“Death Stranding 2” Sales Lag in Physical Format

Initial UK Sales Figures Revealed

The launch sales of “Death Stranding 2” in the United Kingdom’s physical game market show a significant drop compared to its predecessor. These initial numbers reveal interesting trends in the evolving landscape of game distribution.

According to reports, “Death Stranding 2” secured the top spot in UK physical sales. However, the game’s performance is notably weaker when compared to both “Death Stranding 1” and “Astro Bot.”

Death Stranding 2 was No.1 in the UK physical charts last week. Its launch sales were -66% lower than Death Stranding 1… but different eras. It’s a far more digital market today. It’s 33% lower than Astro Bot’s launch, but that was also a physical heavy release, too.

— Christopher Dring (@Chris_Dring) June 29, 2025

“Death Stranding 2 was number 1 on the British Physical Version Sales List last week. His premiere sales were -66% lower than Death Stranding 1 … But this is another era. Today’s market is much more digital.”

—Christopher Dring

Digital game sales have surged in recent years; in 2024, digital game sales accounted for 83% of all video game sales in the U.S. (Statista).

Digital vs. Physical Sales

The figures presented by Christopher Dring indicate a 66% decline compared to the initial sales of the original “Death Stranding.” Furthermore, “Death Stranding 2” shows a 33% decrease compared to “Astro Bot,” a title that also enjoyed robust physical sales.

The trend reflects the broader shift towards digital distribution, with many gamers choosing to purchase and download games rather than buy physical copies. This may be why there is a difference in numbers between the first and second Death Stranding game.

While “Death Stranding 2” has secured the top position in physical sales, it is important to acknowledge the growing prominence of digital platforms. This shift influences the overall performance metrics for game releases.