Hideo Kojima made us all wait three years for this game, making us wonder what all the cryptic trailers are all about. Now that Death Stranding is out on the PlayStation 4, we could finally unravel the mystery.
However, even after playing the game for long hours, it's still hard to have a grasp of everything that's happening. Not to mention that you'd spend literal days just walking, sometimes we'd forget all the things we've learned so far.
We figured that if you get the difficult parts of the job out of the way, you'd be able to enjoy the game fully and take in the atmosphere, story, and quirkiness right away. So here are some tips for newbie couriers who are just picking up the game.
Get to Chapter 3 Quickly
By quickly, we mean less than ten hours, because that's how long it usually takes to reach Chapter 3. The game's opening hours are its most sluggish, and it could deter people from actually finishing the game. However, things get better and more convenient after Chapter 3, giving you more access to tools and features that make delivering cargo easier.
Don't Bring Too Much
It might be tempting to carry a lot of tools, especially for a long walking trip. But it's important to travel light in this game, as the weight you carry actually encumbers Sam Bridges. Unlike in games like Skyrim and Fallout where carrying too much only means you can't fast travel and walking super slow, carrying too much in Death Stranding affects your character's balance, making him trip and fall while walking.
Build Stuff to Help You Traverse Difficult Paths
Later in the game, you'll gain access to a super 3D printer, which allows you to build tools and even roads to help you travel. Don't be afraid to build things, as traveling becomes a breeze when you make good use of roads, ziplines, and other structures. The things you build may also appear in the games of other players, which means you not only get to help yourself but others, too.
Beware of Misleading Structures
That being said, other people's structures could also appear in your game. There are many trolls out there who would make misleading structures that lead to nowhere. Beware of them. Always check how many likes it has to see if other people found it useful before using it yourself.
Bring a Second Pair of Shoes
For long trips, consider bringing a second pair of shoes. Yes, Sam's shoes will wear out when he walks, leading to fatigue and causing him to trip. You don't want that happening, so be extra prepared.
Keep Your BB Healthy
Remember that cute but creepy baby from the trailer? You travel with one, and you have to keep it healthy. Why do you have a baby with you while traveling? For one, it helps you detect BT's, the invisible Lovecraftian monsters that you encounter while delivering stuff. When your BB is healthy, it could spot BT's when you stay still, and they're nearby. This is especially useful in the early stages when you don't have any weapons to fight against them, so stay clear.
Don't Kill Anyone!
You may have heard this before, but killing people in Death Stranding have serious repercussions. Take down opponents with non-lethal approach. After all, you'll later find out that those baddies really aren't so bad at all, so you might even end up feeling bad killing them. If you do end up taking one out, don't say we didn't warn you.
Enjoy the Story
At the end of the day, Kojima is a storyteller, and that's where Death Stranding shines the most. Beyond all the walking and sneaking, you'll find here moments of genuine joy that you'd easily relate to. Enjoy the small moments when your clients show appreciation towards your job, and enjoy the small moments when other players leave a like on your structures. These moments are what a game that's all about making connections is all about.
