Hey guys! Ready to dive deep into the strange and captivating world of Death Stranding? You've come to the right place. This isn't just any guide; it's IGN's complete walkthrough, designed to help you navigate every delivery, encounter every BT, and understand every twist and turn in Hideo Kojima's masterpiece. So, grab your chiral boots, tighten those straps, and let's get started!

Getting Started: Understanding the Basics

Before we even think about making our first delivery, let’s break down the basics of Death Stranding. This game is unlike anything you've probably played before, blending open-world exploration with a unique strand system that connects players in subtle, yet meaningful ways. Forget traditional combat-focused gameplay; here, your primary goal is to reconnect a fragmented America by delivering essential supplies to isolated outposts and cities.

What is Death Stranding?

Death Stranding is an action game developed by Kojima Productions. Set in a post-apocalyptic United States, the game follows Sam Porter Bridges (played by Norman Reedus) as he traverses a desolate landscape ravaged by a cataclysmic event known as the Death Stranding. This event blurred the lines between life and death, unleashing otherworldly creatures called Beached Things (BTs) upon the world. As Sam, you must deliver cargo, reconnect cities to the Chiral Network, and ultimately save humanity from extinction.

Key Gameplay Mechanics

• Traversal and Cargo Management: The core of Death Stranding revolves around delivering cargo safely and efficiently. You'll need to manage your load, balance your weight, and choose the right equipment to navigate treacherous terrain. Every step counts, and even the slightest miscalculation can lead to a fall, damaging your precious cargo.
• BT Encounters: BTs are invisible entities that roam the landscape. You'll need to use your Odradek scanner to detect them and employ stealth tactics to avoid confrontation. Later in the game, you'll gain access to weapons that can repel or even defeat BTs, but these encounters are always tense and require careful planning.
• The Strand System: This innovative multiplayer system allows players to indirectly interact with each other by leaving behind structures, supplies, and signs that can aid other porters on their journeys. These interactions foster a sense of community and cooperation, making the solitary journey feel a little less lonely.
• Building and Upgrading Structures: As you progress, you'll unlock the ability to construct various structures, such as bridges, generators, and safe houses. These structures not only make your own deliveries easier but also benefit other players in the world. Upgrading these structures requires resources and cooperation, further emphasizing the game's themes of connection and collaboration.

Tips for Beginners

• Plan Your Routes: Before embarking on a delivery, take the time to study the terrain and plan your route carefully. Use the map to identify potential obstacles, such as rivers, mountains, and BT-infested areas. Choose the most efficient path, taking into account the weight and fragility of your cargo.
• Manage Your Cargo: Balance is key in Death Stranding. Distribute your cargo evenly across your body to maintain stability. Use stabilizers and other equipment to improve your balance and stamina. Be mindful of the weight limit, as carrying too much cargo will slow you down and make you more susceptible to falls.
• Use the Strand System: Pay attention to the structures and signs left behind by other players. These can provide valuable assistance, such as shortcuts across difficult terrain, charging stations for your vehicles, and warnings about BT encounters. Don't hesitate to contribute to the network by building your own structures and leaving helpful signs for others.
• Rest and Recharge: Sam needs to rest and recharge his stamina regularly. Find a safe place to set up camp and replenish your energy. Use private rooms to recover from injuries, customize your equipment, and read important emails and interviews that provide insights into the game's story and lore.

Chapter-by-Chapter Walkthrough

Alright, now that we've got the basics covered, let’s dive into a chapter-by-chapter walkthrough of Death Stranding. This will guide you through the main story missions, providing tips, strategies, and insights to help you overcome any challenges you might encounter. Remember, Death Stranding is all about the journey, so take your time, explore the world, and enjoy the experience.

Episode 1: Bridge to the East

• Objective: Reconnect the eastern cities to the UCA (United Cities of America) by establishing chiral network connections.
• Key Deliveries: Starting with the initial delivery to the Distribution Center West of Capital Knot City, you'll gradually establish connections with various outposts and settlements. Focus on completing standard orders to increase your porter grade and unlock new equipment.
• BT Encounters: Episode 1 introduces you to the basics of BT encounters. Use your Odradek scanner to detect BTs and employ stealth tactics to avoid them. Remember to hold your breath when BTs are nearby to reduce your chances of being detected.
• Tips and Tricks: Pay close attention to the tutorials during this episode, as they provide essential information about the game's mechanics. Don't be afraid to experiment with different equipment and strategies to find what works best for you. Also, keep an eye out for lost cargo, as returning it to its destination will earn you valuable rewards.

