Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is all about reconnecting a fractured world, and one of the most important ways to do that is by increasing your Facility Connection Levels. Whether you’re delivering cargo, returning lost items, or completing side missions, building strong relationships with different facilities unlocks essential rewards, blueprints, and upgrades. If you’re struggling to boost those connection levels, this guide will walk you through the best strategies to maximize your progress efficiently.
Why Facility Connection Levels Matter
Before diving into how to increase these levels, it’s important to understand why they’re so crucial. Each facility you connect to the Chiral Network offers unique rewards as your relationship improves. These can include new weapons, vehicle upgrades, backpack components, and even cosmetic items. Higher connection levels also expand the Chiral Network, making traversal easier by allowing you to build structures and fast travel between connected locations.
The game doesn’t always spell out the fastest ways to level up, so knowing the most effective methods will save you time and effort. Whether you’re a new porter or a seasoned veteran, these tips will help you maximize your connection gains.
1. Deliver Cargo Efficiently
The most straightforward way to increase Facility Connection Levels is by completing deliveries. There are two main types of orders:
- Standard Orders – These are repeatable missions that involve transporting goods from one facility to another. They’re a reliable way to earn likes and boost connection levels.
- Main Orders – These are story-driven missions that often introduce new mechanics or locations. While they provide significant connection boosts, they’re not repeatable.
To maximize efficiency, always check the map before accepting orders. Look for facilities that have multiple deliveries heading to the same destination. Stacking orders means you can complete several in one trip, saving time and increasing your connection level faster.
Another pro tip: prioritize heavy or high-value cargo. The more challenging the delivery, the more likes you’ll earn, which translates to faster leveling.
2. Return Lost Cargo
While exploring, you’ll often stumble upon Lost Cargo—abandoned packages scattered across the wilderness. Picking these up and returning them to their intended facility is one of the fastest ways to increase connection levels.
Here’s how to make the most of this method:
- Scan frequently – Use your Odradek scanner (L1) while traveling to detect Lost Cargo.
- Look for unconnected facilities – If you find Lost Cargo for a facility you haven’t discovered yet, delivering it will reveal their location on the map.
- Combine with deliveries – If you’re already heading to a facility, check for Lost Cargo along the way to maximize efficiency.
Some facilities, especially hidden preppers, rely heavily on Lost Cargo to increase their connection levels, so always keep an eye out.
3. Complete Aid Requests and Side Missions
Many facilities offer optional side missions called Sub Orders or Aid Requests. These tasks range from retrieving specific items to eliminating enemy threats. Completing them not only boosts your connection level but also often rewards you with unique blueprints and gear.
For example, some preppers will only give you their best rewards—like advanced weapon blueprints—after you’ve completed certain Sub Orders. Always check the mission board at each facility to see what’s available.
4. Engage with NPC Porters and Online Features
Death Stranding 2 has a strong social strand system where other players’ actions can indirectly help you. Here’s how to leverage it:
- Like structures and signs – If you come across helpful structures (bridges, timefall shelters) built by other players, give them a “Like.” This contributes to your Bridge Link stat, which can influence certain connection rewards.
- Use shared structures – Facilities sometimes reward you for interacting with the world’s shared infrastructure.
- Help NPC porters – If you’re offline, assisting NPC porters in distress can also boost your Bridge Link rating.
While this method isn’t as direct as delivering cargo, it supplements your progress and can unlock additional perks.
5. Check Facility Rewards and Prioritize Key Locations
Not all facilities offer equally valuable rewards, so it’s smart to prioritize those that give the best upgrades. For example:
- The Lone Commander (Australia) – Increasing connection here unlocks powerful tranquilizer weapons, including a silenced sniper rifle.
- Former Geophysics Research Lab (Mexico) – Rewards include lightweight assault rifles.
- Government Base (Australia) – Offers backpack upgrades like the Chiral Antigravity Device.
You can preview upcoming rewards by checking the Corpus (in-game encyclopedia). Scroll to the facility’s entry, and at the bottom, you’ll see hints about what each new connection level unlocks.
6. Build Structures Near Facilities
Constructing useful structures—like watchtowers, generators, or postboxes—near a facility can earn you extra likes from other porters who use them. The more your structures are used, the more your connection level grows passively.
A good strategy is to place structures just outside a facility’s Chiral Network coverage. This ensures they remain usable even when you venture into uncharted territory.
7. Fast Travel and Optimize Routes
Once you unlock fast travel (after reaching Australia), you can quickly return to earlier regions to complete pending orders. However, be cautious:
- Never fast travel with active delivery cargo – This results in a poor rating and fewer likes.
- Use the DHV Magellan wisely – This mobile base lets you store non-quest items and move between landing zones efficiently.
Optimizing your route planning ensures you’re always making progress toward multiple facility connections at once.
