Following its recent release, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has managed to secure a notable position in the gaming market, even amidst a significant decline in physical game sales. Reports indicate that this highly anticipated sequel sold 66% fewer physical copies compared to its predecessor at launch. However, it still performed well enough to surpass the hugely popular Mario Kart World, which is a launch title for the Switch 2, securing the top spot in the UK retail charts for the week.

The latest UK gaming sales numbers reveal that Death Stranding 2 has claimed the No. 1 position in physical sales, despite the challenging landscape for boxed games. Recent statistics indicate that boxed game sales have plummeted dramatically, accounting for only 4% of all video game spending in the UK in 2024. This shift has made it increasingly difficult for consumers to find new physical copies of games, with many retailers opting not to carry them at all, leading to a growing reliance on digital purchases.

To add context, while Death Stranding 2 saw a 66% drop in physical sales compared to its predecessor, it also faced competition from other titles. For instance, its launch sales were 33% lower than last year's Astro Bot, which was described by journalist Chris Dring as an unusually “physical heavy” release. This comparison underscores the transformation within the gaming industry, characterized by a shift towards digital consumption.

Interestingly, the Deluxe Edition of Death Stranding 2, which granted players early access, was exclusively available through digital platforms. A glance at the PS Store in the UK further illustrates the game's popularity, placing it just behind EA Sports FC 25 on the best-sellers list. However, it is worth noting that there remains a lack of detailed player data, as Sony does not publicly disclose concurrent player counts or other engaging statistics.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it becomes crucial to gather more comprehensive data, particularly regarding digital sales, to draw more definitive conclusions about Death Stranding 2’s overall success. For players diving into this intricate narrative world, our Death Stranding 2 guide is available to enhance your gaming experience. Have you purchased the game in physical or digital format? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below!