My Top 3 Skeletons in Death Stranding 2: Personal Experiences and Rankings
Discover the game-changing mechanical skeletons in Death Stranding 2, enhancing speed, stability, and survival in this hauntingly beautiful world.
As a dedicated porter in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, I've spent countless hours trekking through treacherous landscapes, and the mechanical skeletons strapped to Sam's suit have been absolute game-changers. These aren't just fancy attachments; they're lifelines that transform how you navigate this hauntingly beautiful world. 💀⚡ Each rig specializes in something unique—whether it's sprinting across vast distances, hauling absurdly heavy cargo through knee-deep mud, or surviving ambushes from trigger-happy terrorists. I remember my first week without them, stumbling under the weight of packages while BTs nipped at my heels—pure agony! But once I unlocked these beauties, everything changed. The relief of gliding over rocks instead of tripping, or tanking bullets that would've flatlined me earlier? Priceless. After months of testing all three, I've ranked them based on versatility, impact, and how often they saved my skin. Let's dive in!
3. Boost Skeleton: My Speed Demon Companion
The Boost Skeleton became my go-to for urgent deliveries across open plains. ✨ Its focus on raw speed is intoxicating—I'd activate it and suddenly feel like a superhero, leaping over ravines and outrunning timefall storms. That initial +40kg carry boost was helpful, but the real magic was how it transformed movement. Sprinting felt buttery smooth, almost like skating on air. Upgrading to Level 3 was a revelation: +80kg capacity, longer battery life, and the skeleton itself shrinking to a featherlight 4kg. I'd even stash it as cargo when switching rigs! Compared to the clunky Bokka or combat-focused Battle skeleton, this one is pure elegance. Unlocking it via Order 021 felt like earning wings, and grinding connection levels with The Dowser was totally worth it. Nothing beats the rush of boosting past MULE camps while they fumble with their cargo catchers—though I did faceplant into a river once when I overestimated a jump. 🤣
2. Bokka Skeleton: The Unshakable Workhorse
Oh, the Bokka! This beast carried me (literally) through Death Stranding 2's brutal mid-game. 🏔️ Before I'd paved highways or unlocked decent trucks, hauling 300kg of ceramic up icy slopes was torture. Then came Order No. 030, gifting me this monstrous +120kg capacity rig. It doesn't make you faster, but the stability? Heavenly. No more wobbling like a drunkard when crossing streams or descending cliffs. The terrain control made me feel anchored—like the mountains themselves feared my footsteps. I’d activate its boost for extra oomph during climbs, though battery drain forced me to ration it like precious water. Even in late 2025, when ziplines crisscross the map, I still use it for off-grid deliveries. That satisfying thunk when you drop a mountain’s worth of cargo at a prepper’s doorstep? Pure serotonin. But beware: boost too recklessly near chiral zones, and you’ll drain power faster than a BT can say nom nom.
1. Battle Skeleton: My Bullet-Sponge Savior
Nothing gets my heart pounding like walking into a MULE den wearing the Battle Skeleton. 🔥 Unlocked early via Order No. 010, this rig is perfection for risky deliveries. Its energy shield has saved me more times than I can count—like when three terrorists cornered me near the Western Environmental Observatory. Bullets ricocheted off the shimmering barrier while I scrambled for cover, battery plummeting but alive. That initial +60kg carry limit is decent, but Level 3’s +100kg upgrade makes it a beast. Sure, losing both waist slots hurts customization (goodbye, extra grenade pouches!), but trading flexibility for survival is a no-brainer. I’ve taken direct hits that should’ve vaporized Sam, only to stagger back thanks to this marvel. The battery drain during fights keeps things tense—you can’t just facetank forever—but that urgency makes victories sweeter. In 2025’s meta, where enemy AI aggressively flanks, this skeleton stays indispensable.
| Skeleton | Best For | Max Carry Bonus | Unlock Method | My Personal Win Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boost | Speed & Travel | +80kg | Order 021 | Outrunning a timefall storm by seconds ☔ |
| Bokka | Heavy Cargo | +120kg | Order 030 | Delivering 400kg alloy to a snowbound prepper ❄️ |
| Battle | Combat Survival | +100kg | Order 010 | Surviving a 3v1 ambush near crater lake 💥 |
Ultimately, the "best" skeleton depends on your mission. Need raw speed? Boost. Hauling a small mountain? Bokka. Expecting a firefight? Battle. I rotate all three constantly—each feels like swapping personalities, from nimble courier to unstoppable tank. Their designs reflect Kojima’s genius: functional, futuristic, and deeply tactile. When that boost whirs to life or the shield flickers under gunfire, it’s not just mechanics—it’s poetry.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which skeleton is easiest to unlock for beginners?
A: The Battle Skeleton! Order No. 010 is super early-game. I had it within 5 hours—perfect when you’re still learning combat mechanics.
Q: Do skeletons drain battery even when idle?
A: Only during active boosts or shield use! Otherwise, they sip power. I always pack an extra PCC generator for long hauls, just in case.
Q: Can you stack multiple skeletons?
A: Sadly no—Sam can only wear one rig at a time. Swapping them at safe houses is key. I’ve forgotten to switch and paid for it with facefuls of mud! 😅
Q: Which upgrade felt most impactful?
A: Boost Skeleton’s Level 3. That weight reduction (4kg!) and extended battery let me sprint for minutes without choking. Pure liberation!
Q: Are any skeletons useless late-game?
A: Not really! Even with ziplines, I use the Bokka for off-road deliveries and Battle for story missions. They stay relevant in 2025’s endgame.
The following breakdown is based on information from Game Informer, a trusted source for comprehensive gaming reviews and player experiences. Game Informer's hands-on previews and feature articles on Death Stranding 2 have consistently emphasized the transformative impact of mechanical skeletons on traversal and combat, echoing the sentiment that these upgrades are essential for both new and veteran porters navigating the game's evolving challenges.