How to Build Transponders in Death Stranding 2 (July 2025 Guide)

27th June, 2025

Ready to master instant travel in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach? I've spent countless hours perfecting my transponder network across Australia, and I'm here to share everything you need to know about building and using these game-changing structures.

Whether you're tired of those long treks back to previously visited locations or want to quickly check on your facilities, transponders are your ticket to efficient fast travel. Let me walk you through exactly how to unlock, build, and optimize these essential tools in your porter arsenal.

Table of Contents

What Is a Transponder in Death Stranding 2?

In the world of Death Stranding, transponders aren't just your typical radio devices. These revolutionary structures allow Sam to perform "Beach Jumps" – instant teleportation between connected points on the Chiral Network. Think of them as personal teleportation pads that harness the power of the Beach to move you across vast distances instantly.

Heartman, our favorite death-obsessed scientist, invented these structures after his extensive time spent on the Beach. He managed to replicate the beach-jumping ability that previously only Fragile could perform, making it accessible to all porters through technology.

The best part? Once unlocked, all major distribution facilities and constructed safe houses automatically get transponders built on top of their buildings. However, not every prepper facility comes equipped with one, which is where your construction skills come in handy.

When Do You Unlock Transponders?

Here's the crucial timing information you need to know:

Episode Requirement: Transponders unlock after you reach Episode 7 in the main storyline
Story Trigger: You'll unlock the blueprint right after recruiting Heartman to the Drawbridge crew
Order Number: This happens after completing Order No. 23 in Australia

Once unlocked, the game immediately upgrades all your connected facilities with built-in transponders, marked by umbrella icons on your map. This instant network gives you a solid foundation to build upon.

Requirements for Building a Transponder

Before you can start building your transponder network, you'll need:

Essential Equipment

PCC Level 2: This is non-negotiable – Level 1 PCCs cannot build transponders
Chiral Network Connection: The area must be connected to the network
Sufficient Chiral Bandwidth: Each structure consumes bandwidth

Material Costs

While the exact material requirements can vary based on difficulty settings, you'll generally need:

Metals (amount varies by location)
Chiral Crystals (for maintenance and upgrades)

Location Requirements

Must be within Chiral Network coverage
Cannot overlap with existing structures
Needs relatively flat terrain for placement

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Transponder

Follow these steps to build your first transponder:

1. Equip Your PCC Level 2

Open your cargo menu
Select the PCC Level 2 from your inventory
Equip it to your active slot

2. Select Transponder from Build Options

Hold L2 to enter construction mode
Press down on the D-pad to cycle through structures
Select the Transponder option (found next to zip lines)

3. Find the Perfect Location

Look for the hologram to turn blue (valid placement)
Avoid red holograms (invalid locations)
Consider strategic positions near important routes

4. Initiate Construction

Press X (PlayStation) to confirm placement
Watch as the fabrication begins automatically
Construction completes within seconds

5. Test Your New Transponder

Approach the completed structure
Press Square to interact
Select your destination from available transponders

How to Use Transponders for Fast Travel

Using transponders is straightforward once you understand the system:

From Field Transponders

Stand on the transponder platform
Press Square to activate
Choose your destination from the network map
Confirm to initiate Beach Jump

From Distribution Centers

Access the Delivery Terminal
Navigate to "Facility Features"
Select "Beach Jump" option
Pick your destination and confirm

Important Limitations

Remember these crucial restrictions when using transponders:

No Cargo Transport: All cargo gets left behind in private lockers
Sam Only: Vehicles and companions cannot travel
Limited Gear: Only weapons in racks and utility pouch items travel with you
No Backpack: Your entire backpack stays at the origin point

Strategic Transponder Placement Tips

After building dozens of transponders across Australia, here are my top placement strategies:

1. Bridge Key Routes

Place transponders at bottleneck locations where multiple delivery routes converge. This maximizes their utility for quick repositioning.

