In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, damage from Timefall is one of the most frustrating things a porter will have to deal with. When rain begins to fall during an order, porters who did not complete the original game may wonder to themselves if there will ever truly be any respite from this terrible scourge. When that question is asked, veteran porters will immediately respond with two words: Backpack Covers. For most, there was no doubt that these brilliant inventions would return in the sequel. The only question was when? With that in mind, this guide will answer that question, and explain how to unlock Backpack Covers in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.
Death Stranding 2: How to Capture a BT
Sam can capture a BT in Death Stranding 2 for the BT's Best Friend Trophy, proving he ain't afraid of no ghosts!
Where Can I Get Backpack Covers in Death Stranding 2?
Look for the Fisherman:
Players hoping that, because Sam possessed the ability to craft Backpack Covers at the end of Death Stranding, that they wouldn't have to wait long to acquire them in Death Stranding 2, will likely be disappointed to learn that this isn't the case. However, there is still a long road ahead when Backpack Covers become available in Episode 8, so you should absolutely take the time to unlock them as soon as possible.
To unlock Backpack Covers in Death Stranding 2, you'll have to wait until the Fisherman becomes available in Episode 8. Unfortunately, you will not be able to unlock his shelter any earlier than this. We spent a huge amount of time checking for lost packages or retrieval orders, to no avail. You simply have to wait until you reach Order 34 and bring the F5 East Distribution Center online.
Once F5 is live, Vitkor Frank will tell you about a man who fishes in the Tar Lake. He will tell you about Sub-Order 116, which is the side-quest to unlock The Fisherman. Accept Sub-Order 116, and make your way down to the massive tar lake. 116 is a retrieval quest, and there is over 200 KG of cargo, so make sure you wear a skeleton, or bring something to transport the cargo.
This is a great mission to use the Coffin Board, as the board works extremely well on tar. However, you'll likely want to wear a Bokka Skeleton if you choose this route, as you'll have to carry the cargo on your back. Still, being able to cut across the lake on the coffin is incredibly fun, and it works well too.
Reach 2-Star Connection Level:
Once you've completed Sub-Order 116, and successfully connect The Fisherman to the Chiral Network, you'll receive the Remote Detonation Grenade Launcher, and just below a 2-Star connection level. To unlock Lv1 Backpack Covers in Death Stranding 2, you must reach the 2-Star connection level with The Fisherman.
At the 4-Star connection level, you'll unlock Lv 2 Backpack Covers. While there appears to be a slot for a Lv3 Backpack Cover in the backpack customization menu, that does not come from the Fisherman. Once we unlock the Lv3 Backpack Cover, we'll update its location here.
If you check The Fisherman's orders, you'll see Standard Order 494, which tasks you with eliminating the floating BTs just down the beach. At this same location, you'll see an Aid Request from the Fisherman to bring back his missing cargo. If you complete these two missions, and turn them in separately, you should have more than a 3-Star connection level. There are several pieces of The FIsherman's Lost Cargo surrounding the tar lake. If you collect these and turn them in, you should easily hit the 4-Star connection level.
How to Install Backpack Covers in Death Stranding 2
Backpack Customization:
To craft a Backpack Cover in DS2 and install it, you simply need to go to the same Backpack Customization menu that you would use to install all backpack components.
Fabricating Backpack Covers in DS2 requires the following materials:
- Backpack Cover Lv1: Chiral Crystals x 120, Resins x80
- Backpack Cover Lv2:
Death
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Released
- June 26, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Violence, Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Kojima Productions
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Engine
- Decima
- Franchise
- Death Stranding
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- PS5 Release Date
- June 26, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5
