How to Get Your First Vehicle in Death Stranding 2 - July 2025 Guide
I've been trekking across the harsh landscapes of Mexico in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and let me tell you - those early hours on foot can be brutal. If you're like me and wondering when you'll finally get some wheels, I've got great news! You can unlock your first vehicle, the Tri-Cruiser, within the first few hours of gameplay. Here's everything you need to know about speeding up your deliveries and leaving those sore feet behind.
Table of Contents
When Do You Unlock Your First Vehicle?
Your first vehicle in Death Stranding 2 becomes available during Episode 1: Sam in Mexico, specifically after completing Main Order 5. This happens relatively early in the game - approximately 3-4 hours into your journey, depending on how much you explore and complete side deliveries.
The Tri-Cruiser (an evolved version of the Reverse Trike from the first game) is your gateway to faster traversal across the vast Mexican and Australian landscapes. Trust me, once you experience the freedom of zooming past areas that previously took ages to cross on foot, you'll never want to go back to walking!
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlock the Tri-Cruiser
1. Progress Through the Main Story
First, you'll need to complete the initial main orders in Mexico. These early missions introduce you to the game's core mechanics and set up the story. On Order 5, you'll receive a crucial task that changes everything.
2. Defeat the First BT Boss
On the 5th main order, you will be tasked to defeat the BTs nearby. This is your first major boss battle in Death Stranding 2, and it takes place near the Old Geophysics Research Laboratory.
The boss fight can be challenging if you're unprepared, so make sure to:
- Stock up on hematic grenades
- Bring blood bags for healing
- Keep your distance and use the terrain to your advantage
- Don't panic when the tar starts rising!
3. Return to the Research Lab
After defeating the boss, you need to head back into the research lab. You will be prompted to enter your private room once again, and you can now finish your talk with Dead Man peacefully. This conversation is important as it unlocks new gameplay features.
4. Talk to Alex Weatherstone
Once the conversation concludes, leave your private room and report to the delivery terminal. Here, you will have a word with Alex, and he will confirm that you can fabricate Tri-Cruisers with two front wheels. This is the moment you've been waiting for!
5. Fabricate Your First Tri-Cruiser
Now comes the exciting part - actually building your vehicle! Here's what you need:
Crafting Requirements:
- 220 metals, 160 ceramics, and 10 chemicals
To fabricate:
- Access the delivery terminal
- Select the Garage option
- Choose Fabricate Vehicles
- Select the Tri-Cruiser
- Confirm the fabrication
The fabricated bike will appear in the lab as you head out. Your shiny new ride will be waiting for you, ready to tackle the challenging terrain ahead!
Alternative Ways to Get Vehicles Early
While waiting to unlock the Tri-Cruiser through the main story, there are a few other options for impatient porters:
Steal from Enemy Camps
You can steal an Offroader Pickup in a Bandit Camp in the region, but you can only charge it and won't be able to repair it. The Bandit Base Northwest of C1 in Mexico often has vehicles you can "borrow," though they come with limitations.
Online Player Vehicles
If you're playing with online features enabled, other players may leave pre-built Trikes near hubs or shelters. These community-placed vehicles can save you materials and time—just make sure to like them as thanks!
Essential Vehicle Tips for New Riders
Battery Management
Similar to the first game, the remodeled trike called Tri-Cruiser consumes battery while riding. Here's how to keep your ride powered:
- Carry a PCC (Portable Chiral Constructor) to build generators when needed
- Traveling via built roads and within preppers' locations won't consume any battery
- Park in sunny areas for passive solar charging
- Use garages at major facilities for instant charging
Vehicle Upgrades
As you progress and increase your connection levels with facilities, you'll unlock valuable upgrades:
- You can unlock armors, extra battery units, and anti-gravity units for your vehicle as you progress through the story
- If you get to two stars with the Former Geophysics Research Lab in Mexico, you'll get some additional armour to protect Sam that you can fabricate for the trike
Terrain Navigation
The Tri-Cruiser excels at:
- The Tri-Cruiser is a nimble trike with high mobility and speed—it can even do wheelies to get over rough terrain better or boost if you click the stick
- Navigating narrow mountain paths
- Quick escapes from MULE camps
- Crossing shallow water (though this drains battery faster)
Why the Tri-Cruiser Changes Everything?
After hours of careful foot placement and balance management, the freedom of vehicular travel in Death Stranding 2 feels revolutionary. The Trike marks a turning point in your journey—it's when the map starts to feel a little smaller, and deliveries become smoother and more strategic.
The Tri-Cruiser isn't just transportation; it's your lifeline in the vast open world. It allows you to:
- Complete time-sensitive deliveries with ease
- Carry significantly more cargo
- Explore optional areas without the fear of running out of stamina
- Escape dangerous situations quickly
Looking Ahead: More Vehicles to Come
While the Tri-Cruiser is your first taste of vehicular freedom, it's just the beginning. As you progress through Death Stranding 2, you'll unlock:
- Pickup Off-Roader: Though not quite as fast and nimble as the Tri-Cruiser, it has a massive cargo capacity, letting you lug around all sorts of goods and drop them off wherever you need to go.
- Coffin Board: A unique floating device unlocked later in the story
- Various vehicle customizations and variants
For now, though, focus on getting that Tri-Cruiser. Trust me, your back (and Sam's) will thank you!
FAQs
How long does it take to unlock the first vehicle in Death Stranding 2?
You can unlock the Tri-Cruiser within 3-4 hours of starting the game, after completing Main Order 5 and defeating the first BT boss in Episode 1.
Can I get a vehicle before the official unlock?
Yes! You can steal vehicles from Bandit camps (though they can't be repaired) or use vehicles left by other online players if you're playing with network features enabled.
What materials do I need to craft the Tri-Cruiser?
You need 220 metals, 160 ceramics, and 10 chemicals to fabricate your first Tri-Cruiser at any facility with a garage.
Do vehicles require maintenance in Death Stranding 2?
Yes, vehicles take damage from timefall rain and collisions. You can repair them at garages in major facilities or aboard the DHV Magellan (unlocked later).
Can I customize my Tri-Cruiser?
Absolutely! As you increase connection levels with facilities, you'll unlock armor plating, extra battery units, and other enhancements for better performance.
Does the Tri-Cruiser work in all terrain types?
While versatile, the Tri-Cruiser performs best on roads and relatively flat terrain. It can handle rough areas with its wheelie function but struggles in deep water or extreme rocky terrain.
How do I charge my vehicle's battery?
You can charge vehicles by parking at facility garages, building generators with your PCC, driving on powered roads, or letting them solar charge during rest periods.
Conclusion
Getting your first vehicle in Death Stranding 2 is a game-changing moment that transforms the entire experience. By following this guide and defeating that first BT boss, you'll soon be cruising across Mexico on your very own Tri-Cruiser. Remember to manage your battery wisely, take advantage of online features, and don't forget to customize your ride as you progress.
The vast world of Death Stranding 2 becomes much more manageable with wheels beneath you. So gear up, porter – it's time to leave those walking shoes behind and embrace the open road!