25 articlesThe APAS enhancements system is a brand new mechanic in Death Stranding 2, and it might leave you wondering what’s best to unlock first. This system is functionally similar to a skill tree from most other games, as it allows you to spend a resource to gain a variety of passive bonuses. Some of these can range from small helpful changes to straight-up game-changing ones. Here we will give you recommendations on what to pick first.
Best APAS Enhancements to Unlock First | Death Stranding 2
Before we begin, we just want you to know that the APAS upgrade system unlocks during Order 9 of the main story. If you have yet to get that far, you’ll need to keep playing before you can use this feature!
That aside, it’s also important to know that more nodes in the APAS enhancement tree will unlock as you increase your various Porter Grade stats. Each stat will unlock different enhancement nodes relating to that stat’s playstyle. The system itself lets you unlock these nodes by allocating Memory, which you earn by leveling up Connection Levels and connecting more areas to the Chiral Network.
With those basics laid down, here’s the very early game recommendations for APAS unlocks:
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Death Stranding 2 – Hideo Kojima Constellation Easter EggJul 1, 2025- Simple Noise Canceller (20 Memory) – As simple as its name indicates, this simply silences your footsteps a bit. It’s available from the start, which is when it’s most needed! After all, that’s when you need stealth most…
- Faster Scanner Recharging (40 Memory) – Another simple upgrade, but also a vital one early on when you need stealth the most. It allows you to use your Odradek’s scan more frequently, making it easier to detect enemies.
- Improved MP Bullets (40 Memory) – Makes weapons that use MP bullets more accurate and more deadly. A must-have general combat improvement.
- Swift MULE Postbox Hacking (20 Memory) – A relatively minor quality-of-life upgrade, but it doesn’t cost much to unlock. Makes opening MULE postboxes nearly instant instead of taking about 5 seconds.
- Aim Assistance (80 Memory) – This is a fairly expensive combat enhancement, but one that can help out players not used to playing shooters with a gamepad. It makes aim assist stronger, locking your reticle onto the nearest target when you aim.
Best Mid-Game APAS Enhancements and Beyond
- Emergency Vehicle Charger (90 Memory) – Allows Sam to charge vehicles with his own battery supply. Might save you in a pinch when you’re just a bit short of a proper charger!
- Skeleton Auto Assist (40 Memory) – Another simple but very useful quality-of-life upgrade. It makes it easier for Sam to maintain his balance whenever he’s wearing an active skeleton.
- Carrier Handling Boost (40 Memory) – If you like using floating carriers as a makeshift skateboard (who doesn’t?), this is for you. It makes them drastically more efficient, primarily by preventing you from bumping into obstacles.
- Proximity Scanner (50 Memory) – An automated scanner that periodically pings a 20m radius around Sam. This reveals all nearby enemies and animals, making it much easier to be aware of your surroundings.
- Instant Cargo Binding (100 Memory) – Should you manage to trip and fall, this little enhancement will help you out. Instead of letting all of Sam’s cargo fall all over the place, this will create an electromagnetic field that binds all boxes together.
- Sharing Boost (60 Memory) – Death Stranding has a big focus on its communal asynchronous multiplayer elements, and its sequel is no exception. This helps you make the most of them by allowing you to share more structures and items with other players.
So, there you have it, that’s all of our recommended best APAS enhancements to unlock first in Death Stranding 2. Combine these unlocks with the best starting weapons and your life as a porter should be a tad easier!
