If you’re one of the millions of players who fell in love with Hideo Kojima’s weird, heartfelt post-apocalyptic delivery epic, you’ve probably been waiting for news of the sequel for years. Death Stranding 2 promises to expand on the first game’s unique mix of open-world exploration, cooperative construction, and twisty, star-studded storytelling, and it’s already one of the most anticipated PS5 releases on the horizon. If you want to lock in exclusive perks that won’t be available after launch, you’ll want to preorder Death Stranding 2 as soon as preorders go live. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your budget and playstyle, no fluff or confusing fine print included.
What You Get When You Preorder Death Stranding 2
All preorders, no matter which edition or retailer you choose, come with a core set of exclusive in-game bonuses that you won’t be able to buy separately after launch. These perks are designed to reward early fans, and they add a lot of quality of life and customization options right from the start of your playthrough.
The standard preorder pack includes the Chiral Bow cosmetic for Sam, a set of 5 limited-edition BB pod stickers, a neon-lined delivery suit skin, and early access to the new reverse trike vehicle 24 hours before the full launch. If you loved customizing your gear in the first game, these extras will let you stand out right away when you start connecting the new, expanded version of post-apocalyptic America.
On top of the core preorder pack, many retailers offer their own exclusive bonuses for early buyers. I still regret skipping the preorder for the first Death Stranding, which came with an exclusive Ludens Mask skin that’s never been re-released, so I’m making sure I lock in these perks as soon as preorders open. Most preorder bonuses are only available for the first two weeks after launch, even if you pay full price for the game later, so waiting could mean missing out permanently.
Comparing All Preorder Death Stranding 2 Editions
Like most big first-party Sony releases, Death Stranding 2 will be available in three different preorder editions, each with different perks and price points. You don’t have to splurge on the most expensive option to get a great experience, but it’s worth knowing what you get for your money before you commit.
- Standard Edition ($69.99): Includes the base game, core preorder bonus pack, and your choice of physical disc or digital download. This is the best pick for casual players who only want to play through the main story, or who don’t care about extra cosmetic or side content.
- Deluxe Edition ($89.99): Includes everything in the Standard Edition, plus 3 exclusive story side missions focused on Fragile, 10 extra delivery suit skins, a digital art book and official soundtrack, and 72 hours of early access to the game’s new portable construction tool set. If you spent hundreds of hours building roads, zip lines, and rest stops for other players in the first game, this edition will save you dozens of hours of grinding for resources early on.
- Collector’s Edition ($199.99): Includes all Deluxe Edition content, plus a 12-inch physical figurine of Sam Bridges, a steelbook case, hardcover printed art book, functional BB pod replica keychain, cloth map of the game’s new western US setting, and a limited-edition patch set. This option is only for super fans and collectors, as stock is extremely limited.
For most players, the Deluxe Edition hits the sweet spot between value and extra content, but there’s no shame in sticking to the Standard Edition if you don’t care about side missions or cosmetics. Collector’s Edition stock usually sells out within 48 hours of preorders going live, so if you want that version, you’ll need to set up alerts for when preorders drop to avoid missing out.
Best Places to Preorder Death Stranding 2 for Maximum Perks
Different retailers offer different exclusive bonuses, so where you preorder depends on what extra items you care about most. All official retailers offer the core preorder bonus pack, but these extra perks can make one option a much better deal than others.
If you prefer digital copies, the PlayStation Store is your best bet. Preorders there come with an exclusive dynamic PS5 theme featuring BB and the game’s new coastal setting, plus 3 days of preload access so you can start playing the second the game unlocks on launch day. You also don’t have to worry about shipping delays, which is a big plus if you live in an area with slow postal service.
For physical copies, GameStop offers an exclusive BB pod keychain that you can’t get anywhere else, plus the option to pick up your copy in-store the night before launch if you go to their midnight release event. Amazon offers free release-day delivery for Prime members, plus a free steelbook upgrade for both Standard and Deluxe physical preorders, which is a great deal if you want a steelbook but don’t want to pay for the Collector’s Edition.
Stay away from unlicensed third-party sellers on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Many of these sellers mark up preorder prices by 50% or more, and some even sell fake preorder codes that won’t work on launch day. Always buy directly from official retailers or trusted large platforms to avoid getting scammed.
Important Things to Know Before You Preorder Death Stranding 2
Preordering is pretty straightforward, but there are a few common mistakes that can cost you money or make you miss out on perks if you don’t plan ahead. Keep these tips in mind before you enter your payment information.
First, double check platform compatibility. Death Stranding 2 is a PS5 exclusive for the first 12 months after launch, so if you only have a PS4, you won’t be able to play it until the PC port drops, which is usually 1 to 2 years after the console release. Don’t preorder the PS5 version if you don’t have the console yet, unless you’re planning to buy one before the game launches.
Second, familiarize yourself with the retailer’s refund policy. Most physical retailers let you cancel your preorder up to 7 days before launch with a full refund, and digital storefronts like the PlayStation Store offer full refunds as long as you haven’t preloaded the game yet. That means you can preorder now to lock in your bonuses, then cancel later if you change your mind, no penalty required.
Finally, remember that Kojima Productions is known for delaying games to polish them, so the initial announced release date might get pushed back a few months. Don’t preorder if you need the game exactly on the announced date, as delays are common for big, ambitious titles like this. You don’t have to pay the full amount upfront for most physical preorders either: you can put down a $5 or $10 deposit to reserve your copy, then pay the rest when the game launches. That’s a great option if you don’t have the full price right now, but still want to secure your preorder bonuses.
At the end of the day, preordering is totally optional, but it’s a great choice if you know you’re going to play the game and want to get the most out of your experience. You don’t have to splurge on the most expensive edition to have fun, but even the standard preorder pack adds a lot of fun extras that make the early hours of the game feel more rewarding. Whether you’re grabbing the standard copy for casual play or fighting for a limited Collector’s Edition, when you preorder Death Stranding 2 you’re locking in some of the best exclusive perks the franchise has ever offered. I’ll see you on the road rebuilding America when the game drops.
