Here are 7 essential tips I wish I’d known when starting Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.

1. Keep It Light & Carry Smart

• Avoid overloading—once your load is in yellow/red zone (>60 %), you’ll stumble more and walk slower.
• Use auto-arrange to quickly optimize gear placement; hit Triangle at the Ring Terminal.
• Trust other porters: you don’t need multiple ladders or extra gear. One ladder + one rope is usually enough, since others leave helpful items behind.

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2. Hold Those Triggers to Stay Upright

When you feel Sam wobbling, hold L2 + R2 to brace yourself and regain balance fast—even under heavy cargo.

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3. Strategically Pack Tools

• Always tote two ladders—they’re golden for crossing rivers and cliffs.
• Keep an extra pair of boots handy—your footwear degrades fast.
• Bring a PCC (portable construction center) to build emergency post boxes or recharge fab points.

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4. Prioritize Hydration & Rest

• Refill stamina regularly with canteen sips or by pressing and holding Square to rest—this also protects your cargo from wear.
• Use Timefall Shelters for safe break spots and shelter during BT encounters; but don’t rely on them for safety during boss fights.

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5. Calibrate APAS Enhancements

Before significant missions, reset and retool your APAS Enhancements to match the job—stealth, combat, traversal, etc.

Your Porter Grade (which levels via deliveries and stealth actions) unlocks more and better enhancements.

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6. Embrace the Slow, Methodical Pace

• Don’t rush—focus on one delivery at a time, plan your loadout per mission, and complete side quests to explore mechanics and build Likes.
• Magellan fast-travel unlocks after mission 12, but using it reduces Likes earned, slowing progression—finish local jobs first.

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7. Stealth > Sound

• Carry a weapon or any item that enables aiming (e.g., electric baton). When you start losing balance, press L2 to aim—this cancels the stagger and steadies Sam.
• Use electric batons for stealth takedowns—quieter and less likely to attract enemies than guns.

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🧭 TL;DR: The Path of a Great Porter

Lighten your load. Brace often. Pack smart. Use rest stops. Customize skills. Walk slowly. Sneak when needed. And lean on the unseen support of other porters in the shared world.

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Bonus Tip: Build for Others

Even if a ladder’s already there, adding your own structures or markers benefits fellow porters—and you earn Likes, which feeds into upgrades.

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I hope these save you some early headache and help you fully embrace the game’s pacing and systems! If you want deep dives into APAS builds, fast-travel strategies, or map markers, just say the word.