Top 9 Essential APAS Upgrades for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

When Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launched in 2025, players immediately noticed how Kojima Productions had refined their unique vision based on community feedback. The introduction of the APAS Enhancements system—a skill-tree mechanic where players spend limited Memory resources to unlock abilities—transformed how porters navigate the fractured Australian wilderness. As Sam Bridges journeys across desolate beaches and treacherous mountains, choosing which upgrades to prioritize becomes crucial for survival. Players quickly learn that some enhancements dramatically smooth the experience, turning frustrating moments into triumphs while others provide niche but game-changing advantages during critical encounters. The sheer tension of balancing Memory allocation while facing BT horrors and hostile factions makes every choice feel weighty and personal.

9. Emergency Vehicle Charger

Cost: 90 Memory

Nothing induces panic like watching your truck's battery die miles from the nearest generator. This enhancement lets Sam sacrifice his exoskeleton power to revive vehicles—a literal lifeline when stranded in BT territory. The conversion rate feels punishing (draining 30% of Sam's battery for just 10% vehicle charge), but that desperation when rain starts falling and scanner pings red? Pure adrenaline. Experienced porters recommend activating it only during true emergencies, though one memorable moment of reviving a bike to escape a tar-pit still haunts players.

8. Increased MP Firing Rate

Cost: 100 Memory

With combat taking center stage in the sequel, this upgrade transforms sluggish firefights. The visceral satisfaction of mowing down MULEs with 40% faster bullet velocity can't be overstated—though it turns ammo conservation into a nightmare. Players vividly recall frantically scavenging bullets mid-battle after burning through reserves too quickly. It’s a double-edged sword that rewards aggression but punishes carelessness.

7. Swift MULE Postbox Hacking

Cost: 20 Memory

This bargain upgrade makes raiding enemy camps feel like a slick heist. Where standard hacking takes agonizing seconds (often alerting patrols), this reduces it to a near-instantaneous swipe. The thrill of clearing a camp’s resources undetected creates priceless power-fantasy moments. One player described it as "going from clumsy thief to ghostly infiltrator"—an essential tool for resource hoarders.

6. Faster Scanner Recharging

Cost: 40 Memory

Early-game scanning feels manageable, but later regions demand constant environmental checks. That cooldown delay? Maddening when BTs materialize unexpectedly. This enhancement eliminates 80% of the wait time, creating seamless reconnaissance flow. Players report it fundamentally changes exploration pacing, turning tense pauses into fluid sweeps across eerie landscapes.

5. Simple Noise Canceller

Cost: 20 Memory

An absolute steal for stealth enthusiasts. At base level, Sam’s footsteps might as well be drum solos to nearby enemies. This progressively muffles movement sounds—starting subtle but becoming whisper-quiet by endgame. The relief when narrowly avoiding BT detection due to silent crouch-walking? Palpable. It’s especially transformative in urban ruins where broken glass litters every pathway.

4. Sharing Boost

Cost: 60 Memory

This underrated gem amplifies Death Stranding’s signature asynchronous multiplayer. By increasing the likelihood of finding player-built structures (watchtowers, generators) by 35%, it turns desolation into community. The joy of discovering a perfectly placed zipline during a storm epitomizes the game’s connective philosophy. Resource-poor players particularly cherish how it turns lonely treks into shared journeys.

3. Improved MP Bullets

Cost: 40 Memory

Late-game enemies require serious firepower, and this delivers. Beyond the satisfying punch of 25% extra damage, the tightened bullet spread makes headshots consistently achievable. Unlike risk/reward upgrades, this pure power spike feels essential against shielded foes. Players often pair it with Increased Firing Rate for devastating combos—just bring extra ammo!

2. Instant Cargo Binding

Cost: 100 Memory

The ultimate quality-of-life upgrade. No more watching precious cargo tumble down cliffs after tripping! This electromagnetically locks items to your backpack, reducing damage and recovery time. That negligible battery drain? Worth every volt when navigating slippery mountain paths. Veterans advise unlocking this before major delivery chains—it transforms frustrating stumbles into mere hiccups.

1. Optimised Transfusions

Cost: 40 Memory

The undisputed king of survivability. Late-game combat drains health rapidly, and standard transfusion speeds feel glacial mid-battle. This doubles transfer efficiency, letting Sam rebound from near-death in seconds. That clutch moment when you survive a BT grab with 5% health because transfusions kicked in faster? Euphoric. For high-difficulty players, it’s non-negotiable—a true lifesaver in every sense.

Final Thoughts

The APAS system masterfully blends strategy with survival tension. While all enhancements offer value, prioritizing these nine creates smoother progression through Death Stranding 2's hauntingly beautiful hellscapes. Their collective impact transforms Sam from vulnerable courier to resilient legend—one Memory upgrade at a time.

FAQ

❓ Which upgrade provides the best early-game value?

The Simple Noise Canceller (20 Memory) delivers immediate stealth benefits that scale beautifully. Perfect for new porters!

❓ Do vehicle upgrades affect floating carriers?

No—the Emergency Vehicle Charger only works on motorcycles, trucks, and other drivable transports. Carriers remain battery-independent.

❓ Can I respec my APAS choices?

Regrettably no—Memory allocations are permanent. Choose enhancements that complement your playstyle carefully!

❓ Does Sharing Boost require PlayStation Plus?

Nope! It functions identically across all platforms using Death Stranding 2's asynchronous online systems.

❓ Which combat upgrade synergizes best with Optimised Transfusions?

Improved MP Bullets—the damage boost reduces how often you need healing in the first place!