If you’re a Death Stranding fan who loves high-quality collectibles, you’ve probably already been scouring updates for Hot Toys Death Stranding 2 figures ever since the game’s first full trailer dropped. Hot Toys has built a decades-long reputation for making some of the most detailed, screen-accurate video game and movie action figures on the market, so it’s no surprise that collectors are already hyped for their upcoming releases tied to Hideo Kojima’s long-awaited post-apocalyptic sequel. This guide breaks down everything we know so far, from confirmed figure designs to pre-order tips, how to avoid knockoffs when you’re shopping, and how to keep your collectible in perfect condition for years after you unbox it.
Confirmed Hot Toys Death Stranding 2 Figures We Know About So Far
Hot Toys first teased their Death Stranding 2 line at the 2023 Tokyo Game Show, where they displayed fully painted prototypes of two core characters from the upcoming game. These prototypes gave fans a clear look at the level of detail we can expect from the full release line.
Sam Bridges 1/6 Scale Figure is the first confirmed release, and it’s packed with small, game-accurate details that long-time fans will love. The figure features a weathered version of Sam’s new delivery suit, complete with scuffs from chiral rain and small stitched patches on the elbows and knees. It comes with three interchangeable head sculpts, including one with his signature hood pulled up, one with a face mask for traveling through BT zones, and a bare-headed version with his usual stubble and tired expression. It also includes a working LED chiral scanner, multiple interchangeable hands for holding cargo or weapons, a new design of BB pod with a clear plastic case that shows the tiny baby figure inside, and a set of stackable delivery crates that you can attach to the suit’s back and leg mounts.
Fragile 1/6 Scale Figure is the second confirmed release, and it’s just as detailed as Sam’s design. It features her updated outfit from the sequel, including a flowing, tattered cape made of real fabric, a damaged half-mask accessory to show the effects of chiral rain exposure, and custom boots with the Fragile Express logo printed on the sides. It comes with two head sculpts, one with her signature short blonde hair and one with a protective hood pulled up, plus a set of chiral effect pieces that you can attach to her hands to simulate her teleportation powers. The figure also comes with a display stand printed with the blue and white chiral network pattern, so you can pose her as if she’s mid-teleport.
Hot Toys has also shared a short teaser clip of a third figure, which appears to be Higgs Monaghan in his new outfit from the DS2 trailers, but they haven’t officially confirmed the release yet. They usually put out 3 to 4 core figures for major game IPs, so we can expect at least one more character announcement closer to the game’s official launch date.
How to Tell Authentic Hot Toys Death Stranding 2 Figures Apart From Knockoffs
As soon as popular Hot Toys lines are announced, knockoff sellers pop up on third-party marketplaces looking to scam new collectors who don’t know what to look for. These fake figures are made with cheap plastic, have terrible paint jobs, and break easily, so it’s important to know how to spot them before you waste your money. There are three key things to check to confirm you’re getting an official product:
If you’re ever unsure about a listing, you can compare it to official product photos shared on Hot Toys’ website to check for small differences. It’s always better to spend a little extra time verifying a listing than to end up with a cheap fake that falls apart after a month.
Tips for Pre-Ordering Your Hot Toys Death Stranding 2 Collectibles
Hot Toys pre-orders usually open 6 to 8 months before the figure is scheduled to ship, and popular limited edition variants often sell out in less than an hour, so it’s important to plan ahead if you want to guarantee you get the figure you want.
Set alerts for official retailer announcements first. Follow Hot Toys’ official social media accounts and sign up for email newsletters from trusted local and international retailers to get notified as soon as pre-orders go live. I also recommend joining collector groups on social media, as members often share links to pre-order pages as soon as they go up, which can help you beat the rush.
Pay attention to pre-order deposit terms before you put down any money. Most retailers require a 10 to 20% non-refundable deposit to hold your pre-order, so make sure you’re committed to the purchase before you pay. The remaining balance is only due when the figure is ready to ship, so you’ll have plenty of time to save up for the rest of the cost.
If you want the limited edition exclusive version of the figure, which usually comes with extra accessories that don’t come with the standard release, be ready to check out as soon as pre-orders open. I’ve missed out on three limited edition Hot Toys figures in the past because I waited even 15 minutes to complete my order, so I always set multiple alarms and have my shipping and payment info saved ahead of time for releases I care about.
Don’t panic if the shipping date gets pushed back, either. Hot Toys often delays releases by a few months to make sure the final product meets their quality standards, so it’s normal to wait a little longer than the initial estimated ship date.
How to Care for Your Hot Toys Death Stranding 2 Figure After Unboxing
These figures are high-end collectibles, so a little bit of regular care will keep them looking brand new for decades. The last thing you want is to spend hundreds of dollars on a figure only to have it fade or break a few months after you unbox it.
Display them out of direct sunlight first and foremost. UV rays from the sun will fade the paint on your figure and warp soft plastic parts over time, so pick a display spot away from windows or strong overhead LED lights. If you want to add lights to your display case, use low-heat, UV-free LED strips to avoid damage.
Dust them regularly with a soft microfiber cloth to prevent buildup that can be hard to remove if it sits for too long. Avoid using cleaning products with harsh chemicals, as they can strip the paint or damage delicate parts like the BB pod’s clear plastic. If you have hard-to-reach dust in small crevices, use a soft, clean makeup brush to gently brush it away.
Avoid displaying them in high humidity areas like bathrooms or basements, especially if you live in a damp climate. High humidity can cause mold growth on fabric parts of the figure, like Sam’s suit or Fragile’s cape, and can also make metal parts rust over time. If you don’t have a dry spot to display your collection, consider adding a small dehumidifier near your display case to keep the air dry.
If you like to re-pose your figure frequently, be gentle with the joints. Don’t force them to move if they feel stiff, as you can break the plastic pegs inside. If a joint feels stuck, you can use a tiny amount of food-safe silicone lubricant to loosen it up safely, without damaging the plastic.
Whether you’re a long-time Hot Toys collector or a Death Stranding fan buying your first high-end figure, the upcoming Hot Toys Death Stranding 2 line is shaping up to be one of the most impressive video game collectible releases in years. Take the time to plan your pre-order, shop only from trusted official retailers to avoid knockoffs, and follow the simple care tips we shared once your figure arrives, and you’ll have a piece of your favorite game to display proudly for years to come. If you’re still on the fence about pre-ordering, you can always wait for unboxing videos from trusted collectors to go up after the first batch ships, but keep in mind that prices for secondhand copies often go up by 50% or more once the line sells out.
