How I Reached the Inventor in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

As a dedicated porter in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, I'm always hunting for hidden NPCs that offer unique rewards. The Inventor is one such elusive character, and reaching him is no walk in the park. Located on a tar-surrounded island near the Mine North of F1, this optional unlock requires careful planning and the right gear. In 2026, with the game well into its post-launch lifecycle, I finally decided to track him down. Here's how I managed to connect him to the Chiral Network, and what you can get from him.

First, you need to know where he is. The Inventor resides on an island due north of West Fort Knot, near the mine where you first activate the Monorail. But the island is completely surrounded by tar—a deadly substance that will sink your vehicle, your cargo, and even Sam if you're not careful. So, how do you cross? I tried three methods, and each has its own pros and cons.

Method 1: The Odradek Scanner (Safest and Quickest)

The safest and quickest method I found was using the Odradek scanner. When you scan the tar sea, safe sections appear with a yellow outline. These are the only spots you can traverse without sinking. I carefully walked across these patches, carrying the Inventor's lost cargo on my back. It took some patience, but it worked. Just make sure you don't step outside the yellow lines—one misstep and you'll be swimming in tar.

Method 2: The Monorail Zipline (Resource Intensive)

If you've unlocked the Monorail, you can repair the junctions with chiral crystals, special alloys, and resins. I asked other players for aid via the shared cargo system, and once fully repaired, I used the zipline to traverse. I carried the Inventor's goods on a Floating Carrier and jumped down onto his island. This method is faster but requires resource grinding. You can donate all materials yourself or request aid from the community. Once the junctions are fully repaired, a prompt appears to traverse via zipline. Then, once you're just above the Inventor's island, press the button to jump back down on the ground.

Method 3: Contraptions and Jump Ramp (Most Fun)

For those who have progressed further, the PCC Level 2 unlocks contraptions. This requires connecting the F2 South Distribution Facility. I built a Jump Ramp and used the Tri-Cruiser to leap across the tar. The Pickup Off-Roader is too heavy, so stick with the Tri-Cruiser or go on foot. This is the most fun method, but it requires that initial progression. I loved the feeling of launching over the tar and landing right on the Inventor's doorstep.

Unlocking the Inventor and Earning Rewards

Once you reach the Inventor, he won't automatically join the Chiral Network. You must bring him lost cargo with his tag. I found some on the ground, in MULE Postboxes, and in shared cargo screens at facilities. After delivering, he connected. To increase your reputation, do delivery runs from West Fort Knot back to his settlement—take delivery orders or grab shared cargo from other players.

Here are the rewards I unlocked:

Level	Reward
1	Otter Head
2	Stun Bomb
3	Remote Stun Bomb
4	Bola Stun Gun
5	Inventor Hologram and Otter Hood backpack patch

The Otter Head improves swimming, which is handy for deep water. The stun weapons are great for incapacitating enemies without lethal force. And the hologram is a nice cosmetic touch for your base.

Final Thoughts

So, that's how I reached the Inventor in Death Stranding 2. It's a challenging but rewarding journey. The tar sea is intimidating, but with the right approach, you can conquer it. Whether you use the Odradek scanner, the Monorail, or a Jump Ramp, the key is preparation. As of 2026, the community is still active, so don't hesitate to request aid. Keep on keeping on, porters.