Hey guys! Welcome to the ultimate walkthrough for Death Stranding, brought to you by IGN! If you're feeling lost in the chiral network or just trying to figure out how to deliver that next pizza without tripping, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down everything from the basics of portering to battling BTs, so grab your cargo and let's get started!

Getting Started: Understanding the Basics

Okay, so you're Sam Porter Bridges, and you've got a job to do: reconnect America. Sounds simple, right? Wrong! This game is anything but simple, but that's what makes it so engaging. First things first, let's talk about movement. Sam's not exactly a parkour expert, so you'll need to manage his balance, especially when carrying heavy loads. Use the left and right triggers to steady yourself – think of it as Sam's internal gyroscope. Pay attention to the terrain; steep slopes and rocky paths can throw you off balance. Always scan the environment with your Odradek scanner (press R1) to identify obstacles and plan your route accordingly. Remember, every step matters, and a little planning can save you from a disastrous fall. Managing your cargo is also super important. Distribute the weight evenly to maintain your balance. The game provides an auto-arrange function, but sometimes you'll want to manually adjust the placement to optimize for stability. High and heavy items can make you top-heavy, while items swinging to the sides can throw you off balance with each step. Don't forget to use stabilizing equipment like power skeletons and floating carriers to lighten your load and make those long treks a bit easier. As you progress, you'll unlock various tools and vehicles to help you traverse the landscape. Mastering these tools is essential for efficient delivery. Bridges trucks can carry massive amounts of cargo but are limited to roads and flat terrain. Trikes are more versatile and can handle rough terrain, but they have limited cargo capacity. And don't underestimate the power of a well-placed zipline network for quickly traversing mountainous regions. Remember, the key to success in Death Stranding is preparation and adaptability. Analyze the terrain, plan your route, and choose the right equipment for the job. With a little practice, you'll be delivering like a pro in no time!

Episode 1: Bridging the Gap

Episode 1 serves as the game's extended tutorial, gently easing you into the world of Death Stranding. Your main objective here is to transport medicine to Distribution Center West of Capital Knot City. This journey introduces you to the core mechanics of the game, including cargo management, traversal, and dealing with Timefall. This is where you learn the ropes, guys! Focus on mastering the basics of movement and balance. Pay close attention to the tutorials and don't be afraid to experiment with different carrying configurations. The terrain in this area is relatively forgiving, so it's a good opportunity to get comfortable with navigating uneven surfaces and using the Odradek scanner to identify hazards. As you progress, you'll encounter your first BTs (Beached Things). These ethereal creatures are invisible to the naked eye but can be detected using your Odradek scanner. The scanner will point in the direction of the nearest BT and change color as you get closer. Your first encounter with BTs is scripted, so don't worry too much about fighting them. The game wants you to experience the fear and tension of being hunted by these creatures. Stealth is your best friend here. Crouch and move slowly to minimize your chances of being detected. If a BT grabs you, be prepared to fight back by mashing the appropriate buttons. You'll also be introduced to the concept of Timefall, rain that ages anything it touches. Timefall can damage your cargo and degrade structures over time, so it's important to seek shelter whenever possible. You can use Timefall Shelters to protect yourself and your cargo, or simply wait out the storm in a safe location. By the end of Episode 1, you should have a solid understanding of the core mechanics of Death Stranding and be ready to tackle the challenges ahead. Remember to take your time, explore the environment, and don't be afraid to ask for help from other players through the game's asynchronous multiplayer system.

Episode 2: Amelie

Alright, Episode 2, "Amelie", is where things really start to pick up in Death Stranding. After the events of Episode 1, you're tasked with heading to Port Knot City to connect it to the Chiral Network. This means a long trek across some pretty challenging terrain. Get ready for some serious portering! Focus on building infrastructure to make your journey easier. As you progress, you'll unlock the ability to construct structures like bridges, generators, and postboxes. These structures can be incredibly helpful for traversing difficult terrain and resupplying along the way. Don't be afraid to experiment with different structure placements and collaborate with other players to build a network of useful infrastructure. You'll also encounter MULEs for the first time in this episode. MULEs are obsessed with cargo and will stop at nothing to steal yours. They're not necessarily evil, just a bit… misguided. The best way to deal with MULEs is to avoid them altogether. Use your Odradek scanner to detect their camps and patrol routes, and try to sneak past them. If you're caught, you can try to fight them off using your Strand or Bola Gun, but be careful not to get overwhelmed. Remember, they are only after your cargo, so if you can drop it and run, that might be the best option. Episode 2 also introduces you to new equipment and tools, like the Bola Gun and the Smoke Grenade. These tools can be invaluable for dealing with MULEs and navigating difficult terrain. Take the time to experiment with them and learn how to use them effectively. As you approach Port Knot City, you'll encounter your first major boss battle. This battle is against a BT, but it's unlike anything you've faced before. Use everything you've learned about combat and traversal to defeat this formidable foe. Remember to use your blood bags to create Hematic Grenades and EX Grenades, and don't be afraid to call for help from other players. By the end of Episode 2, you'll have successfully connected Port Knot City to the Chiral Network and taken another step towards reconnecting America. You'll also have gained valuable experience in building infrastructure, dealing with MULEs, and fighting BTs. Keep it up, guys, you're doing great!

