Cargo management in Death Stranding 2 goes beyond just talking about weight, there’s a strategy to it. Favorably removing your backpack allows Sam plenty of stealth and mobility during enemy encounters. This guide covers how to drop the backpack, smart moments to do so, and also the advantages it gives in completing deliveries swiftly for better mission ratings.
Why Dropping Your Backpack Can Be a Smart Move in Death Stranding 2
Piling up all that cargo might seem the way to go because you’re carrying everything to make sure nothing gets left behind. But here’s the catch: the heavier and taller the load, the slower you move, the harder it is to maneuver, and the easier it is for the enemies to see you. Sometimes, going without it temporarily is a better alternative.
You can remove Sam’s backpack anytime. Just hold the D-pad up to open the cargo wheel. In the top-left slot, there’s an option to offload your gear. Push your joystick toward that, then exit the menu, and Sam will drop the backpack on the ground where he stands.
Once it’s placed, your pack gets marked on the mini-map, and all the items it contains will still be visible on your HUD, complete with your player tag.
When and Why to Leave the Backpack Behind
Shedding the backpack can give you a noticeable boost in speed and stealth. Without the bulky cargo weighing you down, Sam moves more freely and becomes much harder to detect—he can even vanish into grass or duck behind smaller obstacles that wouldn’t normally work with a full load.
It’s ideal for moments when you want to sneak through a camp or take on enemies without risking your delivery goods. Just be careful to stash your pack somewhere low-profile and easy to return to. Also, remember to keep any essential weapons or tools on your suit before going in.
What You Can Still Carry
Once the backpack is off, your carry limit drops to what can fit directly on Sam’s suit. That means if you’re clearing out enemies or looting an area, you’ll probably have to come back for your dropped gear. But the tradeoff is worth it if you want to avoid cargo damage or getting caught mid-combat.
Boost Your Delivery Score
One of the biggest perks of setting your backpack down is protecting your cargo. During fights, incoming hits can damage or even knock off your gear if it’s still strapped on. Leaving it behind while you deal with enemies helps ensure everything stays intact—giving you a better shot at high delivery scores later.
