Death Stranding 2: Backpack guide

A backpack is the most important tool for a porter. It's the backpack that allows Sam to carry the cargo, equipment, and materials he finds on his shoulders. Death Stranding 2 also allows you to customize your backpack, which can benefit you. On this page of the guide we cover how the backpack works in Death Stranding 2 and how you can customize it.

• How does the backpack work?
• Backpack customization

How does the backpack work?

When picking up cargo, Sam puts it in his backpack. The backpack can hold several packages. The ones loaded into the backpack are marked with an additional symbol on the cargo screen. They are protected from the effects of timefall - the containers will not be damaged by rain. Once the backpack is full, Sam will start putting packages on top of the backpack. The higher the stack of packages, the more often he will lose his balance.

Holding up on the D-pad will take you to the quick backpack menu. Sam can automatically sort the cargo to take up as little space as possible or remove the backpack and leave it behind. This helps, for example, when infiltrating enemy bases, as Sam will be harder to spot without his backpack. Without a backpack, however, you cannot pick up new things, and your inventory space is drastically reduced. After removing the backpack, you can also use the strand to tie it up. This will keep the cargo from scattering if Sam falls over.

Backpack customization

Adding new facilities to the chiral network occasionally unlocks backpack upgrades. These are patches (they are only cosmetic) and components that you can craft in facilities and then attach to your backpack, thus gaining additional effects. Each backpack upgrade takes up some space on its surface, so you'll need to decide which components you want the most. If you equip multiple identical components, their effects stack together. The available components are:

1. Grenade Pouch - Cost: 30 resin and 20 metal, Size: 1x2 - each pouch holds one set of grenades, freeing up space in your backpack. A very useful and verstaile upgrade that will allow you to take much more gear with you. Unlocked upon completing Order No. 9.
2. Utility Pouch - Cost: 30 resin and 20 metal, Size: 3x2 - Each pouch holds four blood bags, freeing up space in your backpack. The utility pouch's usefulness has decreased compared to the first game, as anti-BT weapons no longer require blood (the boomerang is an exception). Unlocked by gaining three stars in the Northern Environmental Observatory.
3. Chiral Antigravity Device - Cost: 100 chiral crystals, 60 chemicals and 80 special alloys, Size: 2x2 - increases Sam's carrying capacity. A very useful and versatile upgrade. Unlocked by gaining two stars in the Government's Base.
4. Spare Ammo Container - Cost: 30 resin, 30 metal, 30 chemicals, Size: 1x4 - gives extra ammo. Each container allows you to reload your weapon once more when your ammo runs out. Moderately useful, but only in emergency situations. Unlocked upon completing Order No. 9.
5. Back Protector - Cost: 60 resin and 60 ceramics, Size: 5x3 - protects Sam's back from gunshots and is destroyed after taking enough damage. A situational component that takes up a lot of space, is only useful in open combat and has a very similar effect to the combat exoskeleton. Unlocked upon completing Order No. 9.
6. Electric Shock Absorber - Cost: 80 chiral crystals, 100 metal, and 60 special alloys, Size: 3x4 - Reduces electrical damage and charges Sam's battery with every hit taken. A situational component that is only useful when fighting enemies that use electrical weapons, of which there aren't many in the game. Unlocked by gaining two stars in the Smoke Hill Mine.
7. Extra Battery - Cost: 100 metal and 60 ceramics, Size: 3x6 - Increases Sam's battery capacity. A very useful and versatile component that allows for longer use of very useful exoskeletons, although due to its size you'll probably use just one. Unlocked upon completing Order No. 23.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

June 26, 2025

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