10 Pro Tips to Master Delivery and Survive the World of Death Stranding

Plan Your Route Like a Pro Porter

Before stepping out of a safehouse, check the map for elevation changes, river crossings, and Timefall areas. Use the terrain scanner (R1) to identify the most efficient path. Avoid steep slopes with heavy cargo—rope descenders and ladders are your best friends. Mark dangerous spots with Q-pid markers to create a personal GPS route.

Master the Cargo Tetris

Always balance your load. Press R2+L2 to hold cargo snug, but don't overfill—speed and stamina matter more than carrying capacity. Use the wearable pouch for small items and attach extra containers to your backpack. Remember, fragile items break easier when stacked high. If you're overloaded, stash non-essential cargo in a private locker for later retrieval.

Upgrade Your Gear Early

Prioritize the Order for Sam missions to unlock the Power Skeleton and All-Terrain Skeleton. The Power Skeleton boosts carry weight without slowing you down, while the All-Terrain Skeleton improves climbing and balance. Also, get the Floating Carrier as soon as possible—it lets you haul up to 600 kg while keeping your hands free.

BTs: How to Avoid and Escape

When you enter BT territory, hold your breath by tapping R1 periodically to stay undetected. Crouch walk and use the Odradek to pinpoint their location. If caught, deploy a Hematic Grenade or use the Anti-BT Handgun (once unlocked). Otherwise, run away in a zigzag pattern to break their grip. If you get dragged into a boss fight, shoot the black tar patches on their body—the golden ones are weak points.

Build and Repair Structures

Always contribute materials to other players' structures—it strengthens the chiral network and rewards you with Likes. Build ziplines early to connect distant outposts; they make deliveries a breeze. Repair your own structures regularly with the PCC, or they'll decay in Timefall. Use the weather forecast to avoid building in heavy rain zones.

Manage Stamina and Timefall

Drink Monsters and Energy Drinks to restore stamina quickly. Eat cryptobiotes to heal your blood level (used for BT weapons). When Timefall starts, find shelter fast—cargo degrades even in minor rain. Use the cargo cover or stand under a timefall shelter. If your cargo gets damaged, use repair spray or package it again at a safe house.

Utilize Vehicles and Chiral Network

Unlock the Reverse Trike and Truck by completing deliveries in the early regions. Trucks are great for bulk deliveries, but watch battery level—use chiral crystals to recharge at generators. Once you connect a region to the Chiral Network, unlock fast travel between safe houses. This is key for long distance orders.

Combat Tips Against MULEs

Non-lethal takedowns are best: use the Bola Gun to snare them, then kick them unconscious. If you're surrounded, throw a smoke grenade to escape. For weapons, the Stun Baton is effective. Avoid killing—it attracts BTs and lowers your connection rating. Loot MULEs for materials to build roads and structures.

Prioritize Standard Orders for Materials

Many standard orders reward rare materials like metals and ceramics. These are essential for building structures and repairing roads. Sort orders by reward type and focus on those that give high material yields. You can also fabricate items like climbing anchors and ladders at safe houses using your own materials.

Learn from Other Players

Pay attention to signs, structures, and zipline routes left by other players. Like their structures to encourage more helpful constructions. You can also strand contract with specific porters to increase the chance of seeing their structures. Use the Share Locker to donate or collect lost cargo—it boosts connections.

Be Patient and Adapt

Death Stranding is about the journey. Don't rush—take time to admire the scenery and learn from falls. Always carry extra boots (they wear out). When crossing rivers, use a ladder to create a makeshift bridge or walk diagonally to resist the current. If you fail a delivery, reload from an earlier save to avoid losing progress.