Best Prepper rewards in Death Stranding 2

Here are our recommendations for the best Prepper rewards in Death Stranding 2. You'll want to focus on increasing their Connection Levels until you've reached these Prepper unlocks. We've got more details on when they unlock and why we're recommending them down below.

High-Capacity Blood Bag - The Doctor (The Motherhood)

• Unlocks at Connection Level 3

From bandit camps to BTs, the world of Death Stranding 2 is a dangerous one and no-one will get their post if Sam is dead. While you can do your best to avoid combat, there are times when it's unavoidable and, even if you're prepared, there's still a chance Sam will lose a good amount of health. That's before we even get into the dangers the terrain itself offers.

For these reasons, it's a good idea to focus on unlocking the High-Capacity Blood when you reach The Motherhood. (Though the prepper you're working with is The Doctor.) As the name suggests, High-Capacity Blood Bags offer you the chance to restore more of Sam's health in one go. Quite useful as you're exploring the wilds of Australia!

Just make sure you know how to solve the Motherhood door code puzzle first.

Bola Stun Gun - The Inventor

• Unlocks at Connection Level 4

The Bola Stun Gun can easily be considered one of the best weapons in Death Stranding 2. (If not the best weapon!) It has the power to knock out enemies wherever and whenever you hit them!

While it's perfect for players who prefer stealth over open combat, the Bola Stun Gun is still ideal for those who love a good fight. It can be easily used to thin the herd when raiding a bandit camp - letting you pick off foes at a distance, especially those in a watchtower, before inflicting the camp and fighting the brigands left standing.

Tranq Sniper Rifle - The Lone Commander

• Tranq Sniper Rifle - Unlocks at Connection Level 1
• LW Tranq Sniper Rifle - Unlocks at Connection Level 4
• SL-LW Tranq Sniper Rifle - Unlocks at Connection Level 5

Though the Bola Stun Gun is a better weapon compared to the Tranq Sniper Rifle and they're both located in Australia, the Tranq Sniper Rifle is the one you'll be able to obtain earlier. Due to this, we highly recommend getting it as early as possible so, once you've unlocked the Bola Stun Gun, you can mix the two during your bandit camp infiltrations.

When discussing the Tranq Sniper Rifle itself, it's perfect for long range attacks. Its range means you can still deal good damage to enemies (whether they're wearing a helmet or your headshot goes a little wrong), with the bonus that they might not be able to find Sam's location.

Shotgun - The Musician

• Shotgun (MP) Lvl 1 - Unlocks at Connection Level 1
• LW Shotgun (MP) Lvl 1 - Unlocks at Connection Level 2
• Shotgun (MP) Lvl 2 - Unlocks at Connection Level 3
• LW Shotgun (MP) Lvl 2 - Unlocks at Connection Level 4

The Musician is where you'll learn how to manufacture the Shotgun and its upgrades. The Shotgun is the best weapon for close-quarters combat and can even have a grenade launcher added to it. Thanks to this, you'll be able to bring a lot of pain very quickly to your foe.

As an added bonus, The Musician will also provide you with additional songs for any playlist you decide to create. This is just a little extra to keep you entertained during Sam's long walks - the true joy here is the Shotgun.

Large Spare Ammo Container - Old Oz (The Government's Base)

• Large Spare Ammo Container Lvl 1 - Unlocks at Connection Level 3
• Large Spare Ammo Container Lvl 2 - Unlocks at Connection Level 4

Old Oz can be found at the Government's Base in Australia and, while you'll have to put in some work to get the Large Spare Ammo Container, it's definitely worth unlocking. Having this piece of equipment will greatly increase the amount of ammo Sam can carry, making it perfect for boss battles. Overall, this simply makes managing your cargo and combat just that little easier.

Remote Stun Bomb - The Inventor

• Unlocks at Connection Level 3

The Remote Stun Bomb offers you the power of the Bola Stun Gun, but in grenade form. Once thrown, this bomb has the power to knock out enemies! This makes it perfect for entering bandit camps as you're able to make the way forward a little safer. It's also a good option for crowd control as you're able to literally knock the enemies out.

Blood Grenade - Benjamin Rivera (C1 South Distribution Center)

• Blood Grenade Lvl 1 - Unlocks at Connection Level 1
• EX Grenade - Unlocks at Connection Level 2
• Blood Grenade Lvl 2 - Unlocks at Connection Level 3

The Blood Grenade will most likely be one of the first weapons you unlock in Death Stranding 2 and it's worth investing the time in increasing the Connection Level of the C1 South Distribution Center to unlock its upgrades. Blood Grenades are perfect for taking care of BTs and are an excellent form of crowd control if you think Sam is about to be overrun. It's a weapon you'll most likely be using throughout the game, so having the upgrades early on will both be useful and prevent backtracking later on.

You will also unlock the EX Grenade by increasing this location's Connection Level.

Coffin Board - The Mechanic

• Unlocks at Connection Level 1

Despite the rather ominous name, the Coffin Board is a form of hoverboard which can be used to travel across both land and water. This makes it quite useful for crossing those deep rivers! It's also a good option for when you don't fancy manufacturing a vehicle like the Pickup Off-Roader but still want to get somewhere quickly.

You can also use the Coffin Board as a place to rest, hide from enemies and dispose of corpses. (Probably where the name comes from.)

