If you’re diving deep into the world of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, side deliveries are the key to unlocking the most powerful gear and upgrades. More than just optional errands, these missions are essential for strengthening your connections with facilities and maximizing your rewards. Whether you’re a new porter or aiming for 100% completion, this guide will show you how to master every delivery like a pro.
In this Death Stranding 2 Side Delivery Guide, we’ll show you exactly how to unlock side deliveries in Death Stranding 2, the best ways to complete them, and tips to maximize your rewards efficiently. Whether you’re a new porter or a seasoned veteran aiming for 100% completion, this guide covers everything you need to deliver like a pro.
What Are Side Deliveries in Death Stranding 2?
Side deliveries in Death Stranding 2 are optional missions that allow players to transport cargo between facilities outside the main story objectives. Also known as Standard Orders, these tasks help you earn Likes, materials, connection levels, and even unlock new gear or upgrades based on your delivery performance.
Unlike the main story deliveries, side deliveries give you more freedom to choose your routes, plan logistics, and optimize your equipment. They’re ideal for players who want to explore the world, level up preppers, or improve their porter grade.
Side deliveries typically include:
- Standard cargo transport (between outposts or major facilities)
- Timed deliveries (complete within a set time limit)
- Fragile deliveries (avoid damage for full rewards)
- Heavy or bulk deliveries (requires careful weight management)
Not only do side deliveries enhance your reputation with the UCA and preppers, but they also give you access to valuable resources and upgrades — making them essential for any player looking to maximize efficiency and fully upgrade their gear in Death Stranding 2.
How to Unlock Side Deliveries in Death Stranding 2
Unlocking side deliveries in Death Stranding 2 is straightforward, but they become available only after progressing through the early portion of the main story.
When Do Side Deliveries Unlock?
Side deliveries (also called Standard Orders) typically unlock after you:
- Complete the initial story missions and connect your first few facilities to the UCA (United Cities of America) network.
- Gain access to delivery terminals at major distribution centers and prepper shelters.
Once these conditions are met, Standard Orders will begin appearing at terminals across the map.
Where to Find Side Deliveries
You can find side deliveries by:
- Visiting any distribution center, prepper shelter, or UCA facility.
- Accessing the terminal and selecting “Standard Orders” instead of “Orders for Sam” (main quests).
- Viewing available jobs based on your current location and regional connections.
Requirements to Unlock More Side Deliveries
As you expand the chiral network, more side deliveries become available. To unlock higher-tier or specialized side missions:
- Increase connection levels with preppers and facilities.
- Build structures (e.g., roads, zip-lines) to make remote areas more accessible.
- Progress the story, which gradually opens up new regions and delivery routes.
Completing these tasks not only unlocks more orders but also improves rewards and delivery options, including rare materials and equipment blueprints.
How to Accept and Complete Side Deliveries Efficiently
Completing side deliveries efficiently in Death Stranding 2 requires careful planning, the right equipment, and smart route choices. Follow the steps below to ensure each delivery is smooth, fast, and rewarding.
Step-by-Step: How to Accept Side Deliveries
- Visit a Terminal
Go to any distribution center, prepper shelter, or UCA facility with an active terminal. - Select “Standard Orders”
At the terminal menu, choose “Standard Orders” to view available side deliveries. These are separate from main missions (“Orders for Sam”). - Choose an Order
Browse the list of available jobs. Check the delivery type (timed, fragile, bulk), reward details, and destination. - Accept the Order
Once selected, confirm the order. The cargo will be automatically loaded into your inventory or placed near the terminal. - Optimize Your Loadout
Use the cargo management screen to balance weight, attach cargo to suit or vehicles, and equip support items (e.g., exoskeletons, boots, PCCs).
Completing Side Deliveries Efficiently
- Plan Your Route
- Use the map and terrain scanner to plot the safest or fastest route.
- Avoid steep terrain, BT zones, and MULE camps unless you’re prepared.
- Use Structures
- Build or utilize zip-lines, roads, bridges, and generators to speed up travel and reduce risk.
- Monitor Cargo Condition
- Protect fragile items from falls, timefall rain, and combat damage.
- Use cargo covers, carry on your back, or secure on vehicles to prevent damage.
- Complete the Delivery
- Arrive at the destination terminal and confirm delivery.
- You’ll receive a delivery grade, Likes, and rewards based on performance (speed, cargo condition, and efficiency).
Delivery Tips
- Use vehicles for long or heavy deliveries on paved roads.
- Rely on zip-lines for fast travel across mountainous regions.
- Equip a Power Skeleton to carry more cargo without slowing down.
- Always check the weather forecast to avoid timefall damage.
Maximizing Rewards – Death Stranding 2 Side Delivery Guide
To get the most out of side deliveries in Death Stranding 2, it’s not just about finishing the job — it’s about how well you do it. The game rewards efficiency, precision, and care, offering better Likes, materials, star ratings, and even exclusive upgrades when you deliver at a high standard.
Understand the Delivery Grading System
Your delivery is rated based on three main factors:
- Cargo Condition – Avoid damage from falls, timefall, or combat.
- Delivery Time – The faster, the better (especially for timed orders).
- Cargo Quantity & Balance – Carrying large loads efficiently can improve your score.
High grades (S-rank) yield more Likes, faster connection level increases, and access to rare rewards from certain preppers or facilities.
