DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT · published
Porters, it is almost time! DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH is coming to PC next week and the teams at Nixxes and KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS are looking forward to having you along for the journey. Before setting off on your first assignment, take a look at a few beginner tips that will see you handling precious deliveries like a pro.
If you need a refresher, or are new to the series, you can check out a brief recap of the first DEATH STRANDING straight from the main menu. It covers all the key characters and events you should know before continuing Sam’s journey.
Prefer to catch up now, to be well prepared for delivery on March 19?
Watch 'The Story So Far' here:
Pause the game at any time (even during cutscenes) and this in-game guide will explain important terminology and names that are mentioned. Entries in the Corpus are often updated too, and there’s even a ‘Story So Far’ page, so be sure to check it regularly.
From your Private Room, you can access VR Training. Use the challenges here to brush up on your skills, test out new weapons and gear, and even earn some Likes in the process. New VR challenges are added as you progress through the story, so revisit them whenever you can.
Remember to use your Terrain Scanner as you travel (Q key or L1 button by default). This handy gadget will help you stay on-route and spot hazards on and off the road. It’ll even ping cargo carried by enemies, giving you an early warning when moving through hostile territory.
From the Final Preparations or Cargo Management Menu, hold the F key or triangle button to automatically optimize your load. Poorly balanced cargo makes it easier to trip and fall, resulting in damage and a reduced delivery rating, so spread the load and try not to over-encumber yourself.
Keep an eye out for vehicles parked at enemy bases or left by other porters. If you’re struggling to carry everything, you can simply transfer cargo to a vehicle and drive it to its destination. Just remember to keep an eye on their batteries, as vehicle charge is limited.
Slowly approach an unaware enemy from behind and perform a non-lethal takedown with the V key or circle button. Takedowns are rewarded with Likes at the end of your delivery, and reduce the chance of your cargo taking damage in a fight.
Enemy BTs – the ghostly ‘Beached Things’ – can be hard to spot, especially at night and in poor weather. Watch where your Odradek is pointing and follow the umbilical cords floating in the air to help you spot the enemy before they spot you.
As you progress the story, you’ll unlock APAS enhancements. These are upgrades for Sam, allowing him to move silently, fire faster, boost his endurance and much more. Your abilities here can be reset at any time, so feel free to experiment with different combinations to suit each delivery.
The in-game Social Strand Service (SSS) is where your allies will stay in touch with you while out in the field. Take a look when they post, as they’ll share valuable info, and liking their messages generates more Likes for you in turn.
Structures built by other porters can appear in your world and even be upgraded. If you have spare resources on hand, try donating them to a structure. As structures gain levels, they can gain new functionality that’ll benefit you and the other porters that find them.
Holding the 2 key or pressing the down directional controller button (down on the D-pad) opens Sam’s sign menu, where he can leave words of encouragement, directions and warnings to porters who follow in his footsteps. Leave these in areas of heavy traffic and porters affected by your signs will add to your Likes, improving your Porter Grade.
Photo mode can be activated at almost any time during gameplay by pressing the P key or the left side of the touch pad button. From here, you can freely adjust the camera’s position, focal length, exposure and more. You can even pose Sam and add a customizable light source to nail the perfect shot.
Once you’re happy, snap a photo with the Enter key or cross button (X) and it’ll be automatically uploaded to the in-game Social Strand Service as well as saved to your Steam Recordings & Screenshots. Photos here can be used to decorate Sam’s Private Room to really make it feel like home.
Note that Photo Mode can even be activated during cutscenes, though you’ll have limited control over the camera’s settings.
With a little preparation and a steady pace, you’ll be ready for whatever the next route throws at you. Take your time, learn the terrain, and don’t be afraid to lean on the tools and connections you build along the way.
DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH for PC launches March 19, and the teams at Nixxes and KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS cannot wait to see the paths you carve and the world you help reconnect. Keep on keeping on!