Death Stranding challenges Sam Porter Bridges with a number of obstacles on his path to becoming 'The Great Deliverer.' Terrifying Beached Things haunt his every step, MULEs try their hardest to steal his cargo - the dedicated porter barely has time for a moment's rest. As dangerous as these enemies are, there is one threat in Death Stranding that rises above all others: timefall. Carried down as rain, this corrosive, time-altering substance wreaks havoc wherever Sam goes.
The average early-game porter, after tossing away their millionth can of repair spray, likely wonders if there is ever another solution to the problem of timefall. Luckily, the game presents its answer in the most practical of ways: the backpack cover! While this essential piece of equipment will provide Sam with considerable protection from timefall damage, acquiring them requires him to follow several important steps.
How to Unlock the Backpack Cover
The actual unlocking of the backpack cover is relatively simple, Sam must locate an easily-missed prepper known as The Collector. His bunker is tucked away in the crevices just south of the Distribution Center South of Lake Knot City. Keep the following in mind when heading to the area:
- The Collector lives on the western border of the bean-shaped MULE territory that sits just south-east of the Distribution Center South of Lake Knot City
- Make sure to prepare for combat. Clearing out the MULE camp can make life much easier for Sam as he works to raise his relationship with The Collector.
- Bring at least one ladder and one set of climbing anchors. The Collector's bunker is extremely difficult to access without these tools.
Meeting the Collector
From the Distribution Center South of Lake Knot City, head south-east towards the MULE camp. It is better to clear the camp before attempting to locate the Collector's bunker, as this will allow Sam to search in peace.
Once the camp is clear, ride along the crevice nearest to the camp until Sam comes to the spot where two crevices meet. The Collectors' bunker sits just beyond this section. From the spot the two crevices meet, turn and look southwest. Sam will see the ledge that leads to the bunker.
This is where the ladder and climbing anchor will be needed. Use the ladder to cross the ravine, then plant the anchor in the slab of rock directly above the Collector's bunker. Sam must lower himself onto the ledge, where he will then be able to access the Bridges interface. Sam must complete the standard order to get access to the Collector himself. He will then receive both the level 1 and level 2 backpack cover as rewards.
Remember! Before Sam can use the backpack cover, he must first have access to backpack customization. Players not receiving the proper rewards from the Collector should make sure they have unlocked this ability in the Private Room! If players reached five stars with the Collector before unlocking customization, simply return to the Collector after completing the required steps to unlock customization and complete any standard order.
How to Unlock Backpack Customization
Sam will first get access to backpack customization during Episode 3. Sam will be tasked with completing an order for the Junk Dealer. This is Order 35: Prototype Delivery. Here, Sam will deliver two containers of pouch prototypes to the Distribution Center South of Lake Knot City. Once this delivery is complete, Mama will notify Sam that backpack customization is now available in the Private Room.
How to Access Backpack Customization:
Once Sam has entered his Private Room, look at the wall on the right side of BB, but do not select 'examine equipment rack.' Here, Sam's jumpsuit, boots, and backpack can all be seen through the window. Looking down at the backpack will show a prompt for backpack customization. Press the circle button when the prompt is shown.
Remember! The materials used for backpack customization are based on what is stored in the facility, not what Sam has on his person! Sam must deposit chiral crystals and all other materials through the main recycling mechanic in order to use them in the Private Room.
Once Sam has unlocked the backpack covers, they can be crafted in the Private Room with these materials:
- Level 1: 210 Chiral Crystals, 160 Resins
- Level 2: 320 Chiral Crystals, 160 Resins
A Note On Known Issues With Unlocking the Backpack Covers
Some players have reported several issues with the process of unlocking the backpack covers. Many are tied to not progressing enough in the game before visiting the Collector. Here are some solutions to key issues:
- The Collector's bunker is closed: This is the result of coming to the Collector's bunker too soon. It is good to wait until Sam reaches the Distribution Center South of Lake Knot City, better to wait until completing Order 35.
- The Collector's star rating will not increase: Many players have reported doing several missions for the Collector, yet his star level stays below 2. If this occurs, make sure to check all emails, with an eye specifically on emails from the Collector. If Sam has none, progress with the main story until it comes. Once that happens, return to the Collector and attempt a standard order. This should solve the issue.
This guide applies to the original release and the Director's Cut equally.
Death Stranding is available on PS5, PS4, and PC.