Episode 3: Fragile

In Death Stranding's Episode 3, get ready to dive deeper into the story and face some seriously tough challenges. Your main goal is to connect the Central Region to the Chiral Network, which means traversing a vast and dangerous landscape filled with BTs and MULEs. This is where the game really starts to open up, giving you more freedom to explore and experiment. Optimize your routes for efficiency and safety. The Central Region is much larger and more diverse than the Eastern Region, so you'll need to carefully plan your deliveries and choose the right equipment for the job. Pay attention to the terrain and weather conditions, and be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances. You'll encounter new types of BTs in this episode, including some that are much larger and more powerful than anything you've faced before. Use your knowledge of combat and traversal to survive these encounters. Remember to use your blood bags to create Hematic Grenades and EX Grenades, and don't be afraid to call for help from other players. You'll also encounter new types of MULEs, including some that are equipped with vehicles. These MULEs can be extremely dangerous, so it's important to avoid them whenever possible. If you're caught, use your Bola Gun or Smoke Grenades to disable their vehicles and create an opportunity to escape. Episode 3 also introduces you to new characters, including Fragile, who plays a significant role in the story. Pay attention to the dialogue and cutscenes, as they provide valuable insights into the world of Death Stranding and the motivations of the characters. As you progress through the Central Region, you'll unlock new facilities and resources that can help you on your journey. Don't forget to upgrade your equipment and vehicles whenever possible, and take advantage of the game's asynchronous multiplayer system to collaborate with other players and share resources. By the end of Episode 3, you'll have made significant progress in connecting the Central Region to the Chiral Network and uncovered new secrets about the world of Death Stranding. You'll also have faced some of the game's toughest challenges and emerged stronger and more experienced. Keep pushing forward, guys, the fate of America rests on your shoulders!

Essential Tips for Surviving Death Stranding

Alright, porters, let's wrap up with some essential tips for surviving Death Stranding. These tips will help you stay alive, deliver your cargo safely, and maybe even enjoy the journey along the way. First and foremost, take care of your gear. Your equipment is your lifeline in Death Stranding, so it's important to keep it in good condition. Use repair spray to fix damaged containers and structures, and replace worn-out boots to prevent foot injuries. Don't forget to charge your batteries regularly, especially if you're using powered exoskeletons or vehicles. Secondly, master the art of balance. Balance is crucial for successful deliveries in Death Stranding. Distribute your cargo evenly, use stabilizing equipment, and pay attention to the terrain. If you're carrying a heavy load, take frequent breaks to rest and recover your stamina. Thirdly, use the environment to your advantage. The world of Death Stranding is full of hazards, but it also offers opportunities. Use rivers and streams to travel quickly, climb mountains to avoid BTs, and build structures to create safe routes. Don't be afraid to experiment and find creative solutions to the challenges you face. Fourthly, collaborate with other players. Death Stranding's asynchronous multiplayer system allows you to connect with other players and share resources. Use the game's social features to leave helpful signs, build structures, and donate materials. Remember, you're not alone in this world, and working together can make the journey much easier. Finally, be patient and persistent. Death Stranding is a challenging game, and you're going to face setbacks along the way. Don't get discouraged if you fail a delivery or get caught by BTs. Learn from your mistakes, adapt your strategy, and keep moving forward. With perseverance and a little bit of luck, you'll eventually overcome any obstacle that stands in your way.

So, there you have it – IGN's complete walkthrough for Death Stranding! We hope this guide has been helpful and informative. Now get out there and reconnect America, one delivery at a time. Keep on keeping on!