How to Take Off Backpack in Death Stranding 2

Games

Death Stranding 2 has undergone numerous changes and improvements compared to its predecessor, but one fact remains unchanged — Sam Porter still has a "companion." And no, it's not a child, pet, or any other living being... it's his backpack.

This item significantly impacts the hero's mobility and game mechanics related to enemies, so it's crucial to know how to remove the backpack in Death Stranding 2.

Sam Porter with a backpack in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Why Backpack is important in Death Stranding 2

Sam Porter's backpack in Death Stranding 2 holds nearly all the essential items and cargo you'll need during the game and its storyline. The more items you carry, the lower your efficiency becomes. A high-stacked load disrupts the center of gravity, creates noise during movement, and makes you more noticeable to enemies.

Therefore, in situations where maximum stealth or increased combat readiness is required, such weight becomes a burden. The wisest decision in such cases is to temporarily get rid of the backpack.

Sam Porter with a backpack in Death Stranding 2

How to remove the backpack in Death Stranding 2

There are two main ways to remove the backpack, depending on how much time you have and the situation you're in.

Method 1: via the cargo menu

Hold the up button on the D-pad of your gamepad to open the cargo interface. In the circular menu, navigate to the upper left section labeled Offload Backpack.

Press and hold the left stick in this direction, then close the menu. Sam will drop the backpack right on the spot.

Offload Backpack option in Death Stranding 2

Method 2: quick method

If you're short on time — simply hold the triangle button on the gamepad. This will instantly drop the backpack without any confirmations or menus.

After this, the backpack will remain on the ground, marked on the minimap and HUD along with your identifier. It won't disappear, so you can return to it later.

Dropping the backpack in Death Stranding 2

What to Do with Used Items in Death Stranding 2

What happens after dropping the backpack

Without the backpack, Sam can only carry what's on his suit or in his hands. This means fewer tools and cargo, but in return, you gain more speed due to less weight and better stealth.

Stealth without a backpack in Death Stranding 2

Sam's movement becomes faster, especially when running or climbing. The hero's silhouette also becomes smaller, making it easier to hide in grass or behind rocks to stealthily bypass enemies. Noise is also reduced, making it harder for enemies to detect you.

Fighting enemies without a backpack in Death Stranding 2

And the most important aspect — the cargo remains safe. If the backpack is not on your back, hits cannot damage it or scatter its contents. Thus, before a battle, you can drop the backpack to preserve the cargo, and after the dangerous encounter, retrieve it and continue your journey.

Picking up discarded items from the backpack in Death Stranding 2

How to keep the cargo safe in Death Stranding 2

It's not always necessary to remove the backpack, but knowing when to do so is very helpful in certain situations. If you're preparing to attack an enemy camp, want to scout the area stealthily, or enter a zone with a high number of BTs, you can drop the backpack — this gives you more freedom and reduces the risk of damaging the cargo.