Death Stranding 2: NPCs You Should Prioritize for Maximum Network Reach

In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, reconnecting the Chiral Network is still your top priority. But here's the thing: not all preppers are created equal. Some NPCs unlock massive perks like faster bots, road-building shortcuts, and game-changing equipment. Others? Not so much.

If you want to build roads faster, streamline deliveries, and unlock powerful upgrades earlier, this guide breaks down which NPCs to focus on—and why the community swears by them.


๐ŸŒŸ Tier 1: Must-Connect NPCs (Unlock Major Gear & Infrastructure)

๐ŸŒ Western Environmental Observatory

  • Unlocks: Battle Skeleton (Lv.1 to Lv.3)

  • Why prioritize: This is your early-game powerhouse. Unlocking it quickly lets you move faster and carry more, drastically improving survival and delivery speed.

⚖️ Government Base (Australia Hub)

  • Unlocks: Access to the Ceramic Mine and bot upgrades

  • Why prioritize: The first mine is a goldmine for Ceramics, needed for Auto-Pavers. Upgrade to Lv.3 for high output. It also enhances Magellan logistics.

๐Ÿ•ต️ The Witch

  • Unlocks: Boost Skeleton and mobility perks

  • Why prioritize: Ideal for fast travel on foot. Boost Skeleton improves running speed and jumping. Pairs well with low-weight builds.

Death Stranding 2: Best NPCs for Maximum Network Reach
๐Ÿ›️ East Fort Knot (F4)

  • Unlocks: Bokka Skeleton (Lv.3)

  • Why prioritize: A must-have for snowy mountain zones. It improves stability, traversal, and load limits—vital for mid-to-late game terrain.

๐Ÿค The Engineer

  • Unlocks: Bot efficiency upgrades, backpack frames

  • Why prioritize: Helps optimize Companion Bots and Magellan storage, allowing longer runs and better balance.


๐Ÿ“ˆ Tier 2: Strong Utility NPCs (Support Infrastructure)

Jasper Ridge Outpost

  • Unlocks: Upgraded boots, power skeletons, stabilizers

  • Why prioritize: Great for rough terrain and zipline paths. A good all-rounder for traversal upgrades.

๐Ÿ  Lost Dome Technician

  • Unlocks: Repair Spray++ and Magellan storage boosts

  • Why prioritize: Boosts repair efficiency and makes long-range storage transfers easier.

๐Ÿšง Power Station Operator

  • Unlocks: Portable battery modules, grid expansion

  • Why prioritize: Lets you recharge exoskeletons and bots more reliably, especially in harsh environments.

๐ŸŒฟ The Craftsman

  • Unlocks: Special grenades, fast fabrication

  • Why prioritize: Adds combat options and shortens delivery terminal wait times at higher ranks.


๐Ÿ‹️ Tier 3: Optional but Strategic NPCs

๐ŸŽต The Musician

  • Unlocks: Harmony buffs, increased Like synergy

  • Why prioritize: Community-based benefits. Unlocks passive perks that help with social features and Like farming.

๐ŸŒฝ Mountaineer's Refuge

  • Unlocks: Zipline blueprint upgrades

  • Why prioritize: Ideal for mountainous regions and avoiding BT zones. Perfect for fast vertical travel.

๐Ÿ›‹ Waste Recovery Crew

  • Unlocks: Increased resource recycling yield

  • Why prioritize: Speeds up Ceramics and Alloy farming. Great for players focusing on road rebuilding.


๐Ÿ›€ How These NPCs Affect the Chiral Network

Prioritizing certain NPCs does more than just unlock gear. It:

  • Activates Auto-Pavers in surrounding areas

  • Increases Chiral Bandwidth, letting you build more structures

  • Unlocks shared bot and Magellan efficiency for long-distance support

  • Boosts APAS bonuses and Like sharing for multiplayer benefits

๐Ÿšง Pro tip: Some roads can only be activated once you've connected a nearby NPC shelter. Don’t wait until late-game to do it!


๐Ÿ“‚ Community-Approved NPC Routes

According to community posts on Reddit and Discord, players recommend this early connection route:

Start in Australia:

  1. Government Base →

  2. Western Environmental Observatory →

  3. The Witch →

  4. East Fort Knot →

  5. Engineer

Optional detours: Jasper Ridge and Craftsman for mid-game gear support.


๐ŸŒ Community Resources & Related Articles


๐Ÿš€ Final Thoughts

If you're aiming to max out the Chiral Network, rebuild roads faster, and optimize Sam's gear progression, focusing on the right NPCs early is key. Start with the hubs that unlock major systems like the Ceramic Mine, Boost/Bokka Skeletons, and bot upgrades.

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