Death Stranding Guide: All tips & tricks for the horror hit

In this guide to Death Strand ing you will find the answers to the following questions and more:

  • What new features await you in Death Stranding Director's Cut?
  • What do you need to know about cargo management?
  • What equipment should you always have with you?
  • What is the Social Strand System?
  • What is the story and gameplay in Hideo Kojima's new game?

Death Stranding is one of the most talked about games. No wonder - after all, creator Hideo Kojima went to great lengths to build up as much mystery as possible for his work. His tweets are cryptic and even the smallest information regularly caused plenty of speculation among fans. Now the "Social Strand title" has finally been released.

In this guide - which we will constantly update - we will answer your most important questions about Death Stranding: What tips will help you get started? What does the gameplay look like? What is the plot about and how does the multiplayer play? In addition, we have compiled many other guides for you, in which we show you how to defeat all bosses in Death Strand ing or which weapons you can find in Death Strand ing.

Death Stranding Tips: The difficulty level

The difficulty level mainly affects the battles. If you have experience with action-adventures and shooter mechanics, you should calmly try the higher difficulty levels.

For genre newcomers, a lower level is recommended, as some challenging battles await you, especially in the later levels. In our Death Stranding trophy guide, you can also learn how the difficulty level affects the trophy system.

Cargo management tips: How to pack Sam correctly

Too much cargo has a negative effect on your stamina and balance values. Therefore, be a little more sparing to avoid damaging your cargo by crashing. Plan several small routes before you overload yourself. When loading, make sure the cargo on Sam's back is properly balanced, or you'll quickly lose your balance.

Hold down the triangle button in the cargo menu and you'll start the automatic cargo optimization. This way the containers will always be evenly distributed. If you still lose your balance or the load starts to sway, you can use L2 and R2 to rebalance it a bit.

Cargo comes in four different sizes, only the smallest of which you can attach directly to Sam's suit. You can also carry packages on your back, carry them by hand, or attach them to your suit. In the cargo menu you have the option to have an automatic arrangement. This way, your packages will be properly distributed and balanced on your body.

You'll keep coming across abandoned cargo along the way. If you still have room, take it with you and deliver it. You can also hand them over to another messenger at one of the terminals, should the recipient be located too far off your route.

In the course of the game, you'll also have the opportunity to complete premium orders. These have stricter conditions, but you'll receive all the more likes for keeping them. The bond with your clients will also be strengthened.

Beware of the time rain ("Timefall"). It will not only harm you, but also your cargo. Therefore, find a shelter as soon as possible to escape the danger of the precipitation. You can find more useful tips on the cargo system in our Death Stranding delivery guide.

Sam and BB: How to keep them fit

Once you've found a quiet spot, you can rest there at any time. This is also accompanied by an automatic save. Always make sure that Sam keeps up his strength, you will need him in top form. The choice of sleeping place, especially in the wilderness, be well thought out. Retreat to caves or ledges rather than nap unprotected or even near enemies.

Sam and BB build a very special bond in Death Stranding.

Don't forget to soothe your Bridge Baby if he ever whines. The little bugger loves that and you'll relieve stress and build a closer bond. If the BB stays happy and healthy, he will be able to help you longer. What BB doesn't like is deep or choppy water, falling over rocky railings, or getting hit by enemies.

Here's how to use the private rooms in Death Stranding

You don't always have to seek shelter outside, though. Bridges provides you with private rooms in each cargo terminal. There you can not only rest, but also do some interesting things. At the head of the bed you'll find a small display case with green figures that change type, number and constellation depending on what you're experiencing outside.

In Sam's private rooms you can do more than just relax

On the table next to Sam's bed you'll find your accessories, like caps and sunglasses. In addition, Bridges will always provide you with some energy drinks. If you drink three cans, your stamina value will increase by 25 percent.

If you look in the mirror at the sink, you can make faces in it and take pictures of them. This strengthens your bond with BB, because the little guy thinks it's great and he'll send you lots of likes.

Speaking of BB, take your time and calm the little guy down. To the left and right of BB you'll find your weapons and equipment rack. There you'll find the weapons you have so far and you can change the color scheme of your accessories.

Photos in front of the mirror will earn you likes from BB and even a trophy.

On the terminal you have similar functions as on your handcuffs. You can see the map, check emails, review your orders, and play the songs you've received in the music player. You can also make supply requests. You can find out how these work in our Death Stranding multiplayer guide.

You can also call up the collected data from the memory chips in the terminal. We'll show you where to find them all in our Death Stranding memory chips guide. However, the most important thing is physical hygiene in the private rooms. If you shower or go to the toilet - small or large - Heartman collects your excrement and uses it to make weapons against the GDs. So always clean diligently.

