The core gameplay behind Death Stranding stems largely from the delivery of packages in the barren landscape that was once America. Of course, this is done by throwing packages on the back of the main character, Sam Bridges (Norman Reedus), and manually lugging them around. While this may sound easy, it’s actually quite an issue at times for anyone that is hoping to do several missions simultaneously.
Holding a number of packages can make the journey even more perilous for players too, which is why building up Sam’s strength and balance are instrumental in completing more tasks. Of course, given Death Stranding’s rather difficult-to-navigate U.I., figuring out how to do so can be a challenge at times. Fortunately, there are three major ways that players can begin building up Sam’s carrying capacity immediately.
The ability to carry more weight and create better balance while running around mostly stems from the various levels that Sam slowly grows throughout Death Stranding. Weight and balance are both listed in the main menu under Sam’s skills and they’ll naturally fill out as players level up. In truth, it takes some grinding for headway to be made, but growing these bars comes down to mission management.
Side Missions
In order to max out certain categories, players have to take on as many missions as possible – at all times. Not only will this get willing participants in good with various settlements (which in turn brings about its own rewards), but it’ll level up Sam ahead of his next core story mission. In short, step away from the story to complete side quests as often as possible. It’s well worth it.
Return Lost Parcels
A secondary method is to explore and deliver some of the packages that are scattered about all over the world of Death Stranding. Delivering these directly to their original location will net greater returns, although players that find themselves with an over-encumbered Sam can drop them at posts for smaller returns. These will level up Sam’s stats and have him carrying more weight in no time.
Use Gadgets and Vehicles
Finally, once players have gained access to Death Stranding’s Trike motorcycle, it becomes possible to lighten the load on Sam’s back by putting some of the parcels on his vehicle. Anyone that plans on taking a cruise across Death Stranding’s bizarre world while delivering gifts like some sort of dystopic Santa Claus may first want to stock up on a means of building generators to keep those vehicles fueled. Alternatively, players can unlock, build, and equip a Floating Carrier that attaches to Sam’s suit shortly after his first boss encounter. This is easily one of the handiest gadgets in the entire game, so players should be sure to become well acquainted with it.
All of these will go a long way in helping Sam carry more weight. Given how many orders there are to pull off in Death Stranding, being able to make major hauls across large distances is a must. With the above three methods of enhancing weight-carrying capabilities, life after the Death Stranding is sure to be just a little easier.
Next: Death Stranding Is Dividing Critics & Players: Here’s Why
Death Stranding is available now for PlayStation 4.
