Death Stranding 2: On the Beach brings back the beloved utility pouch, a must-have for any porter looking to maximize their efficiency. This handy backpack attachment lets you carry extra blood bags without hogging precious cargo space. If you’re tired of constantly running out of blood for combat or healing, unlocking the utility pouch should be at the top of your to-do list.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting your hands on this essential item—where to find it, what it does, and how to make the most of it once you have it.
What Is the Utility Pouch?
Before diving into how to unlock it, let’s talk about why the utility pouch is worth your time. This nifty attachment slots into your backpack and lets you store up to four blood bags securely. Unlike regular cargo, blood bags stored in the pouch won’t fall off during rough terrain or combat, and they’re protected from Timefall degradation.
The best part? It frees up space in your main inventory, meaning you can haul more essential gear without sacrificing your life-saving blood supply. Whether you’re fighting BTs or trekking long distances, having extra blood on hand can be a game-changer.
How to Unlock the Utility Pouch
Now, the part you’ve been waiting for—how to actually get the utility pouch. Unlike some items that unlock automatically through story progression, this one requires a bit of relationship-building.
Step 1: Reach the Northern Environmental Observatory
The utility pouch isn’t available right away. You’ll first need to progress through the main story until you reach the Northern Environmental Observatory in Australia. This facility becomes accessible after completing Main Order 016, which follows your journey from West Fort Knot.
Step 2: Increase Your Connection Level to 3 Stars
Once you’ve connected the Northern Environmental Observatory to the Chiral Network, your real work begins. To unlock the utility pouch, you’ll need to raise your connection level with this facility to 3 stars.
How do you do that? By completing deliveries for them. The more orders you fulfill—especially premium deliveries with high ratings—the faster your connection level will grow. Lost cargo addressed to the observatory also helps, so keep an eye out for stray packages while exploring.
Step 3: Fabricate the Pouch
After hitting 3 stars, the utility pouch blueprint will be available for fabrication. Head to any facility with a fabrication terminal (like a Distribution Center or Safe House) and craft it using:
- 30 Resins
- 20 Metals
Once crafted, attach it to your backpack through the customization menu. You can equip multiple pouches if you want even more blood storage, but keep in mind they take up space on your backpack’s grid.
Tips for Using the Utility Pouch Effectively
Now that you’ve got your utility pouch, here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Prioritize Blood Bag Storage
Since the pouch only holds blood bags, always keep it stocked. Blood is crucial for healing, crafting anti-BT weapons, and surviving tough encounters. Running out mid-mission can be disastrous, so top up whenever you’re at a facility.
2. Balance Backpack Space
The pouch itself occupies a 3×2 slot on your backpack. While it saves space by moving blood bags out of your main inventory, you’ll still need to manage attachments wisely. If you’re carrying multiple pouches, consider whether the extra blood is worth sacrificing room for other gear like grenade pouches or batteries.
3. Protect Your Pouch
Though the pouch shields its contents from Timefall, it can still be damaged in combat. If a MULE or terrorist destroys it, the blood bags inside will be sent to your private locker—so you won’t lose them permanently, but you’ll have to retrieve them later.
4. Combine with Other Upgrades
For the ultimate loadout, pair your utility pouch with other backpack upgrades like the Spare Ammo Container or Extra Battery. This ensures you’re prepared for both combat and long hauls without overburdening Sam.
