If you’re a Death Stranding fan, you already know the franchise’s soundtrack is half the experience. The mix of Ludvig Forssell’s haunting original score and carefully curated indie tracks from artists like Low Roar turned the first game’s OST into a cult favorite, with physical copies of the 2019 vinyl still selling for double their original price on secondhand markets. As a long-time Kojima Productions fan and physical media collector who’s tracked every official game vinyl drop for the past 7 years, I know one of the most requested pieces of merch for the upcoming title has been the Death Stranding 2 soundtrack vinyl. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before you buy, from spotting bootlegs to caring for your collection long-term.
What Makes the Death Stranding 2 Soundtrack Vinyl Stand Out From Other Game Vinyls
Kojima Productions has a well-earned reputation for putting extra care into its physical merch, and its soundtrack releases are no exception. Unlike many mass-produced game vinyls that use digital masters directly ripped from streaming services, every official Kojima Productions vinyl release is mastered specifically for analog playback, which means you get warmer, deeper sound that highlights the subtle layers of Forssell’s score. The first Death Stranding vinyl even included exclusive tracks that weren’t available on streaming platforms, and it’s safe to expect the same treatment for the DS2 release.
We also know from Kojima’s social media teases that the DS2 soundtrack will feature previously unreleased Low Roar tracks recorded before frontman Ryan Karazija’s passing in 2022, which makes the vinyl even more of a collector’s item. The packaging will almost certainly be themed around DS2’s new beach and extinction entity lore, with early hints pointing to holographic sleeve details and liner notes written by Kojima himself. For fans who connect deeply with the franchise’s themes of connection and loss, this vinyl isn’t just a record—it’s a tangible piece of the game’s story.
Official vs. Bootleg Death Stranding 2 Soundtrack Vinyl: How to Tell the Difference
Bootleg game vinyls have become a huge problem in recent years, and DS2 merch will be no exception. Even before the game’s official release, you’ll likely see cheap, unlicensed copies popping up on third-party marketplaces, and they’re almost never worth the money. Bootlegs usually use low-quality digital masters, have blurry artwork, and skip the quality control steps that make official pressings worth the cost. I bought a bootleg of the first Death Stranding vinyl back in 2020 before I knew how to spot fakes, and it skipped constantly and sounded tinny compared to the official pressing I picked up later.
All official releases will have the Kojima Productions and PlayStation Music logo printed clearly on the sleeve and center label, so that’s the first thing to check before you buy. If those logos are missing or look altered, walk away immediately. Other red flags to watch for include:
- Blurry or low-resolution artwork on the sleeve that doesn’t match official promotional assets
- No mention of mastering credits for Ludvig Forssell or licensed artists like Low Roar
- Seller descriptions that say "import" or "custom pressing" with no official licensing note
- Shipping times of 4+ weeks from unvetted third-party sellers with less than 95% positive feedback
Official pressings will almost always be listed first on PlayStation and Kojima Productions’ official stores, so that’s the safest place to buy if you want to avoid fakes. If you do buy from a secondhand seller, ask for clear photos of the logos and center label before you pay.
Limited Edition Death Stranding 2 Soundtrack Vinyl Variants to Watch For
Kojima Productions usually releases multiple vinyl variants for its biggest titles, and DS2 will be no different. The standard edition will almost certainly be a 2xLP black vinyl set, which is the most affordable option and usually has the most consistent sound quality for casual listeners. Black vinyl is less prone to pressing defects than colored variants, so it’s the best pick if you plan to spin your record regularly instead of just displaying it.
The most anticipated limited variant is the exclusive Beach Blue marble vinyl that Kojima teased in a 2023 social media post of a test pressing. This variant is rumored to be a pre-order bonus for the DS2 deluxe edition, and it will only be available through official PlayStation and Kojima Productions stores. There’s also talk of a super limited BB Pod edition that comes with a small replica BB pod statuette, a book of concept art paired with each track, and a special foil-stamped slipcase. Collectors can expect limited variants to increase in value by 200-300% within a year of release if kept in mint condition, so they’re a good investment if you can get your hands on one.
That said, don’t overspend on a colored variant if you’re on a tight budget. The myth that colored vinyl sounds worse than black is mostly untrue for modern pressings, but you’re not missing out on any content by picking the standard edition. Only spring for the limited variants if you’re a diehard collector or really love the design.
How to Store and Care For Your Death Stranding 2 Soundtrack Vinyl Long-Term
Whether you bought your vinyl to play regularly or to keep sealed as an investment, a little basic care will keep it in perfect shape for decades. The biggest mistake new collectors make is stacking their records horizontally on a shelf, which puts pressure on the sleeves and can warp the records over time. Always store your vinyl vertically in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping, sleeve fading, and ring wear on the cover.
If you plan to open and play your record, swap out the default paper inner sleeves for anti-static poly inner sleeves to reduce dust buildup and scratches. When you take the record out of the sleeve, hold it only by the edges and the center label to avoid getting oil from your fingers on the grooves. Keep your turntable’s stylus clean and make sure the tracking force is set correctly for your cartridge, as a misaligned stylus can scratch the grooves permanently even after just one play.
If you’re keeping your record sealed for collectible value, slip it into a thick polypropylene outer sleeve to protect the shrink wrap from tearing and prevent shelf wear on the spine. Avoid storing it in a basement or attic, as extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations can damage the sleeve and the record inside even if it’s sealed. I’ve kept my sealed first-edition Death Stranding vinyl in a climate controlled closet in a poly outer sleeve for 4 years, and it’s still in perfect mint condition.
At the end of the day, the Death Stranding 2 soundtrack vinyl is more than just a piece of gaming merch. It’s a physical way to hold onto the emotional, atmospheric world Kojima and his team have built, whether you’re spinning it while you work or displaying it on your collectible shelf. Take the time to vet sellers, pick the variant that fits your budget and preferences, and follow basic care steps, and you’ll have a piece that stays in great shape for decades. I’ll be updating this page as soon as official pre-order dates and full tracklist details are announced, so keep an eye out for updates if you want to grab a copy before they sell out.