2. MULE Territory Borders

Build transponders just outside MULE camps. Perfect for quick escapes or returning after clearing camps.

3. Resource Collection Points

Position them near areas rich in materials or chiral crystals for efficient farming runs.

4. Prepper Facilities

Not all preppers have built-in transponders. Adding one nearby saves significant travel time for connection building.

5. Safe House Integration

When building safe houses, always include a transponder for maximum fast travel coverage.

Transponders vs Other Fast Travel Methods

Death Stranding 2 offers three main fast travel options:

DHV Magellan (Unlocks Order 12)

Pros: Carries all cargo, covers long distances
Cons: Limited to tar current locations, requires docking

Transponders (Unlocks Episode 7)

Pros: Instant travel, buildable anywhere, no loading screens
Cons: No cargo transport, requires PCC Level 2

Hot Springs (Secret Method)

Pros: Provides buffs, unique locations
Cons: Very limited locations, no cargo

For quick repositioning and checking on facilities, transponders remain the most flexible option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from my early game errors:

Building Too Close Together: Spread them strategically – you're wasting bandwidth otherwise
Ignoring Maintenance: Transponders degrade in timefall, maintain them regularly
Forgetting Cargo: Always check what you're carrying before jumping
Poor Placement: Building in low-traffic areas wastes resources
Neglecting the Network: More connections mean more jump points

Advanced Transponder Strategies

Network Optimization

Create a web of transponders connecting:

Major distribution centers
Resource-rich areas
Difficult-to-reach locations
Your personal safe houses

Combat Applications

Use transponders for:

Quick escapes from BT areas
Repositioning during MULE raids
Accessing elevated positions for sniping

Delivery Efficiency

While you can't transport cargo, transponders help by:

Allowing quick facility checks
Enabling fast material gathering
Facilitating structure maintenance runs

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Cannot Build Here" Errors

Check Chiral Network coverage
Ensure sufficient bandwidth
Verify PCC is Level 2

Transponder Not Appearing in List

Confirm area is connected to network
Check if structure has degraded
Verify you're within range

Cannot Transport Items

This is normal – transponders don't carry cargo
Use DHV Magellan for cargo transport
Items remain in private lockers for retrieval

Maximizing Your Transponder Network

To get the most from your transponders:

Plan Your Network: Map out key locations before building
Collaborate Online: Other players' transponders enhance your network
Regular Maintenance: Keep them repaired for reliability
Strategic Upgrades: Focus on high-traffic transponders first
Combine Methods: Use with zip-lines for ultimate mobility

FAQs About Transponders in Death Stranding 2

Can I upgrade transponders?

While transponders don't have traditional upgrade levels like bridges, maintaining them ensures continued operation and prevents degradation.

Do transponders work offline?

Yes, but you'll only have access to your own transponders and those at major facilities, missing out on the community-built network.

Can other players use my transponders?

Absolutely! This is part of the Social Strand System. Your transponders appear in other players' worlds, helping the community.

What happens to my cargo when I beach jump?

All cargo is automatically stored in a private locker at the transponder you jumped from. You can retrieve it anytime.

Is there a limit to how many transponders I can build?

You're limited by available Chiral bandwidth in each region. Manage your structures wisely.

Can I delete transponders I no longer need?

Yes, access the map menu and hover over any structure to dismantle it, freeing up bandwidth.

Start Building Your Network Today

Transponders revolutionize travel in Death Stranding 2, transforming the challenging Australian landscape into a connected network of instant travel points. While they can't replace the DHV Magellan for cargo transport, they're invaluable for quick repositioning, facility management, and emergency escapes.

Remember, the key to an effective transponder network is strategic placement and regular maintenance. Start with major routes, expand to resource areas, and don't forget to help your fellow porters by building in useful locations.

Now get out there and start connecting Australia, one transponder at a time. Your future self will thank you when you need to quickly return to that remote prepper facility!