Route planning, terrain and vehicles in Death Stranding

Use the scanner to inspect the terrain in front of you, find lost cargo and spot dangers early. Red markers indicate danger, while yellow markers warn you to be careful.

Fragile also has special abilities in Death Stranding.

Set waypoints on your map again and againin order not to lose the orientation. You can delete them at any time if you have a change of plan in mind. When planning your route, always keep in mind that you should avoid some areas. For example, you should avoid mule camps or rocky slopes.

With motorcycles and trucks you'll race through the terrain or rush through rivers. But don't drive too carelessly, because you can crash into rocks or get stuck in water that is too deep. You have the possibility to drag mules out of their vehicles à la GTA and take over the wheel yourself.

Equipment and gear: what you urgently need

Always plan a ladder, rappelling hooks and repair spray for your trips. Use the ladder to climb hills or cross canyons. The rappelling hook will help you especially when climbing up or down rock walls.

Bridget and Sam have known each other for quite a while.

If you've damaged your cargo, the repair spray can work wonders. Remember to dispose of empty cans as well, or you'll be carrying around useless empties. Also, make sure you always have enough blood bags with you. Blood is the tool of choice to fight off GDs and bosses. Don't put the blood bags in the cargo cases, but use Sam's chest pocket for that.

The "Cargo Glider" equipment item can be used to transport heavy cargo without a vehicle. Sam can attach up to two gliders to his suit at the same time. Cargo gliders can also be used as vehicles. When the glider is empty, disconnect Sam and press the X key to get on it. With the square key Sam gets momentum like on a skateboard. But be careful: downhill, the cargo glider picks up speed quickly and is difficult to control. Falls can be fatal.

Tips on NPCs, enemies and fights in Death Stranding

The more often you visit your NPC taskmasters and successfully deliver for them, the better your relationship with them will become. This results in small and large gifts, such as sunglasses, grenades or even plans for new equipment. Therefore, accept small orders more often. You never know what reward you'll miss out on otherwise.

Once the mules have located you, quickly change your position. Duck in the tall grass or hide behind objects until they let go of you. If you can't sneak out of the danger zone, sprint away as fast as you can. If you stalk one of the mules from behind, you can take it out using the pack rope.

If you are forced to engage in close combat with a mule, hitting it with a cargo item is most effective. If you want to throw a suitcase, hold down L2 or R2, square to gain momentum and release the shoulder button. The Bola Rifle is also a very useful weapon against Mules. It shoots ropes that wrap around your enemies' legs and incapacitate them.

GDs: Death Strandings supernatural creatures

If it starts raining, the probability of you encountering a GD increases a lot. Watch out for sounds that announce the beings. You can't fight off the GDs (known as "BTs" from the English-language trailers) with fists and kicks. Fill test tubes with your blood to distract them or use blood grenades to kill them.

Always keep moving, especially in boss fights, or the monsters will grab you by the legs and pull you down. You have the option to break free, but the best chance is with blood grenades.

If you notice the GDs early enough, you can sneak away. To do so, duck down and hold your breath. However, make sure that Sam has to breathe again. By the way, you can learn everything about your enemies and how to fight them in our Death Stranding guide to GDs and Mules.

Multiplayer in Death Stranding: The Social Strand System

Death Stranding does not have a classic multiplayer mode. Instead, Hideo Kojima introduces his so-called "Social Strand System" . This also ties in with the big theme of "connection" that keeps popping up in Death Stranding. Using the Social Strand System does not require a PlayStation Plus-Membership required.So be sure to play online!

Léa Seydoux as a member of Fragile

The "Social Strand System" is an essential part of the gameplay experience in Death Stranding. You can leave equipment for other players or benefit from dropped items yourself. If you lay a ladder as a bridge over a ravine, it can be used by other players as well. The more helpful you are in leaving your mark on Death Stranding, the more likes you will receive from other players.

You also have the option of favoriting certain players. This increases the probability that their items or buildings will appear in your game world. You can use signs to leave useful hints, point out good paths or warn of dangers. In our multiplayer guide to Death Stranding you can find all further information about the Social Strand System.

New features in Death Stranding Director's Cut: melee combat, jump jumps & more

The Death Stranding Director's Cut expands Sam's melee combat options. Among other things, you now have a "drop kick" at your disposal. Run towards an enemy, jump and press the square button. From mission number 35 you can modify Sam's backpack.

In addition to an additional battery pack and a grenade pouch, there is now also a jet pack. This can be used to cushion jumps into the depths and you can glide down large slopes. Also useful are the new jump jumps that you can set up in front of rivers or crevices. Take a threewheeler and jump over it. While flying, you can perform various tricks with the X key.

Also, the buddy bot in Death Stranding Director's Cut (Guide) will assist you with the delivery. We describe where you can find new areas in Death Stranding Director's Cut in the linked article.

More guides for Death Stranding on GameZ:

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