It’s been over five years since Hideo Kojima’s surreal, post-apocalyptic delivery game took the gaming world by storm, and fans have been parsing every second of trailer footage for clues about the sequel ever since it was first announced. If you’re one of the millions ready to dive back into the world of chiral networks and BTs, you’re probably already looking for the best way to pre order Death Stranding 2 without missing out on exclusive content or overpaying for extras you don’t care about. This guide breaks down every part of the pre order process, from edition comparisons to hidden fine print you might miss if you click “buy” too fast.
What Pre Order Death Stranding 2 Bonuses Are Available Across Editions?
All pre orders, regardless of which edition you pick, come with a set of base in-game rewards that you won’t be able to get for at least 3-6 months after launch, according to official statements from Kojima Productions. That means if you want to start your playthrough with extra customization options and quality of life perks, locking in a pre order is worth considering, even if you don’t plan to play the second it launches.
As of the latest official updates, the base pre order bonuses for all editions include: gold chiral ladder and anchor customization skins, a unique Sam Bridges delivery uniform inspired by the first game’s final act, and 5 extra chiral crystal bundles to help you upgrade your facilities faster in the early game. Deluxe and collector’s editions add even more exclusive content, including access to the game’s first post-launch story DLC for free, which is expected to drop 3 months after the base game releases.
It’s important to note that some retailers are offering their own exclusive pre order perks too, separate from the official Kojima Productions bonuses you get when you pre order Death Stranding 2 from any authorized seller. For example, some physical game stores are giving away limited-edition Death Stranding 2 keychains or poster sets with pre orders, while digital storefronts might offer extra avatar items for your console profile. Always check the retailer’s bonus section before you check out to make sure you’re getting every perk you qualify for.
Key Differences Between Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s Editions
One of the biggest choices you’ll face when you pre order Death Stranding 2 is which edition fits your budget and how much extra content you actually want. Lots of players make the mistake of splurging on the most expensive edition without checking if the extras are worth the extra cost, so let’s break down each option clearly.
The standard edition is the cheapest option, and includes just the base game plus the universal pre order bonuses we mentioned earlier. This is the best pick for casual players who loved the first game but don’t care about extra skins, behind the scenes content, or post-launch DLC. It’s also the only edition available as a digital copy for under $70 in most regions.
The deluxe edition costs $30 more than the standard, and adds the first story DLC pack, 10 extra exclusive customization skins for Sam, your vehicles, and your delivery facilities, and a digital art book and 2-hour behind the scenes documentary about the making of Death Stranding 2. If you’re a big fan of Kojima’s work and plan to play the game for 50+ hours, this is usually the best value for money, since the DLC alone will cost $20 if you buy it separately later.
The collector’s edition is the priciest option, retailing for $199 in most regions, and includes all the deluxe edition content plus a physical 12-inch statue of Fragile, a set of physical chiral network stickers, a steelbook case, and a replica of Sam’s new delivery bracelet from the sequel. This is only worth buying if you’re a diehard collector or have the extra cash to spend on physical merch, because the extra $100 over the deluxe edition is almost entirely for physical items, not in-game content.
Common Pre Order Mistakes to Avoid for Death Stranding 2
Pre ordering any big AAA game comes with risks, especially when there are so many different editions and retailer exclusive perks to keep track of. We’ve pulled together the most common mistakes players make when pre ordering big Kojima releases, so you can skip the frustration and get exactly what you pay for. Here are the top 3 mistakes to watch out for:
- Not checking if your pre order is refundable: Lots of retailers mark pre orders for high-demand games as non-refundable in the 2 weeks before launch, so if you change your mind or see better reviews after release, you might be stuck with a copy you don’t want. Always confirm the refund policy before you pay.
- Paying extra for “early access” that only gives you 24 hours of playtime: Some retailers advertise early access as a special perk, but for Death Stranding 2, the early access window is only 24 hours before the official launch. That’s barely enough time to get through the first hour of the game, so it’s not worth paying an extra $10 or more for.
- Buying a physical copy from a retailer with a history of late shipping: If you’re buying a physical collector’s edition, make sure the retailer you pick has a track record of shipping pre orders so they arrive on launch day. Lots of fans ended up waiting 2+ weeks for their physical copies of the first Death Stranding because they ordered from a low-rated third-party seller.
Another small mistake to watch for is accidentally picking the wrong platform for your copy. Death Stranding 2 is launching on both PS5 and PC, but pre order bonuses are not cross-platform, so if you buy a PS5 copy and later decide to play on PC, you won’t be able to transfer your pre order perks over to the other version. Double check the platform selection before you hit checkout to avoid that headache.
When Should You Lock in Your Pre Order Death Stranding 2 Purchase?
You don’t have to pre order the second listings go live to get all the pre order bonuses, contrary to what some retailers might try to tell you. All pre orders placed before the official launch date qualify for the base pre order perks, so you have months to make your decision if you’re on the fence.
That said, if you want a physical collector’s edition, you should lock in your pre order as soon as possible. Kojima Productions only prints a limited number of collector’s editions for each of their games, and they usually sell out 2-3 months before launch. If you wait too long, you’ll either miss out entirely or have to pay a markup from resellers on sites like eBay.
If you’re only interested in a standard digital or physical copy, you can safely wait until 1-2 weeks before launch to pre order, and you’ll still get all the same in-game bonuses. You might even find a discount, too, as some retailers cut 10-15% off pre order prices in the month leading up to launch to drive more sales. Never pay full price for a standard edition pre order if you can wait for a last-minute discount, unless you’re dying to get that retailer-exclusive poster or keychain that will sell out early.
For players who are still unsure if the game will live up to their expectations, it’s totally fine to skip pre ordering entirely. You can buy the game after launch, read reviews, and still get most of the pre order bonuses if you buy it within the first month of release, though you will miss out on the retailer-exclusive physical perks if you wait that long. It’s all about what matters most to you as a player.
At the end of the day, the best way to pre order Death Stranding 2 depends entirely on your budget, how much you care about extra in-game and physical perks, and how sure you are that you’ll love the sequel. Take the time to compare editions, check retailer refund policies, and only spend money on extras you’ll actually use. Don’t let FOMO push you into spending more than you’re comfortable with, even if you see other fans posting about their collector’s edition pre orders on social media. Whether you grab a standard digital copy or splurge on the collector’s edition, you’re in for another wild, heartfelt ride through Kojima’s surreal post-apocalyptic world. And if you decide to pre order Death Stranding 2 later rather than sooner, you won’t be missing out on much as long as you place your order before launch day.
