Alright, porters, let’s talk about Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. If you thought the first journey was a test of will, Kojima is dialing it up by letting us evolve Sam himself. Forget just upgrading your gear; this time, evolution starts from within. The game is introducing a killer new mechanic called Sam Stats, a system that ditches traditional XP grinding and instead mirrors your unique playstyle. This is a complete game-changer, and our guide will break down all the new Death Stranding 2 stats, including what you get at every level, and pinpoint exactly what you need to focus on as soon as you step into Sam’s boots.
From the moment you start your journey, every step you take, every cliff you scale, and every enemy you dodge is shaping the Sam you become. These stats grow automatically based on your actions, so your playstyle is your progression. Let’s dive in and see how you can build the ultimate porter.
All Death Stranding 2 Stats & Level Bonuses Explained
So, how does this all work? Your actions directly feed into six core stats, plus a separate category for weapon mastery. You can keep tabs on your progress anytime by popping into the Ring Terminal’s pause menu and navigating to the “Sam Stats” section.
Here’s a breakdown of each stat, its level-by-level bonuses, and how to juice it up.
1. Terrain Traversal: When the ground becomes your greatest challenge.
When the world itself is your biggest enemy, this stat is your best friend. It represents Sam’s grit when tackling brutal landscapes.
- How to improve: Successfully cross difficult terrain. The more you challenge nature, the more it rewards you.
- Level Bonuses:
- Level 1: +0% Traversal Endurance
- Level 2: +10% Traversal Endurance
- Level 3: +20% Traversal Endurance
- Level 4: +30% Traversal Endurance
- Level 5: +40% Traversal Endurance
2. Maximum Carrying Capacity: Every shipment represents a promise — to deliver, to connect, to fulfill.
Let’s be real, this is what being a porter is all about. This stat dictates how much cargo you can haul in a single trip. If you’re all about efficiency, you need to pump this up.
- How to improve: Load up! The more weight you carry consistently, the stronger Sam’s back becomes.
- Level Bonuses:
- Level 1: +0% Max Carrying Capacity
- Level 2: +10% Max Carrying Capacity
- Level 3: +20% Max Carrying Capacity
- Level 4: +25% Max Carrying Capacity
- Level 5: +30% Max Carrying Capacity
3. Endurance: It’s the step beyond exhaustion that defines you.
Running is life in the world of Death Stranding. Endurance measures Sam’s resistance to fatigue, meaning you can sprint for longer. That extra burst of speed can be the difference.
- How to improve: Just run. The more you sprint across the map, the more this stat will develop.
- Level Bonuses:
- Level 1: +0% Fatigue Accumulation
- Level 2: -10% Fatigue Accumulation
- Level 3: -20% Fatigue Accumulation
- Level 4: -25% Fatigue Accumulation
- Level 5: -30% Fatigue Accumulation
4. KO Resistance: Still standing, no matter how hard the hit.
For those moments when things go loud, KO Resistance lets Sam take a punch and keep on ticking. This is your damage reduction stat, making you tougher.
- How to improve: Survive tough fights. Every time Sam takes a heavy hit and stays on his feet, this skill gets reinforced.
- Level Bonuses:
- Level 1: +0% KO Damage Reduction
- Level 2: -10% KO Damage Reduction
- Level 3: -20% KO Damage Reduction
- Level 4: -25% KO Damage Reduction
- Level 5: -30% KO Damage Reduction
5. Lung Capacity: When silence is survival, and breath is your only ally.
In a world where unseen creatures hunt you by sound, holding your breath is a core survival mechanic. This stat lets you sneak past BTs and other threats.
- How to improve: Hold your breath and successfully sneak through dangerous territory.
- Level Bonuses:
- Level 1: +0% Max Lung Capacity
- Level 2: +10% Max Lung Capacity
- Level 3: +20% Max Lung Capacity
- Level 4: +30% Max Lung Capacity
- Level 5: +40% Max Lung Capacity
6. Strand Skills: When silence isn’t safety—it’s a weapon.
The iconic rope is back, and it’s deadlier than ever. This stat boosts the attack range of your Strand, making stealth takedowns even more effective.
- How to improve: Use the Strand to stealthily take down enemies.
- Level Bonuses:
- Level 1: +0% Attack Range
- Level 2: +10% Attack Range
- Level 3: +20% Attack Range
- Level 4: +30% Attack Range
- Level 5: +40% Attack Range
Best Death Stranding 2 Stats to Level Up First
Okay, so they all have some sweet bonuses, but what should you focus on right out of the gate? While your playstyle will eventually dictate your build, there are three stats that are non-negotiable for an easier start: Terrain Traversal, Maximum Carrying Capacity, and Endurance. This trio is the foundation of the entire gameplay loop.
However, the undisputed king of the early game is Maximum Carrying Capacity. It’s not even a debate. Increased capacity makes it easier to carry multiple items for both deliveries and combat. While vehicles eventually make this stat less critical, there will be plenty of times you’re forced to rely on Sam’s feet. Having a higher carrying capacity here is a massive advantage.
You can actually start grinding this stat right from the beginning of the game in Mexico. Just load Sam up near his max weight and travel between locations (while avoiding enemy camps, of course). You’ll see this crucial stat rank up in no time.
Tailor Your Stats to Your Playstyle
After you’ve beefed up your core abilities, you can specialize.
- If you love to confront enemies head-on, focus on KO Resistance and Weapon Mastery. Weapon Mastery is a separate system where using a specific weapon class increases attributes like reduced recoil and weapon swing. To level it up, just use the weapon and take out enemies. The new sniper rifle is supposedly a ton of fun for this.
- If you’re a Metal Gear Solid fan who prefers a stealthy approach, then Lung Capacity and Strand Skills are your most valuable stats to improve. Turn Sam into an unseen phantom who pacifies enemies without a single gunshot.
Ultimately, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a highly flexible game. These new Death Stranding 2 stats give you everything you need to shape your own journey and make any playstyle enjoyable.
