In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Sam Porter Bridges once again makes the journey across the hauntingly beautiful and dangerous terrain. This time, he’s not doing it solo—or at least, not without some hard-core machinery assistance. Skeletons-exoskeleton suits-are some of the most precious weapons in Sam’s arsenal.
The Battle Skeleton
Your first exoskeleton is the Battle Skeleton, and that’s exactly what you’d expect – a combat-centric slice of kit that transforms Sam into a frontline bruiser. You’ll crack it open in Order 10, when you link the Western Environmental Observatory to the Chiral Network.When activated, this skeleton enhances Sam’s stamina, makes him faster, and most critically, enables you to carry more equipment all while delivering decent damage resistance. In the more combat-heavy sequel, that last bit is a life saver. Upgrades are linked to your relationship with the Observatory, so the better your relationship, the better your skeleton.Tip: Pre-ordering players or deluxe edition buyers will receive exclusive Silver or Gold variants that beautifies and potentially increases durability.
The Boost Skeleton
Trying to outrun BTs, MULEs or just the rain itself? Enter the Boost Skeleton, a battery powered engineered for one thing ,speed and momentum. It opens up on Order 21, when you finish the delivery associated with The Dowser, a prepper unlocked by the main story.This exoskeleton reintroduces the fan-favorite speed-based mechanics from the original game, and it’s particularly helpful whenever Sam has to traverse ground quickly. In combat, linking it with jump strikes transforms Sam into a man-missile.Tip: Boost Skeletons suck battery quickly, combine it with mobile generators or location-based recharge nodes.
The Bokka Skeleton
Don’t let the poetic moniker fool you, the Bokka Skeleton is for gnarly terrain. This skeleton doesn’t come around until much later, Order 30, and is unlocked by bonding with East Fort Knot.Built for elevation and rough trails, this is the frame you’ll count on when the route goes alpine and ruthless. Unlike the rest, it’s not associated with that same prepper Bokka (weird, right?). Instead, it’s a story unlock that indicates you’re entering the most challenging terrains to date.Tip: Without the Bokka Skeleton, you’ll exhaust your stamina quicker, stumble over rocks, and risk hurting your load or worse.
Tips and Tricks
- Each skeleton in Death Stranding 2 is purpose-designed, and knowing when to swap them out can be the difference between success and failure. Going into battle? Battle On. Need to do a timed delivery across flatlands? Boost is your pal. Confronting snowy summits and jagged ridges? Don’t step out without the Bokka.
- As you forge stronger bonds with facilities and preppers, you’ll unlock higher-tier variations of each skeleton. These additions tend to make things more rugged, less power hungry, and enhance fundamental attributes such as speed or load.
- Skeletons aren’t just wearable updates, they’re survival tools in a game that keeps pushing how you navigate the world. Each type complements a different playstyle or mission need, and unlocking them at just the right moment makes your path as Sam not just manageable. It is empowering.
Whether you’re striding into battle, running across chiral wastelands, or scaling a snowy cliff, the right skeleton could wonder-carry you home.