20 Essential Tips to Master Death Stranding 2 Deliveries

After logging over 60 hours in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, I’ve learned that surviving and thriving hinges on subtle planning, community cooperation, and smart resource use. Whether you’re a veteran porter or just starting Sam’s journey, these 20 proven strategies will sharpen your deliveries, protect your cargo, and keep you ahead of every threat.

Why These Tips Matter

DS2’s world is harsher than ever: time-altering weather, revamped Beached Things, hostile camps, and unforgiving terrain. One wrong step or ill-prepared loadout can turn hours of progress into scrap. I’ve nearly made every mistake—so you don’t have to. These tips will save time, materials, and your sanity.

Prerequisites

• Online Functions On: Settings → Network → Online Functions → On
• Controller Mastery: Practice L2/R2 balance, quick menus, and the D-pad wheel
• Magellan Access: Unlock the mobile base for midgame and beyond
• Cargo & Weather Basics: Know load limits and Timefall effects
• Growth Mindset: Expect trial and error in this unforgiving landscape

20 Essential Tips

1. Play Online for Community Builds

Enabling asynchronous multiplayer unlocks player-built bridges, shelters, and generators. I once dodged a BT swarm thanks to a stranger’s zip-line—your progress improves dramatically with shared structures.

2. Check Shared Lockers Regularly

At every terminal, hit Shared Locker. You might find rare weapons, extra batteries, or lost deliveries that can jump-start a tough mission.

3. Stockpile in Private Lockers First

Use Private Locker for metals, ceramics, and chemicals. I learned the hard way that keeping a raw materials reserve prevents mid-mission crafting roadblocks.

4. Recycle Excess Gear

When your locker bulges, convert spare anchors, blood bags, or broken weapons via Recycle. This fuels outpost upgrades and community projects.

5. Hold Grip Straps on Steep Slopes

Press L2 + R2 descending rocky hills. It slows your pace but prevents catastrophic falls and cargo damage.

6. Auto-Organize Before Departure

Use D-Pad Up → Cargo Shortcuts to fine-tune load balance. Proper placement shields fragile packages from Timefall and rough terrain.

7. Master Quick-Drop in Emergencies

When BTs or raiders close in, hit D-Pad Up → Drop All to abandon cargo, regroup, then reclaim it safely once the threat passes.

8. Harvest Chiral Crystals Relentlessly

These golden clusters power upgrades and gear. I scan every BT zone and structure site—never leave a crystal behind.

9. Capture Every Cryptobiote Variant

Collect Electro-, Chloro-, Chrono- and Necrobiotes for battery boosts, health, time-slow fields, and BT detection. Stock up before boss fights.

10. Leverage the Magellan Mobile Base

Deploy Magellan at key outposts for extra storage, crafting, and vehicle access. Plan multi-leg routes around its hubs to slash travel time.

11. Plan Routes with Custom Waypoints

On the map, chain waypoints to avoid hazards, camps, and steep canyons. A well-planned path cuts backtracking and wasted stamina.

12. Manual Save Before Risky Sections

Auto-saves are reliable, but I always hit Manual Save before assaults, long fords, or boss encounters—reload if things go south.

13. Rest and Rejuvenate BB Before Long Hauls

Reset Sam’s stamina, soothe BB, and refill rations at shelters. Underestimating rest stops led to ruined deliveries more than once.

14. Upgrade Community Structures Together

Prioritize high-traffic bridges and roads. Your contributions attract likes and make future routes faster for everyone.

15. Monitor Weather & Timefall Windows

Open your map’s weather radar before leaving. Depart during clear spells or pack extra rainproof gear for acid downpours.

16. Favor Stealth Over Combat

Running past raider camps often wastes less time and cargo than firefights. Reserve guns for true emergencies.

17. Specialize Your Exosuit Loadouts

Assign one suit for heavy hauls, one for speed, and another for stealth. Swap at Magellan or terminals to match each mission’s demands.

18. Donate Gear to Boost Your Network

Drop spare ladders, ropes, or vehicles in shared lockers. Generosity nets likes, bonus materials, and goodwill from other porters.

19. Scavenge Abandoned Camps Thoroughly

After clearing an outpost, loot every crate and corpse—rare alloys and high-grade parts won’t respawn.

20. Track Stamina and BB Stress Levels

Sprint sparingly, stay warm, and use stamina drinks. BB panic slows you down and can lock out mission-critical features.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Cargo damage? Pause under shelters, walk slopes, and rebalance mid-journey.
• No equipment? Hit shared lockers at every terminal—trophies and gear often appear there.
• Overwhelming BTs? Use Chronobiotes, circle back, or reroute—sometimes flight beats fight.
• Magellan locked? Follow story beats or plan alternate supply runs via private lockers.
• Stamina drains fast? Rest frequently and carry energy drinks and rations.

Advanced Optimization

• Stack deliveries with overlapping Magellan hops and shared build points.
• Set up drop-points in outposts you frequent for emergency caches.
• Tailor containers and exosuits to region-specific weather threats.
• Track structure decay and like counts—repair or replace as needed.

Quick Reference: 20 Tips at a Glance

• Play online for community structures
• Visit shared lockers every outpost
• Stockpile in private first
• Recycle overflow gear
• Use grip straps on slopes
• Auto-organize cargo before leaving
• Quick-drop in emergencies
• Harvest chiral crystals
• Collect all cryptobiote types
• Deploy Magellan strategically
• Plan routes with waypoints
• Save manually often
• Rest and soothe BB
• Invest in community builds
• Watch weather windows
• Sneak past human enemies
• Specialize exosuits
• Donate gear to others
• Scavenge camps thoroughly
• Monitor stamina & BB stress