Death Stranding 2 Editions & Pre-Order Bonuses: A Complete Guide for 2026
Explore the thrilling editions of Death Stranding 2 and its release date in this comprehensive guide. Discover exclusive content and early access perks that define the ultimate gaming experience.
Yo, gamers! It's 2026 now, and looking back, the hype for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was absolutely real. The 2025 trailer drop finally gave us the long-awaited release date and a deep dive into the different editions you could throw your money at. For those who might have missed the pre-order frenzy or are just curious about what the different packages offered, let's break it all down. The game's journey from a divisive yet beloved original to its hotly anticipated sequel was a wild ride, culminating in a release that offered something for every type of player—from the budget-conscious to the ultimate collector.

What's Included In The Standard Edition (& How Much It Costs)
The Standard Edition was the baseline package, priced at the then-standard $69.99 USD for both physical and digital versions. No frills, no fuss—just the core game itself. It was the perfect choice for players who just wanted to dive straight into Sam Porter Bridges's next odyssey without any extra fluff. However, even this basic edition came with a sweetener if you pre-ordered: you'd snag the pre-order bonuses (more on those later!). So, if you were just in it for the core narrative and gameplay experience, this was your go-to.
What's In DS2's Digital Deluxe Edition (& How Much It Costs)
Stepping up the game, the Digital Deluxe Edition clocked in at $79.99 USD. As the name suggests, this was a digital-only affair, but it packed a punch with some exclusive in-game goodies designed to give you a head start. Here’s what you got:
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Three Gold Exoskeleton Suits:
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Battle Skeleton: Gold (LV1, LV2, LV3) – Likely boosted defense or health.
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Boost Skeleton: Gold (LV1, LV2, LV3) – Probably enhanced speed and traversal capabilities.
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Bokka Skeleton: Gold (LV1, LV2, LV3) – A nod to the real-life delivery drivers that inspired the game; its function was a mystery, adding to the intrigue!
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Machine Gun (MP Bullets) LV1 Early Unlock – Get a firepower advantage right from the start.
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Three Cosmetic Patches:
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Patch 70: Quokka – Featuring the ever-smiling marsupial with the word "HAPPY." 😊
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Patch 71: Chiral Feline – An adorable, mysterious cat-like creature.
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Patch 72: Why Me? – A simple red triangle with the existential phrase in white.
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The real kicker? Pre-ordering the Digital Deluxe or Collector's Editions granted up to 48 hours of early access, letting you start your delivery run on June 22, 2025, instead of the official June 26 launch. That was a major perk for the dedicated Porters out there!

What's In The Collector's Edition Of DS2 (& How Much It Costs)
Alright, big spenders, this one was for you. The Collector's Edition was the ultimate package, priced at a hefty $229.99 USD. This was the only edition to include physical collectibles, making it a true centerpiece for any Kojima fan's shelf. It included everything from the Digital Deluxe Edition, plus these tangible treasures:
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15-inch Magellan Man Statue: A stunning, detailed figure of this enigmatic, tar-dripping entity from the trailers, whose head curiously resembled the cockpit of Metal Gear REX. A must-have for lore enthusiasts.
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Series of Art Cards: High-quality prints featuring key characters like Tomorrow, Higgs, and Sam.
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A Personal Letter from Hideo Kojima: A physical note from the legendary director himself, adding a personal touch to the collection.
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3-inch Dollman Figurine/Keychain: A cute, portable rendition of the marionette character portrayed by director Fatih Akin, complete with a string for attaching to your gear.
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Collector's Edition Box: A special, likely stylish box to house all these goodies.
And of course, this edition also came with that sweet 48-hour early access bonus for pre-orders. It was a massive investment, but for the superfans, it was worth every penny.
Pre-Order Bonuses For Death Stranding 2 Explained
No matter which edition you chose, pre-ordering Death Stranding 2 by the March 17, 2025 deadline netted you some universal bonuses. Think of it as a "thank you" for your early faith. Here’s what every pre-order included:
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Custom Hologram: Quokka Early Unlock – Show off your love for the internet's favorite smiling animal in-game.
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Three Silver Exoskeleton Suits:
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Battle Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
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Boost Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
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Bokka Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
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These were essentially the silver-tier versions of the gold suits found in the pricier editions, offering similar functional benefits with a different cosmetic finish. It was a great way to ensure all early adopters got a little gameplay boost.

Wrapping Up: Which Edition Was For You?
Looking back from 2026, it's clear Kojima Productions and Sony crafted a tiered offering that catered to different levels of fandom and investment:
| Edition | Price (USD) | Key Inclusions | Best For... |
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| Standard | $69.99 | The base game + pre-order bonuses. | The casual player or story-focused Porter. |
| Digital Deluxe | $79.99 | Game + Gold gear, early weapon, patches + 48hr early access. | The dedicated fan wanting digital perks and a head start. |
| Collector's | $229.99 | Everything in Digital Deluxe + Physical statue, art, letter, figurine. | The ultimate superfan and collector. |
The pre-order campaign, launched globally on March 17, 2025, successfully built immense anticipation. The promise of early access and exclusive items, whether sleek silver exoskeletons or a towering Magellan Man statue, gave players plenty of reasons to commit early to Sam's next strand-type adventure. Whether you're playing it now in 2026 or reminiscing about the launch, the journey to On the Beach was an event in itself. Keep on keeping on! ✌️