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The character system and attributes are present in almost every modern game, and this aspect of gameplay is also featured in Death Stranding 2. Players have the opportunity to enhance Sam Porter's abilities during his journeys, making deliveries and encounters with enemies easier.

What are Stats in Death Stranding 2?

Stats in Death Stranding 2 define Sam's basic physical and tactical abilities. Unlike passive attributes in many other games, these stats increase through repetitive and deliberate actions. Whether you're climbing mountains, holding your breath, or fighting enemies, you're always improving yourself, gradually enhancing your skills.

All stats are divided into two key categories: Sam's physical attributes and weapon mastery. Each stat has five levels. As the level increases, the effects accumulate—initially minor, but collectively they significantly impact the hero's effectiveness.

Sam Porter | Death Stranding 2

All Stats in Death Stranding 2

How to Increase APAS Memory in Death Stranding 2

How to Increase Terrain Traversal in Death Stranding 2

What Terrain Traversal Affects in Death Stranding 2

Terrain Traversal determines how effectively Sam moves through challenging terrain: hills, rivers, rocks, and so on. The more time you spend overcoming such obstacles, the faster this stat grows. Each new level of Terrain Traversal reduces stamina depletion speed when crossing these geological areas.

Sam's Stats — Terrain Traversal | Death Stranding 2

To increase this stat, avoid flat or easy routes and instead manually traverse natural obstacles.

Level	Stamina During Movement
Level 1	+0%
Level 2	+10%
Level 3	+20%
Level 4	+30%
Level 5	+40%

How to Increase Carry Capacity in Death Stranding 2

What Carry Capacity Affects in Death Stranding 2

The Carry Capacity stat directly affects how much cargo Sam can carry at once. The more loads you take on long trips in one go, the faster it levels up.

Sam's Stats — Carry Capacity | Death Stranding 2

Improving Carry Capacity allows you to reduce the number of trips, completing more deliveries at once, which increases Sam's task efficiency.

Level	Maximum Load Capacity
Level 1	+0 kg
Level 2	+10 kg
Level 3	+20 kg
Level 4	+25 kg
Level 5	+30 kg

How to Increase Endurance in Death Stranding 2

What Endurance Affects in Death Stranding 2

The Endurance stat determines how quickly the hero's fatigue accumulates. The longer and faster you run, the more strain on the stamina meter. With each new level, fatigue accumulation slows down, allowing Sam to stay active longer.

Sam's Stats — Endurance | Death Stranding 2

Level	Fatigue Accumulation
Level 1	0%
Level 2	-10%
Level 3	-20%
Level 4	-25%
Level 5	-30%

How to Do a Stealth Kill in Death Stranding 2

How to Increase KO Resistance in Death Stranding 2

What KO Resistance Affects in Death Stranding 2

When Sam is attacked by enemies (especially MULEs), there's a risk of being knocked down or electrified, which leads to cargo loss. This stat reduces the likelihood of being incapacitated during enemy attacks and encounters in general.

Sam's Stats — KO Resistance | Death Stranding 2

To increase its level, maintain balance while carrying heavy loads (hold L2 + R2), and block melee attacks.

Level	Knockout Damage Reduction
Level 1	0%
Level 2	-10%
Level 3	-20%
Level 4	-25%
Level 5	-30%

How to Increase Lung Capacity in Death Stranding 2

What Lung Capacity Affects in Death Stranding 2

Lung Capacity allows Sam to hold his breath longer, which is important for stealthily passing BTs or enemies. The longer Sam holds his breath, the less noise he makes, reducing the chances of being detected.

Sam's Stats — Lung Capacity | Death Stranding 2

The Lung Capacity level can be increased by frequently using stealth (R1 on the controller, crouch walking).

Level	Maximum Lung Capacity
Level 1	0%
Level 2	+10%
Level 3	+20%
Level 4	+30%
Level 5	+40%

How to Increase Strand Skills in Death Stranding 2

What Strand Skills Affect in Death Stranding 2

The Strand Skills stat is related to the ability to use the Strand to silently neutralize enemies. In Death Stranding 2, it allows you to increase the attack range with this weapon. Improving this stat can be combined with Lung Capacity, as these actions are usually performed together.

Sam's Stats — Strand Skills | Death Stranding 2

Use stealth more often and bind enemies from behind. The method is slow but effective, especially in dangerous areas.

Level	Attack Range
Level 1	0%
Level 2	+10%
Level 3	+20%
Level 4	+30%
Level 5	+40%

How to Place Signs in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

How to Increase Mastery in Death Stranding

What Mastery Affects in Death Stranding 2

In addition to physical attributes, Death Stranding 2 allows players to develop mastery in various weapon types. Each class has a separate progression branch that improves with regular use.

Level	Reload Speed	Aim Sway	Recoil
Level 1	0%	0%	0%
Level 2	+10%	-12.5%	-12.5%
Level 3	+20%	-25%	-25%
Level 4	+30%	-37.50%	-37.50%
Level 5	+40%	-50%	-50%

Melee Combat

Enhances the effectiveness of non-firearm strikes, combo length, and melee weapon durability. It levels up when you defeat enemies without firearms.

Sam's Stats — Melee Combat | Death Stranding 2

Handguns

Frequent use increases reload speed, reduces recoil, and improves aim control. Particularly useful when mobility is important.

Sam's Stats — Handguns | Death Stranding 2

Sniper Rifles

Indispensable for those who want to neutralize enemies from a safe distance. Use them in missions where you can control the battlefield from afar.

Assault Rifles

These automatics have the same bonuses as other firearms. Frequent use in intense battles accelerates the development of this stat.

Sam's Stats — Assault Rifles | Death Stranding 2

Machine Guns

Ideal for crowd control. Their stat improves with each use in combat or during attacks on MULE bases.

Shotguns

Well-suited for close combat. They should be used in tight spaces to gradually enhance the corresponding mastery.

Each of these stats improves as you deal damage and kill enemies with the respective weapon. It's worth finding your combat style early on and sticking to it to achieve maximum progress.