There are a few downsides to the Coffin Board though. The first is that it can only be used within the Chiral Network, so you need to be careful where you ride it. Secondly, when not in use, it will be dragged behind Sam and that will consume Chiral Crystals. Finally, the Coffin Board is battery powered so make sure you've got the juice to keep it running or else Sam's journey could end with a splash.

LW Assault Rifle - Alex Weatherstone (Former Geophysics Research Lab)

• LW Assault Rifle Lvl 1 - Unlocks at Connection Level 3
• LW Assault Rifle Lvl 2 - Unlocks at Connection Level 4

While increasing Alex Weatherstone's Connection Level at the Former Geophysics Research Lab nets you some very useful rewards, the best is the LW Assault Rifle upgrade.

A weapon that suits both stealth and close-quarters combat, the LW Assault Rifle offers different fire modes and a grenade launcher. With this in hand, you can enter combat knowing you'll be able to deal a good amount of damage quickly. It even has a silencer so your foe gets very little warning about what their future holds.

Battery Unit - Olivia Westbury (West Fort Knot)

• Floating Carrier Lvl 1 - Unlocks at Connection Level 1
• Battery Unit Lvl 1 - Unlocks at Connection Level 2
• Floating Carrier Lvl 2 - Unlocks at Connection Level 3
• Battery Unit Lvl 2 - Unlocks at Connection Level 4

If you prefer wheels over legs, then you need to increase the Connection Level at West Fort Knot, because the Battery Unit upgrades will ensure your vehicle will last longer. As you progress in Death Stranding 2, there will be a number of Orders which need to be filled within a time limit or may require keeping an item cool. The best way to complete such Order is in a vehicle, but you wouldn't want it to run out of power half way through!

West Fort Knot is also where you'll unlock the Floating Carrier at Connection Level 1 and its upgrade at Level 3. This little vehicle can be used to transport heavy cargo behind Sam or, if you feel like it, Sam himself. Though it still needs electricity to run!

Extra Barry - The Hydrologist (Heartman's Lab)

• Extra Battery Lvl 1 - Unlocks at Connection Level 1
• Extra Battery Lvl 2 - Unlocks at Connection Level 2
• Extra Battery Lvl 3 - Unlocks at Connection Level 3
• Extra Battery Lvl 4 - Unlocks at Connection Level 4

Vehicles aren't the only thing which require batteries in Death Stranding 2 though. Many of the tools you'll use also run on electricity and, if you want them to be powered for longer, then you'll want the Extra Battery unlocked by The Hydrologist at Heartman's Lab.

While the Extra Battery is unlocked at Connection Level 1, it's worth continuing to raise it until Level 4 so you can unlock all of the Extra Battery upgrades for extra power.

Climbing Power Gloves - The Adventurer

• Climbing Power Gloves Lvl 1 - Unlocks at Connection Level 1
• Climbing Power Gloves Lvl 2 - Unlocks at Connection Level 3

If you're a fan of climbing or have been having trouble with it, then it's a good idea to unlock the Climbing Power Gloves. These will improve Sam's climbing and balance abilities, with the added bonus of being able to recover cargo. You'll even find that they'll increase the power of your punches! The only downside is that they do require battery power, so you might want to reserve the Climbing Power Gloves for when you're exploring mountainous terrain. Still, this doesn't mean they won't come in handy. (I'm so sorry.)

Boost Skeleton and Battle Skeleton

We've listed these two Skeletons together, because the choice on which one is best is subjective to whether you prefer stealth or open combat. Ideally, you'll want to swap between the two depending on an Order's requirements, but, if you want to focus just using one, then this is a good metric to base your decision around.

If you're a stealth fan, you'll want to go with the Boost Skeleton. Wearing this Skeleton increases Sam's movement speed, jump power and the top vehicle boost speed. While none of these directly increase stealth, they do make it easier to perform stealthy activities since Sam is able to move faster and escape quicker if using a vehicle. As an added extra, the Boost Skeleton also increases his carry capacity - perfect for heavy deliveries. All of these bonuses increase when upgraded.

Here's where you can get the Boost Skeleton:

• The Dowser:
• Boost Skeleton Lvl 1 - Unlocks at Connection Level 1
• Boost Skeleton Lvl 2 - Unlocks at Connection Level 3
• Boost Skeleton Lvl 3 - Unlocks at Connection Level 4

The Battle Skeleton reduces the amount of damage you'll take from incoming projectiles and Sam's movement speed when boosting. It also increases his carry capacity, with all three bonuses increasing when you unlock a higher level for the Skeleton. The Battle Skeleton's carry capacity is actually higher than the Boost Skeleton's, but you miss out on the extra movability bonuses. (The only one for Battle being restricted to boosting.) For this reason, the Battle Skeleton is great for combat and Orders requiring Sam to carry a lot of heavy equipment.

Here's how you get the Battle Skeleton and it's upgrades:

• Western Environmental Observatory:
• Battle Skeleton Lvl 1 - Unlocks at Connection Level 1
• Battle Skeleton Lvl 2 - Unlocks at Connection Level 3
• Battle Skeleton Lvl 4 - Unlocks at Connection Level 4

Best of luck in Death Stranding 2! Remember, we've got a guide on all of the Connection Level rewards and a Death Stranding 2 walkthrough awaiting you.