Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – How to Level Up Sam's Stats (2026 Guide)

In the year 2026, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has been out for a while, and players are still discovering the quirks of its RPG-lite mechanics. Sam Porter Bridges, the world's most overworked delivery man, now has a set of stats that would make a Dungeons & Dragons character sheet jealous. These stats—Terrain Traversal, Carry Capacity, Endurance, KO Resistance, Lung Capacity, Strand Skills, and Weapon Mastery—determine how well Sam performs his various chores. The game's menu gives a nice overview of what each stat does, but it conveniently forgets to mention how to actually level them up. Classic Kojima Productions, leaving the players to figure out the grind. Well, fear not, because this guide is here to spill the beans.

Sam's Stats are like a pack of needy pets. They demand attention, and they reward you with tangible benefits. But each one has its own peculiar way of asking for food. Let's break them down.

Terrain Traversal – This stat is Sam's ability to resist fatigue while trudging through rivers, slopes, and other annoying geography. The higher it is, the slower his Endurance drains. To level it up, you simply have to traverse difficult terrain. So go ahead, take the scenic route through that knee-deep river. Your knees will hate you, but the stat will love you.

Carry Capacity – The undisputed MVP of stats. It determines how many extra kilograms Sam can haul before his spine files a complaint. The more weight you carry, the faster it levels up. So load Sam up like a pack mule until he's practically begging for mercy. Just avoid enemy camps while doing so, unless you enjoy getting your cargo stolen.

Endurance – This is Sam's stamina bar's best friend. Higher Endurance means Fatigue accumulates slower. To increase it, run long distances. No shortcuts, no vehicles. Just you, Sam, and the open road. Think of it as a marathon for a good cause.

KO Resistance – This stat keeps Sam from getting knocked on his butt by enemy attacks, losing balance, and dropping his precious cargo. To level it up, you need to block enemy attacks and center Sam's balance while under attack by holding L2 and R2. Doing it outside combat doesn't count. So pick a fight, then practice your best impression of a balanced see-saw.

Lung Capacity – Sam's ability to hold his breath and sneak past human enemies and BTs. The higher it is, the longer he can hold it. To increase, just hold your breath (press R1). That's it. No enemy required. Sam can practice his underwater yoga whenever he wants.

Strand Skills – This determines how good Sam is at binding enemies from behind with his Strand. Higher stat means he can do it from farther away. To level up, bind enemies repeatedly. It's like lassoing cattle, but with more grunting and less mooing.

Weapon Mastery – For each weapon type, this stat increases reload speed and reduces reticle sway and recoil. Defeat enemies with the corresponding weapon to level it up. Simple enough.

Now, here's a pretty table for the visual learners:

Stat	What It Does	How to Level Up
Terrain Traversal	Resists fatigue on rough terrain	Traverse rivers, slopes, etc.
Carry Capacity	Increases cargo weight limit	Carry heavy loads
Endurance	Slows fatigue accumulation	Run long distances
KO Resistance	Resists knockdowns and cargo loss	Block and balance during combat (L2+R2)
Lung Capacity	Holds breath longer	Hold breath (R1)
Strand Skills	Binds enemies from farther away	Bind enemies with Strand
Weapon Mastery	Better reload, less sway/recoil	Kill enemies with that weapon type

Now, not all stats are created equal. Some are the life of the party, others are the wallflower. According to the wisdom of the internet (and our own playtime), Carry Capacity is the most important stat regardless of your playstyle. Why? Because Sam is a delivery boy first, a combatant second. More carry capacity means more supplies, more weapons, and fewer trips. It's a game-changer from the very beginning, even during Sam's initial trek through Mexico. So load up to near max capacity and hoof it from place to place. Avoid enemy camps, and you'll rank up in no time. No sweat.

After that, it all depends on how you like to play. If you're a guns-blazing, kick-down-the-door type, then Weapon Mastery and KO Resistance should be your focus. You don't need Lung Capacity if you're not sneaking, and Strand Skills are for those who prefer the quiet approach. Conversely, if you're a Metal Gear Solid fan who gets a thrill from stealth, then Lung Capacity and Strand Skills are your best friends. Hold your breath, sneak up behind a poor MULE, and tie them up like a Christmas present. It's a blast.

The beauty of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is that it's flexible. Kojima and his team have crafted a game that can be played in wildly different ways. Whether you're a pacifist porter or a battle-hardened veteran, the stats system supports your style. So go forth, level up those stats, and remember: Sam may be the one doing the heavy lifting, but you're the one calling the shots. And hey, at least you're not the one carrying a hundred kilos of ceramics up a mountain. That's Sam's job.