Death Stranding 2 Inventor Location: How to Find the Hidden NPC and Unlock Top Upgrades

Looking for the Inventor in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach? You’re not alone! This clever NPC is hiding behind a classic Kojima-style puzzle, but finding him is absolutely worth the effort. If you want some of the best upgrades for Sam, here’s exactly where to go and what to do.
- Where to find the Inventor in Death Stranding 2
- How to reach his island in Australia
- Best tips for crossing the tar ocean
- How to get the Inventor to talk to you
- What rewards you get for raising your reputation
Where is the Inventor in Death Stranding 2?
The Inventor is a reclusive NPC tucked away on an island at the far north of the Australia map. You’ll get access to this region at the start of Chapter 3: Drawbridge. While it’s not required, you can make your way to his island as soon as you land in Australia—whether you rush there or wait is totally up to you!
How to Reach the Inventor’s Island
After you enter Australia through the Plate Gate, open your map and you’ll spot the Inventor’s island all the way up north. The trek is long, but it’s doable even if you’re just starting Chapter 3. As you walk, you’ll pass by the Special Alloy Mine—that’s how you’ll know you’re heading in the right direction. When you get to the northern coastline, you’ll see the island, but there’s a catch: there’s no bridge or road. Classic Kojima.
This is where the puzzle begins. You need to cross a tar ocean to reach the Inventor. The Odradek scanner is your best friend here—use it to highlight safe paths. Yellow circles mean shallow tar (safe!), while red circles mean deep, dangerous tar (avoid!). There are a few safe paths, so keep scanning as you walk. If you’ve unlocked vehicles or devices like the monorail, zip line, or Transponder, you can use those too. But early on, walking is your best bet.
How to Talk to the Inventor
Getting to the island is only half the battle. Once you arrive, you might notice you can access the terminal, but no one responds. Here’s the trick: the Inventor only appears if you bring him cargo that’s meant for him. While exploring Australia, you’ll find deliveries for the Inventor—sometimes even on the beach before you cross the tar ocean.
The cargo location can vary, so if you don’t want to scour the beach, just keep playing—eventually, a settlement will offer a delivery for the Inventor. Any package works; once you bring it, he’ll finally acknowledge you and connect to the Chiral Network. Bringing more cargo raises your reputation and unlocks awesome rewards:
- Level 1: Otter Head
- Level 2: Stun Bomb
- Level 3: Remote Stun Bomb
- Level 4: Bola Stun Gun (seriously, one of the best weapons!)
- Level 5: Custom Hologram: The Inventor, Patch 63: Otter Hood
If you want to make the most of your time with the Inventor, aim for at least Level 4 reputation—the Bola Stun Gun is a game-changer for Sam’s arsenal.
More Death Stranding 2 Guides
Want more tips for your journey in Australia? Check out our recommendation on how to change your suit color and keep exploring for hidden secrets!