Types of Rewards You Can Earn
- Likes – Boost your Porter Grade and reputation.
- Materials – Use for building structures, fabricating gear, or upgrading facilities.
- Upgrades – Unlock improved gear like enhanced exoskeletons, boots, and vehicles.
- Star Ratings – Raising a facility’s rating unlocks cosmetic items, story lore, and special equipment.
Tips to Maximize Rewards
1. Use the Right Equipment
- Power Skeletons – Carry more cargo with less stamina drain.
- Speed Skeletons – Move faster for timed deliveries.
- Protective Gear – Use container repair sprays and cargo covers.
2. Build & Use Infrastructure
- Zip-lines – Ideal for mountainous areas and fragile deliveries.
- Roads – Great for vehicle-based bulk deliveries.
- Bridges & Generators – Save time and maintain stamina.
3. Optimize Loadout
- Balance cargo evenly to avoid falls and damage.
- Use auto-arrange or manually tweak for better movement.
4. Choose the Right Orders
- Prioritize high-reward or high-difficulty orders (they usually grant better bonuses).
- Look for preppers that offer unique rewards when their connection level increases.
5. Avoid Hazards
- Check the weather forecast before heading out.
- Use stealth or non-lethal gear to bypass BTs and MULEs.
By combining smart planning with the right tools, you can consistently earn top rewards from side deliveries — making you one of the most legendary porters in Death Stranding 2.
Best Side Deliveries to Prioritize in Death Stranding 2
While Death Stranding 2 offers countless side deliveries, not all of them are equally rewarding. Some lead to rare gear, crucial upgrades, or unique story content that make them far more valuable than standard runs. If you’re looking to optimize your time, these are the best side deliveries to prioritize.
1. Side Deliveries That Unlock Gear or Blueprints
Certain preppers and UCA facilities reward you with exclusive items when their connection level increases. Focus on:
- Preppers who offer exoskeleton upgrades, boots, or utility pouches.
- Facilities that unlock vehicle blueprints or container protection gear.
Tip: Check the terminal’s “connection level rewards” to see what you’ll earn at each star tier.
2. Timed or High-Difficulty Deliveries
These orders offer bonus Likes and greater reward multipliers. Look for:
- Timed Deliveries with generous rewards.
- Fragile Cargo missions (when you’re confident in your route).
- Long-Distance Deliveries that allow use of roads or zip-lines.
3. Deliveries in Hard-to-Reach Regions
Prioritize deliveries in mountainous or remote areas where preppers are isolated. Completing these:
- Rapidly increases their connection level.
- Often reveals rare lore or hidden gameplay secrets.
- Makes future deliveries easier by unlocking fast travel or infrastructure.
4. Orders That Help You Build Infrastructure
Some deliveries provide the materials needed to:
- Construct roads, zip-lines, or safe houses.
- Upgrade shared structures and benefit the player community.
These deliveries may not have direct gear rewards, but they drastically improve long-term efficiency.
5. Story-Linked Side Deliveries (Spoiler-Free)
A few optional deliveries are tied to minor story threads or lore expansion. These often:
- Include dialogue or cutscenes.
- Provide deeper insight into characters or the world.
Keep an eye on side deliveries flagged with unique descriptions or those coming from named preppers.
Pro Tip:
Use your map filters and terminal sorting to prioritize by reward, distance, or difficulty. This helps you choose the most efficient or valuable side orders first.
FAQs – Death Stranding 2 Side Delivery Guide
Do side deliveries impact the main story in Death Stranding 2?
No, side deliveries are optional and do not directly affect the main story progression. However, they enhance your experience by unlocking gear, upgrading facilities, and revealing lore that adds depth to the world.
Can I repeat side deliveries?
Yes, most side deliveries (Standard Orders) are repeatable. This is useful for farming materials, increasing connection levels, or improving your delivery grade and Porter Level.
Are side deliveries required for 100% completion?
Yes — if you’re aiming for 100% game completion or all trophies/achievements, you’ll need to complete all unique side deliveries and max out connections with all preppers and UCA facilities.
What’s the difference between Orders for Sam and Standard Orders?
Orders for Sam are main story missions (mandatory).
Standard Orders are side deliveries (optional) that provide extra rewards, gear, and world-building.
Can I use vehicles for all side deliveries?
You can use vehicles for most side deliveries, but some terrain (e.g., mountains or ruined areas) may require on-foot traversal or zip-lines. Always choose your loadout based on the route.
How do I unlock more side deliveries?
Progress the main story to unlock new regions, and connect more facilities to the chiral network. As you expand, more side deliveries will become available across the map.
Conclusion – Mastering the Death Stranding 2 Side Delivery Guide
Side deliveries in Death Stranding 2 may be optional, but they’re a crucial part of mastering the game’s world and systems. From unlocking powerful gear and boosting facility connections to earning rare rewards and enhancing your traversal network, side deliveries offer both practical benefits and deep immersion.
By following this Death Stranding 2 Side Delivery Guide, you now know how to unlock, complete, and maximize every side order for the best results. Whether you’re grinding for upgrades, aiming for 100% completion, or just enjoying the journey, side deliveries are your ticket to becoming a legendary porter.
Happy delivering, and remember — every connection counts.
Learn more about the game on the official Death Stranding 2 website.
