your skin can leave permanent marks that cause skips and distortion when played.
I’ve seen mint copies of the first Death Stranding limited edition vinyl sell for $80 more than copies that only have minor sleeve damage or small surface scratches, so these small steps make a huge difference in long-term value. If you plan to play your record regularly, invest in a good quality stylus for your turntable, as worn-out styluses can scratch the vinyl surface permanently. If you want to keep your copy in unopened condition for investment purposes, store it in a plastic vinyl sleeve to protect the outer artwork from dust and moisture.
Whether you’re buying it to spin on your turntable every weekend or as a long-term investment for your collection, the Death Stranding 2 On the Beach vinyl is one of the most thoughtfully designed video game merchandise releases in recent years. Take the time to verify authenticity if you’re shopping secondhand, and follow basic storage rules to keep your copy in great shape for years to come. It’s not just a record – it’s a piece of gaming history that ties directly to one of Kojima’s most ambitious projects to date.
