TL;DR
- Memory chips contain cultural artifacts from before the extinction event and require delivery to terminals
- Use visual sparkle effects and community map markers to locate chips efficiently
- All 56 chips remain accessible throughout the game with no missable content
- Eastern Region contains initial chips but exploration order varies naturally
- Complete collection unlocks Fount of Knowledge trophy after all deliveries
Death Stranding features 56 distinct memory chips that serve as the game’s primary collectible system. These data storage devices contain preserved cultural information from the world before the catastrophic Death Stranding event. Successfully locating and delivering your initial memory chip rewards you with the ‘A Thirst for Knowledge’ achievement, while completing the full set of 56 unlocks the prestigious ‘Fount of Knowledge’ trophy.
Memory chips function as digital time capsules, safeguarding fragments of human culture that would otherwise be lost to the chiral contamination. While many chips can be discovered through natural exploration of the game’s vast landscapes, certain specimens have specific environmental conditions or story progression requirements before they become available. Some remain notoriously difficult to locate without dedicated searching techniques.
The collection process involves more than simply picking up these artifacts—you must transport them to delivery terminals scattered throughout the United Cities of America. Only through terminal data decryption do these chips contribute toward your completion progress.
Memory chips manifest as small, reflective objects that produce a distinctive shimmering effect when nearby. This visual cue becomes your primary detection method during exploration. Additionally, a luminous blue memory chip symbol marks their positions both in the game world and on your map interface. However, map icons only appear when fellow porters have previously identified and tagged these locations through the game’s asynchronous social systems.
When you discover an unmarked memory chip, consider placing a custom waypoint to assist other players in their own collection journeys. This community cooperation significantly accelerates the hunting process for everyone involved. The shared mapping system creates a collaborative environment where porter contributions benefit the entire player community.
Critical reminder: simply collecting memory chips doesn’t fulfill trophy requirements. You must physically deliver each chip to a distribution center terminal and complete the data restoration process. Many players mistakenly believe possession alone counts toward completion, only to discover they must revisit earlier locations.
For optimal collection efficiency, prioritize developing your transportation infrastructure first. Establishing zipline networks between major locations dramatically reduces travel time when backtracking for missed chips. Consider reading our Complete Guide for similar strategic approaches to game completion.
These flash drive-like artifacts preserve diverse cultural elements from pre-extinction society, including complete classic film libraries, musical compositions and soundtracks, detailed plastic model kit instructions, historical vehicle specifications, personal diary extracts, and even documentation of mundane everyday objects like coffee mugs. Each chip offers a unique glimpse into the world that was lost during the Death Stranding catastrophe.
After restoring a memory chip’s data at any delivery terminal, access the complete information through your cufflink interface. Navigate to the Options menu, select the Data section from the left sidebar, then scroll downward to the Memory Chips category. This specialized screen displays your current collection progress while highlighting which specific chips remain undiscovered.
The following comprehensive list organizes memory chips numerically, though this sequence doesn’t reflect natural discovery order during gameplay. For more practical regional organization, consult the segmented lists below this reference table. If you overlook chips in earlier regions, don’t panic—none become permanently inaccessible due to story progression, ensuring you can always return to complete your collection.
This section details memory chips located within Death Stranding’s Eastern Region, where the game’s introductory chapters occur. Discovery sequence varies significantly based on individual exploration patterns and route choices.
Eastern Region Memory Chip #1: Frame Arms – Byakko. This initial chip introduces players to the collection mechanics while providing background on pre-extinction model kit culture. Like weapon customization in our Weapons Unlock guide, understanding collection systems early prevents unnecessary backtracking later.
Advanced collection tip: Equip the Odradek scanner frequently when traversing unfamiliar terrain, as it can detect memory chips through certain obstructions. Similar to class specialization in our Class Guide, proper tool utilization dramatically improves discovery rates. Plan collection routes around weather patterns and timefall conditions, as reduced visibility significantly hampers detection capabilities.
Action Checklist
- Scan frequently with Odradek in new areas and watch for distinctive sparkle effects
- Mark undiscovered chip locations on map to assist other players
- Prioritize zipline network construction between distribution centers
- Deliver ALL collected chips to terminals—possession alone doesn’t count
- Check cufflink data section regularly to track missing chips and plan collection routes
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Death Stranding Memory Chip Location Guide: How To Get Fount Of Knowledge Complete guide to finding all 56 Death Stranding memory chips with expert collection strategies and trophy completion tips
