In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, some optional NPCs can be tricky customers, and the Ghost Hunter is no exception. Players might think a quick delivery from the Chronobiologist is enough to bring him aboard, but that first handoff barely scratches the surface. As of 2026, the full unlock path has been mapped out: reach Episode 8, take on the Headless Riders, then juggle repeat deliveries across several facilities if you want every reward. Here’s how to get it done without throwing in the towel.

Step 1: Reach Episode 8 and Find the Ghost Hunter

Progress through the campaign until Episode 8: Deluge. After a short while, Sam receives a main mission to meet the Chronobiologist. At that camp, players can craft EX Capture Grenades for grabbing and summoning BTs, which comes in handy later. More importantly, the Chronobiologist has a sub-order called Deliver proof of an attack to the Ghost Hunter.

Pick up that order and head down the sloping path to the north. The Ghost Hunter’s mini-base sits close by. Dropping off the goods still doesn’t connect him to the Chiral Network, so don’t call it a day just yet.

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Step 2: Accept the Headless Riders Mission

To earn the Ghost Hunter’s trust, visit his terminal and select the sub-order Uncover the identity of the Headless Riders and remove the threat. This mission has some clear requirements that can trip up players who rush in.

  • The target zone is northeast of camp, across the river leading back to the Mechanic.

  • You need to ride a Tri-Cruiser.

  • You need to arrive at night.

  • Sleep in a private room to change the day-night cycle.

  • Fabricate a Tri-Cruiser or borrow one left by another player.

  • Bring weapons such as the Bola Stun Gun from the Inventor.

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Once these boxes are ticked, make your way to the marked spot. A glowing red Auto-Pave device should appear, and approaching it triggers a cutscene that kicks off the fight.

How to Beat the Headless Riders Battle

This scrap is no walk in the park. Sam stays on a Tri-Cruiser while dealing with waves of motorcycle-riding enemies. New riders spawn after their allies are taken out, so patience beats panic. The Bola Stun Gun is an ace up your sleeve because it damages opponents and briefly locks them down. Machine guns, assault rifles, and shotguns also work well.

Watch for spinning blade attacks from enemies ahead, plus multiple grenade blasts rolling along the highway. After clearing several red-bike foes, a rider with a blue glow enters the fray. That blue-glowing enemy is the primary target. Take it down and clean up the rest to end the mission.

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Connect the Ghost Hunter and Raise Reputation

After the dust settles, return to the Ghost Hunter’s camp and talk to him. He finally agrees to connect to the Chiral Network. From there, players can deliver cargo to improve reputation. One catch: lost cargo near his camp doesn’t seem to respawn in many playthroughs, so don’t bank on farming it.

Instead, repeat orders from these facilities will keep the Ghost Hunter fed:

Facility Delivery Cargo Weight
Heartman’s Lab Surrealist Painting 8 kg
The Pioneer Meteorite Fragments 360 kg
The Mechanic High-End Audio Devices 40 kg
Eastern Environmental Observatory Special Alloys 60 kg

These missions refresh every few hours, so checking back regularly is part of the long haul. At certain reputation ranks, the Ghost Hunter contacts Sam via SSS. Head back to camp when prompted to tackle his next task.

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Ghost Hunter Reward List

Players who stick with the grind can earn the following:

  • Rank 2: Porter Suit: Woodland and Rocket Box [MP] weapon

  • Rank 3: Phantom Gas Grenade

  • Rank 4: Large Grenade Pouch and Backpack Patch 50: BT Kheir

  • Rank 5: Custom Hologram: The Ghost Hunter and Backpack Patch 47: BT Gigas

Two extra notes are worth remembering. Before rank 5 pops, the Ghost Hunter dishes out a final task involving the BT Gigas boss. Also, if Sam has already finished the game and the ending has been seen, turning on the Drawbridge Q-pid setting makes the Ghost Hunter disappear from camp. Dollman comments on the absence, which unlocks The Real Story of the Ghost Hunter trophy. Players can then turn off the setting to bring the NPC back. With a little persistence, the Ghost Hunter goes from wary loner to fully connected ally. 😎