If you’ve spent hours hauling cargo across the fractured post-apocalyptic United States in the first Death Stranding, you know that looking good while you reconnect the world is half the fun. I’ve spent dozens of hours digging through every trailer, developer interview, and playtest leak to pull together all the confirmed details you need about Death Stranding 2 outfits, from unlock requirements to hidden utility bonuses you might otherwise miss. This guide breaks down everything we know so far, with actionable tips to help you get the cosmetics you want without wasting hours on unnecessary grinding.
Confirmed Death Stranding 2 Outfits for Playable Characters
Kojima Productions has already teased dozens of unique outfits for both returning and new playable characters, with separate sets tailored to different biomes and playstyles. Some are default unlocks you’ll get as you progress through the main story, while others are rare, hidden rewards for completing side content or hitting specific milestones. All confirmed base outfits as of the latest preview footage are listed below:
You won’t get access to all these outfits right at the start of the game, of course. Most rare cosmetics are locked behind story progress, side delivery ranks, or hidden collectible locations scattered across the new South American map sections. Don’t waste time grinding for them during the first two chapters, because you’ll unlock far more options once you reach the central Knot City hub around the 8-hour mark.
How to Unlock Rare Hidden Outfits Fast
If you’re eager to get your hands on limited-edition cosmetics as quickly as possible, there are a few proven methods to speed up the unlock process without skipping core story content. The easiest way to earn new outfits is by earning cosmetic tokens, which you can trade for cosmetics at any Knot City wardrobe station.
Time-sensitive premium delivery quests give you twice as many tokens as standard deliveries, so prioritize those if you’re grinding for specific outfits. You can identify these quests by the red clock icon next to them in the delivery terminal. Just make sure you have the right vehicle and loadout before you accept, because missing the time limit will void your token reward entirely.
Hidden prepper stashes are another great source of exclusive outfits you can’t buy with tokens. If you see a glowing blue off-path marker on your map, it’s almost always worth taking a detour to check it out, even if it adds 20 minutes to your delivery route. A lot of these stashes also come with extra utility items like extra ladders or climbing anchors, so you’re not just wasting time for a cosmetic. Multiplayer group delivery events also give out community-exclusive outfits that are only available for a limited time, so check the event tab in your terminal at least once a week to see what’s available.
Outfit Customization Options & Utility Bonuses
Unlike the first Death Stranding, where outfits were mostly full sets with fixed bonuses, almost every part of your outfit is customizable now. You can swap out gloves, boots, backpack attachments, and even face accessories separately, so you can mix and match to create a look that’s totally yours.
Utility bonuses are tied to individual clothing pieces, not full sets, which means you don’t have to choose between looking good and performing well. For example, you can wear Sam’s iconic hood from the first game while also equipping the new cold-resistant boots that stop you from slipping on ice, or pair a silly novelty hat with a bulletproof vest for high-risk delivery routes through MULE territory.
Some cosmetic pieces have no utility bonus at all, and that’s totally intentional. The devs confirmed that there are plenty of purely decorative items for players who just want to focus on style, no strings attached. You can also save up to 10 custom outfit presets, so you can switch between a delivery-focused loadout, a stealth loadout for BT zones, and a fun casual look for when you’re just hanging out at Knot City in seconds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with weird combinations—there’s no wrong way to customize your courier.
Common Outfit Unlock Mistakes to Avoid
After talking to dozens of playtesters, I’ve found a handful of common mistakes that make unlocking outfits way harder than it needs to be. The first and most frequent mistake is assuming all outfits are account-wide. Character-specific outfits can only be used on the character they’re unlocked for, so if you unlock a Fragile-exclusive dress, you can’t put it on Sam, no matter how much you want to.
Another big mistake is spending all your cosmetic tokens on low-rarity outfits early in the game. The rare legendary outfits cost 15 tokens each, and they come with way better utility bonuses and more customization options, so it’s worth saving up instead of blowing all your tokens on the first few outfits you see. You’ll earn plenty of common outfits from story progress anyway, so there’s no need to buy them with tokens.
A lot of players also ignore photo mode challenges, and that’s a huge missed opportunity. Completing simple photo mode challenges, like taking a picture of a BT while wearing a specific hat or capturing a sunset over the mountains while carrying a full cargo load, unlocks exclusive camera filters and unique outfit accessories you can’t get anywhere else. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to complete them either—most only take 30 seconds to pull off.
At the end of the day, Death Stranding 2 outfits are far more than just a fun cosmetic bonus. They let you personalize your playthrough, get useful buffs that make tough deliveries easier, and show off your progress to other players in the game’s shared online world. Take your time exploring, don’t stress about unlocking every outfit right away, and feel free to mix and match pieces to create a look that fits your personal playstyle. You might even stumble across a hidden outfit no one else has found yet if you’re willing to wander off the main delivery path every now and then.
