After months of speculation, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is finally getting a physical edition — but it’s not coming from Microsoft. In a surprising twist, Limited Run Games has been listed as the publisher of the upcoming physical version, despite the game being a first-party Microsoft title.
A Strange Publisher for a First-Party Game
An official ESRB rating for Hellblade 2 recently surfaced, and sharp-eyed fans noticed something unexpected: the publisher is Limited Run Games, not Microsoft. This is unusual, given that Hellblade 2 was developed by Ninja Theory, a Microsoft-owned studio, and originally launched as a digital-only exclusive on Xbox Series X and PC earlier in 2024.
Why Not Microsoft?
Microsoft’s reluctance to release a physical version of Hellblade 2 at launch left collectors disappointed. The game’s original release offered no disc option, only a digital download — even in its “physical” edition packaging. Now, it appears Limited Run Games is stepping in to fill that gap by producing proper disc-based editions for PS5 and Xbox Series X.
A Second Chance for Collectors
For physical media enthusiasts, this is welcome news. Limited Run Games is known for its high-quality physical releases and collector-friendly packaging. This gives fans another chance to own Hellblade 2 in physical form — this time, with a real disc inside.
Hellblade 2’s Reception So Far
Released in early 2024, Hellblade 2 garnered positive reviews, with particular praise for its visual fidelity and narrative depth. The game currently holds an 81 average critic score on OpenCritic, though some critics noted that its gameplay was more minimalistic than expected.
Despite this, Hellblade 2 was celebrated as a cinematic experience, solidifying Ninja Theory’s reputation for creating emotionally intense, immersive storytelling.
What This Could Mean
Microsoft outsourcing the physical edition of a first-party title to Limited Run Games could indicate a shift in strategy — or simply a response to fan demand. While Microsoft remains focused on Game Pass and digital-first distribution, this move shows that physical games still matter, especially to collectors and preservationists.
The decision to let Limited Run Games handle the physical release of Hellblade 2 is an unexpected — and frankly odd — twist in the game’s lifecycle. But for fans who’ve been holding out for a disc-based version, this is the news they’ve been waiting for.
Collectors, take note: this may be your only chance to own a true physical copy of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2.