Death Stranding 2 Guide: Tips to Boost APAS Memory

For veterans of the original game, diving into Death Stranding 2 may initially feel overwhelming due to the myriad of new features introduced. The game presents an array of fresh experiences, including thrilling BT boss encounters and missions focusing on wildlife rescue throughout Australia.

At a glance, the game might seem to adhere strictly to its predecessor’s formula, yet recent enhancements like the APAS system are set to shake things up. This innovative feature offers passive bonuses and upgrades to Sam and his gear, granting players crucial advantages throughout their journey.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the essential steps to unlock APAS Enhancement skills, expand your APAS memory, and highlight some of the most valuable perks drawn from my extensive 50+ hours of gameplay experience.

Unlocking APAS Enhancements

To gain access to more skills within the APAS Enhancements, you must enhance your Porter Grade attributes. As you elevate these attributes, you’ll be rewarded with new, selectable skills throughout your gameplay.

The concept of Porter Grades may appear complex due to its changes from the first installment; however, it largely follows the same progression. You earn increments for each Porter Grade attribute by completing deliveries, provided specific criteria are met.

Here’s a breakdown of the attributes and how you can enhance them in Death Stranding 2:

Porter: Complete deliveries from various sources, including both main story missions and optional tasks.
Combat: Earn points by successfully engaging enemies or BTs in combat or fulfilling combat-specific orders.
Stealth: Approach and defeat enemies undetected, sneak past BT-infested areas, or complete deliveries without alerting hostiles.
Servicemanship: Increase this grade by fulfilling Aid Requests, delivering undamaged cargo, or recovering lost items.
Bridge Link: This aspect is connected to the Strand Multiplayer system, where you increase this grade by liking others’ structures or sharing your own.

Increasing APAS Memory

Enhancing your APAS memory bandwidth revolves around improving your connection level with various facilities and preppers in the game. By boosting these connection levels, you’ll receive memory upgrades that allow for the activation of more enhancements simultaneously.

As you progress, these memory upgrades are provided as Firmware Updates, resembling how your Chiral Network Bandwidth expands to create additional structures. To optimize your APAS Memory allocation, prioritize building connections with every facility you come across, whether through standard deliveries or by returning lost cargo to its rightful owners.

This approach ensures that you can activate the most beneficial skills in the game. For those seeking recommendations, I’ve compiled a selection of my favorite APAS Enhancements below. Keep in mind that their effectiveness may vary based on your preferred gaming style and unlocked abilities.

Top APAS Enhancements

Skeleton Auto-Assist

Type: Porter
Memory Cost: 40

If you love exoskeletons as much as I do—especially the Bokka Skeleton or the superior Boost Skeleton—you may have already activated this enhancement early in your Australian adventure.

The Skeleton Auto-Assist feature allows your exoskeleton to automatically adjust your posture, removing the burden of maintaining balance while transporting substantial cargo—an invaluable skill during lengthy deliveries.

Battery Efficiency Boost

Type: Porter
Memory Cost: 80

When considering universally beneficial enhancements, the Battery Efficiency Boost stands out as it significantly conserves battery usage for your vehicles. While it may seem modest, it becomes essential during mid-game scenarios, where vehicles play a critical role in executing long-distance deliveries.

Increased MP Firing Rate

Type: Combat
Memory Cost: 180

This enhancement is particularly beneficial if your gaming style favors aggressive strategies. The Increased MP Firing Rate boosts the firing speed of your MP weapons and projectiles from grenade launchers. Even if you don’t prefer direct confrontation, enabling this feature during high-stakes moments, like the game’s climax where intense battles ensue, can be highly advantageous.

Augmented Motion Scanner

Type: Combat
Memory Cost: 180

If you enjoy methodically eliminating targets stealthily using your Strand Rope or silenced weapons, you’ll appreciate this enhancement.

The Augmented Motion Scanner extends the visibility duration of your Odradek’s motion results, thus enabling better tracking of enemy movement and locations, as the results typically fade quickly without this upgrade.

Proximity Scanner

Type: Combat
Memory Cost: 50

Complementing the Augmented Motion Scanner, the Proximity Scanner marks and visualizes the silhouettes of all humans and animals within a 20-meter radius.

This tool significantly simplifies stealth operations, especially in conjunction with the Augmented Motion Scanner—creating a formidable combination for anyone looking to take down enemy outposts without triggering full-fledged shootouts.

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