Ultimate Guide to APAS Upgrades in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

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Unlock Sam’s Full Potential with These Must-Have Skills

In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the Automated Porter Assistant System (APAS) acts like a customizable skill tree for Sam Porter Bridges. Whether you're focused on stealthy infiltration, combat survival, or efficient deliveries, APAS upgrades let you fine-tune your loadout and gameplay style.

This guide breaks down:

  • ✅ How to unlock APAS upgrades (spoiler-free!)

  • ✅ The best upgrades for combat, stealth, and deliveries

  • ✅ Pro tips to farm memory fast and build your ultimate Sam

🔓 How to Unlock APAS Upgrades

You’ll unlock APAS after completing Order No. 9 (connecting the Government Base in Australia). From there, you’ll need Memory Points to activate skills. Here's how to earn them:

  • Complete Orders
    Main story and Standard Orders grant memory based on performance: delivery speed, cargo condition, and route efficiency.
    Tip: Prioritize S-rank completions for more memory.

  • Boost Facility Reputations
    Deliver cargo to shelters, hubs, and distribution centers to gain stars. Higher star levels = more memory and bonus rewards.

  • Passive Stat Growth
    APAS abilities are tied to stats like Stealth, Balance, and Carrying Capacity, which improve through actions (e.g., sneaking boosts stealth, sprinting boosts stamina).

💡 Pro Tip: Grind Standard Orders at high-rep facilities to farm memory points quickly.

🥇 Best APAS Upgrades in Death Stranding 2

APAS Upgrades Guide in Death Stranding 2
🔫 1. Combat Upgrades (For BTs & Hostiles)

  • Improved MP Bullets
    Unlocks silenced machine pistol rounds (reward from Ciudad Nudo del Norte, 3-star rank). Perfect for stealthy combat and suppressing Survivalists.

  • Auto-Aim Assist
    Enhances aim during fast-paced encounters, especially vehicle-based combat or swarms of BTs.

  • EX Grenade Proficiency
    Boosts effectiveness of Blood and Chiral grenades, especially against armored foes. Unlock it via South Distribution Center.

🕵️ 2. Stealth Upgrades (For Ghost Porters)

  • Simple Noise Canceller
    Minimizes Sam’s footsteps, ideal for sneaking past MULEs or infiltrating enemy camps.

  • Odradek Human Detection
    Reveals enemy outlines in tall grass or fog. Unlocked from Timefall Farm at 3-star rank.

  • Tall Grass Camouflage
    Reduces visibility when prone in grassy terrain — great for silent approaches or escaping patrols.

📦 3. Delivery Upgrades (For Maximum Efficiency)

  • Instant Cargo Lashing
    Auto-secures cargo after falls to prevent loss or damage. A must-have on uneven terrain or near water.

  • Precipitation Generator
    Converts rain (Timefall) into battery energy. Great for extending travel time without charging stops.

  • Auto-Skeleton Assistance
    Stabilizes exoskeletons for smoother balance. Get it from the Roboticist by completing early orders.

🧭 4. Utility Upgrades (Quality of Life)

  • Improved Terrain Scanner
    Increases Odradek scanner range — detect enemies, loot, and structures from farther away.

  • Chiral Network Boost
    Improves repair speed and connection efficiency of structures within the network.

🧠 Pro Tips for APAS Optimization

  • Respec Freely
    You can reallocate APAS upgrades at any time without penalty. Adjust your build based on mission type — stealth for infiltrations, combat for boss fights, delivery for long hauls.

  • Prioritize Key Early Upgrades
    Start with Aim Assist and Instant Cargo Lashing — they solve two major early-game challenges: combat and cargo drops.

  • Synergize Upgrades with Gear
    Example: Pair EX Grenade Proficiency with Blood Grenade Lv2 (unlocked via South Distribution Center) to handle BTs efficiently.

  • Farm Memory Efficiently
    Donate materials to public infrastructure (pavers, ziplines) for bonus Likes and increased connection levels.

🔄 How APAS Differs from Death Stranding 1

  • Flexible Build Paths
    Unlike DS1’s fixed upgrades, APAS offers branching upgrades to support stealth, combat, or hybrid playstyles.

  • Passive Progression
    Core stats level naturally: carry more by hauling big loads, sprint faster by running longer, and sneak better by using cover and silence.

Final Thoughts

The APAS system in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is one of the deepest upgrade mechanics Kojima Productions has introduced. It not only empowers Sam for the challenges ahead — it also lets you shape your own unique version of the legendary porter. 

🔗 Community Links & Related Guides

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