Essential Prepper Guide for Death Stranding 2 Beginners

Introduction

Death Stranding 2’s vast, hostile world rewards careful preparation. Connecting with the right preppers early unlocks traversal enhancements, combat gear, and quality-of-life upgrades. This guide steers you through your first 10 hours with clear priorities, factual insights, and time-saving strategies.

Why Prioritizing Preppers Matters

Early connections translate into smoother exploration and fewer setbacks. Key benefits include:

• Expanded carry capacity and pack modules
• Faster, safer traversal via vehicles and ziplines
• Early access to non-lethal weapons and BT countermeasures
• Accelerated trust gains (“likes”) for higher-tier upgrades

Essential Preparations Before You Begin

• Complete the tutorial and initial missions to learn core mechanics: weight management, stealth, and route planning.
• Equip basic gear: boots, a power skeleton, climbing tools, and non-lethal weapons.
• Plan for 10–15 minute delivery runs—factor in detours and load-out adjustments.
• Keep 1–2 inventory slots free to retrieve lost cargo on the way.
• Use the map filter to highlight unconnected installations and secondary objectives.

Top Prepper Priorities

Exploration & Traversal Upgrades

• Bokka – 1★ unlocks Hiking Boots for durable footing in Timefall; 2★ grants an Adhesive Cannon to clear blocked passages.
• Olivia Westbury – 1★ provides the Floating Carrier, doubling haul capacity; 2★ delivers Vehicle Battery upgrades for extended desert and coastal crossings.
• Peter Guates – 1★ offers a combat Power Skeleton; 3★ upgrades to the advanced version, boosting speed with heavy loads.

Combat & Utility Gear

• Lone Commander – 4★ yields the Dart Gun, an essential non-lethal tool for outposts and BT encounters.
• The Musician – Each star unlocks new Shotgun types, enhancing offensive options on remote routes.
• Benjamin Rivera – 1–2★ grants Hematic and EX Grenades, vital for neutralizing BTs quickly.
• Old Oz – 1★ provides a Large Ammo Box, extending combat endurance in hostile zones.

Trust Building Strategies

• Batch deliveries: Accept multiple orders en route via Orders → Accept Multiple and plan stops with Map → Filter by Cargo Destinations.
• Collect lost cargo: Returning scattered packages yields extra likes and star progress per prepper.
• Use Timefall shelters to avoid gear degradation; maintain boot and equipment durability.
• Prioritize urgent orders when traversal tools are ready, as these deliver the fastest trust gains.

Common Pitfalls and Solutions

• Single-package trips waste time—combine tasks unless storyline progression demands an isolated delivery.
• Gear neglect leads to failed deliveries; monitor damage bars and repair before long runs.
• Poor route planning can add hours—use Map → Plot Route to optimize detours.
• Ignoring infrastructure delays future runs—invest early in ziplines and bridges for recurring efficiency.

Advanced Optimization Tips

• Unlock the Off-Roader in Australia via main missions for bulk cargo runs across multiple regions.
• Leverage community ziplines to save time and earn credit by using and maintaining player-built structures.
• Chain combat deliveries to The Musician and Lone Commander for high-level weapons and stealth tools.
• Watch trust color cues in the UI; detour for extra cargo when you’re close to the next star threshold.

Key Takeaways

• Connect Bokka, Olivia Westbury, and Peter Guates first for traversal and carry upgrades.
• Target Lone Commander, The Musician, and Benjamin Rivera for non-lethal weapons and BT countermeasures.
• Always group deliveries and retrieve lost cargo to maximize trust gains.
• Plan routes, build infrastructure, and use community structures for long-term efficiency.
• Focus on initial star levels—return later for full prepper upgrades.

Following this plan transforms your early playthrough into a streamlined march of upgrades, minimizing foot travel and maximizing gameplay enjoyment. Good luck, courier!