TL;DR
- Prioritize navigation tools like ladders and climbing anchors for terrain traversal
- Balance combat gear with cargo capacity based on mission threat levels
- Use exoskeletons strategically to maintain mobility with heavy loads
- Always include container repair spray to protect delivery integrity
- Plan for multi-purpose equipment that serves multiple functions
GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.
Strategic equipment selection represents one of Death Stranding’s most nuanced gameplay mechanics, requiring careful balance between mobility, defense, and cargo protection. Many players initially struggle with overpacking or bringing inappropriate gear for specific terrain types, leading to frustrating delivery failures. Understanding that each kilogram impacts your stamina and balance is crucial for successful expeditions across America’s fractured landscape.
This comprehensive guide examines optimal loadout configurations for various mission types, from simple deliveries to complex multi-destination routes. We’ll explore not just what to bring, but when and why certain equipment outperforms alternatives in specific scenarios.
For additional Death Stranding expertise, consult our detailed beginner’s guide and analysis of celebrity cameo appearances throughout the narrative.
Further enhance your understanding with our specialized beginner’s guide and completion time estimation resource.
Death Stranding Guides


Carrying two ladders provides critical flexibility when confronting unexpected chasms or steep inclines. Deploy them at approximately 60-degree angles for optimal climbing efficiency, and remember that placing ladders horizontally across gaps creates makeshift bridges for crossing narrow ravines. Advanced players often position one ladder as primary and keep the second as emergency backup for route miscalculations.

The climbing anchor enables descent down otherwise impassable cliffs, but its utility extends beyond simple lowering. Strategic placement allows creating zip-line networks when combined with PCC structures, significantly reducing travel time on repeated routes. Position anchors on stable rock surfaces rather than soil to ensure maximum security.

Two Portable Constructor units facilitate building essential infrastructure like bridges, shelters, and postboxes. Prioritize constructing bridges across major rivers first, as they provide permanent traversal solutions that benefit both your future deliveries and other players’ journeys through shared world connectivity.

Hematic grenades serve as your primary defense against BTs, with their blood-based composition creating effective area denial against spectral entities. Carry at minimum one set, but consider increasing to two when traversing BT-dense regions like the incinerator approach. The grenades create temporary safe zones, allowing strategic repositioning during tense encounters.

The Bola Gun provides non-lethal human enemy neutralization, temporarily restraining MULEs and terrorists without permanent consequences. Aim for center mass rather than headshots for maximum reliability, and remember that restrained enemies will eventually break free, so maintain distance after successful hits.

Bridge Boots significantly enhance traction on slippery surfaces and reduce terrain damage to your footwear. Their specialized soles provide particular advantage in mountainous regions and river crossings where footing becomes unpredictable. Consider upgrading to higher-tier versions as they become available through progression.

Exoskeletons dramatically improve cargo management capabilities, with the standard skeleton providing balanced weight distribution for moderate loads. For specialized situations, consider the power skeleton for extreme heavy hauling or speed skeleton for time-sensitive deliveries across flat terrain.

Container repair spray represents essential insurance against environmental damage from timefall, rough terrain, and accidental drops. Apply proactively before entering heavy timefall areas rather than reactively after damage occurs, as prevention proves more efficient than restoration.

Vehicles transform delivery efficiency on traversable terrain, with trucks offering maximum cargo capacity and trikes providing superior maneuverability in confined spaces. Match vehicle selection to route characteristics—trucks for open plains, trikes for winding mountain paths.

The floating carrier serves as an excellent supplementary transport method, particularly useful when vehicle access becomes impossible. It enables dragging substantial cargo behind you while walking, and can even be ridden downhill for rapid descent with preserved balance.
Experienced porters develop situational loadouts tailored to specific delivery types and environmental conditions. For timefall-heavy routes, prioritize container protection and mobility over combat capabilities. When traversing MULE territory, balance defensive gear with cargo space to maintain escape capability.
Multi-destination deliveries benefit from strategic equipment placement—keep frequently used items on quick-access slots and bulkier gear on back attachments. Consider establishing supply caches at strategic locations using postboxes for longer expeditions across multiple regions.
Weather forecasting from weather stations provides critical intelligence for equipment selection. Anticipate timefall patterns and plan shelter construction accordingly, placing watchtowers at high elevation points for maximum visibility across your planned route.
Emergency protocols should include backup navigation options when primary routes become compromised. Always carry at least one alternative traversal tool beyond your planned primary method to accommodate unexpected obstacles or route changes.
Action Checklist
- Analyze delivery route for terrain types and threat levels before packing
- Select appropriate exoskeleton type based on cargo weight and terrain
- Pack minimum two navigation tools (ladders/anchors) for route flexibility
- Balance combat gear with cargo capacity—never exceed 70% total weight capacity
- Establish emergency protocols including alternative routes and backup equipment
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Death Stranding Equipment Guide: The Best Items To Bring With You Master essential gear selection strategies and avoid common mistakes in Death Stranding delivery missions