Episode 2: Amelie

• Objective: Continue expanding the chiral network westward, encountering new challenges and unraveling the mysteries surrounding Amelie and the Death Stranding.
• Key Deliveries: Focus on delivering chiralium to various facilities to establish network connections. This will unlock new areas and allow you to construct structures to aid your deliveries.
• New Equipment: Episode 2 introduces you to the power skeleton, which significantly increases your carrying capacity and mobility. Use it to tackle heavier loads and navigate difficult terrain.
• Tips and Tricks: Take advantage of the zipline network to quickly traverse long distances. Construct ziplines in strategic locations to create efficient routes between key facilities. Also, be mindful of the timefall, as it can damage your cargo and equipment. Use shelters to protect yourself and your cargo from the rain.

Episode 3: Fragile

• Objective: Venture into the central region, encountering new factions, enemies, and environmental hazards. Uncover the secrets of Fragile Express and her connection to the Death Stranding.
• Key Deliveries: Focus on delivering essential supplies to isolated settlements in the central region. Be prepared for challenging terrain, including mountains, rivers, and BT-infested areas.
• MULE Encounters: Episode 3 introduces you to MULEs, human enemies who are obsessed with stealing cargo. Use stealth tactics or combat skills to avoid or defeat them. Construct watchtowers to monitor MULE activity and plan your routes accordingly.
• Tips and Tricks: Use vehicles to traverse long distances and transport heavy cargo. Be mindful of the battery life and fuel consumption, and construct generators to recharge your vehicles. Also, consider using the bola gun to incapacitate MULEs and steal their vehicles.

Episode 4: Unger

• Objective: Delve deeper into Sam's past and his connection to Cliff Unger, a mysterious figure who appears in recurring nightmares.
• Key Deliveries: This episode features a series of flashback sequences where you play as Sam in a war-torn environment. Focus on completing the objectives in each flashback to progress the story.
• Combat Encounters: Episode 4 introduces you to more intense combat encounters. Use cover, stealth, and a variety of weapons to defeat enemies. Be mindful of your stamina and health, and use healing items to recover from injuries.
• Tips and Tricks: Pay close attention to the clues and dialogue during the flashback sequences, as they provide valuable insights into Sam's past and the events that led to the Death Stranding. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different weapons and tactics to find what works best for you in combat.

Episode 5: Mama

• Objective: Confront the emotional challenges of reconnecting with Mama, a scientist who is haunted by her past and her connection to the BTs.
• Key Deliveries: Focus on delivering essential supplies to Mama's lab and assisting her with her research. Be prepared for emotional cutscenes and thought-provoking dialogue.
• BT Encounters: Episode 5 features more intense BT encounters, including boss battles against giant BTs. Use your knowledge of BT weaknesses and your combat skills to defeat them.
• Tips and Tricks: Upgrade your weapons and equipment to prepare for the boss battles. Use chiral crystals to craft powerful grenades and explosives that can damage BTs. Also, be mindful of your surroundings and use cover to avoid enemy attacks.

Completing the Game and Beyond

As you progress through the later episodes of Death Stranding, you'll face increasingly challenging deliveries, complex moral dilemmas, and mind-bending plot twists. Stay focused on your objectives, trust your instincts, and never give up on your mission to reconnect America.

Post-Game Content

Once you've completed the main story, Death Stranding offers a wealth of post-game content to keep you engaged. You can continue to explore the world, complete standard orders, build and upgrade structures, and connect with other players in the strand system. You can also unlock new equipment, vehicles, and customization options.

Achieving the Platinum Trophy

For completionists, Death Stranding offers a challenging but rewarding platinum trophy to earn. This requires completing all standard orders with a Legend of Legends rating, building all types of structures, reaching maximum porter grade, and unlocking all skills and abilities. It's a true test of your skills and dedication as a porter.

Final Thoughts

Death Stranding is a unique and unforgettable gaming experience that challenges conventions and explores profound themes of connection, isolation, and redemption. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the world of gaming, I hope this walkthrough has helped you navigate the strange and captivating world of Death Stranding. Keep on keeping on, porters!

Remember: This walkthrough is just a guide. The beauty of Death Stranding lies in its open-ended nature and the freedom to explore and experiment. Don't be afraid to deviate from the beaten path, discover new routes, and forge your own connections in the world. Happy stranding!