Beginner\'s Guide to Death Stranding

New to Death Stranding? Learn cargo management, traversal, and connection basics.

Core Gameplay Loop

  • 1Accept deliveries at distribution centers and preppers, then traverse the terrain to deliver them.
  • 2Every delivery earns Likes, which increase your porter grade and unlock equipment.
  • 3Connect facilities to the Chiral Network to enable fast travel and online features.
  • 4Build infrastructure (roads, ziplines, bridges) to make future deliveries easier.
  • 5Rest at private rooms to restore stamina, save progress, and manage equipment.

Traversal Fundamentals

  • 1Hold L2 and R2 to grip when crossing rivers or steep terrain to prevent falls.
  • 2Ladders and climbing anchors can be placed permanently for repeated use.
  • 3Vehicles dramatically speed up deliveries on flat terrain and roads.
  • 4Boots degrade with use -- always carry a spare pair on long deliveries.
  • 5Stamina management is critical. Rest, drink from canteens, and eat cryptobiotes.

Online Features

  • 1Other players' structures appear in your world when connected to the Chiral Network.
  • 2Like structures built by other players to encourage helpful building.
  • 3Share lockers at distribution centers let you donate items to other players.
  • 4Signs placed by others warn of dangers or mark helpful routes ahead.
  • 5Contributing to shared roads benefits everyone on the same server.