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Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Guide

All Skeleton Upgrades And Unlock Locations In Death Stranding 2

There are currently 3 Skeleton Types in Death Stranding 2: the Battle Skeleton, Boost Skeleton, and Bokka Skeleton.

3 min readUpdated Jun 2026Verified by GamiDev

Quick Answer

There are currently 3 Skeleton Types in Death Stranding 2: the Battle Skeleton, Boost Skeleton, and Bokka Skeleton. Each Skeleton has three upgrade levels that improve their effectiveness and unlock through facility connection levels.

The Battle Skeleton focuses on combat and defense, the Boost Skeleton increases movement speed, and the Bokka Skeleton is designed for traversing difficult mountain terrain.

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Full Guide

Full Guide Intro

Skeletons are among the most important upgrades Sam can unlock in Death Stranding 2. These powered exoskeletons enhance movement, carrying capacity, combat effectiveness, and terrain traversal, making deliveries far easier throughout Australia.

Each Skeleton specializes in a different role, allowing players to tailor their loadout to specific missions and environments.


Battle Skeleton

The Battle Skeleton is the first Skeleton most players unlock.

This combat-focused exoskeleton provides:

  • Increased carrying capacity.
  • Improved damage resistance.
  • Enhanced movement speed.
  • Better survivability during combat.

Since combat plays a larger role in Death Stranding 2 than the original game, the Battle Skeleton is extremely useful throughout the campaign.

How To Unlock Battle Skeleton

Unlock location:

Western Environmental Observatory

Upgrade Requirements

| Upgrade | Unlock Requirement |
|-----------|-----------|
| Battle Skeleton Lv1 | Connect Western Environmental Observatory during Order 10 |
| Battle Skeleton Lv2 | Reach 3 Stars |
| Battle Skeleton Lv3 | Reach 4 Stars |


Boost Skeleton

The Boost Skeleton returns from the original Death Stranding and remains one of the most popular choices.

Its primary focus is speed.

Benefits include:

  • Faster movement.
  • Improved sprinting.
  • Better long-distance travel.
  • More powerful momentum-based attacks.

Players who prefer efficient deliveries often spend most of the game using this Skeleton.

How To Unlock Boost Skeleton

Unlock location:

The Dowser

Upgrade Requirements

| Upgrade | Unlock Requirement |
|-----------|-----------|
| Boost Skeleton Lv1 | Complete Order 21 |
| Boost Skeleton Lv2 | Reach 3 Stars |
| Boost Skeleton Lv3 | Reach 4 Stars |

The Dowser is automatically unlocked through story progression.


Bokka Skeleton

The Bokka Skeleton is designed specifically for mountain travel.

Unlike the other Skeletons, its purpose isn't speed or combat.

Instead, it helps Sam navigate:

  • Steep slopes.
  • Rocky terrain.
  • Mountain paths.
  • Difficult climbing routes.

Players entering Australia's mountain region will quickly discover how valuable this Skeleton can be.

How To Unlock Bokka Skeleton

Unlock location:

East Fort Knot

Upgrade Requirements

| Upgrade | Unlock Requirement |
|-----------|-----------|
| Bokka Skeleton Lv1 | Complete Order 30 |
| Bokka Skeleton Lv2 | Reach 3 Stars |
| Bokka Skeleton Lv3 | Reach 4 Stars |

Despite its name, the Bokka Skeleton is not unlocked through the Bokka prepper.


Pre-Order And Deluxe Skeleton Variants

Players who purchased special editions of the game receive cosmetic variants of each Skeleton.

Available bonus versions include:

  • Silver Skeletons
  • Gold Skeletons

These variants are purely cosmetic and become available whenever the corresponding base Skeleton is unlocked.


Which Skeleton Is Best?

The best Skeleton depends entirely on your objective.

Best For Combat

Battle Skeleton

Ideal for:

  • Enemy camps.
  • BT encounters.
  • Story missions with heavy combat.

Best For Deliveries

Boost Skeleton

Ideal for:

  • Long-distance travel.
  • Fast deliveries.
  • General exploration.

Best For Mountains

Bokka Skeleton

Ideal for:

  • Snowy regions.
  • Cliffside routes.
  • Difficult terrain.

Many players switch between Skeletons depending on the mission they are about to undertake.


Are There More Skeletons?

At launch, Death Stranding 2 features three Skeleton categories.

While additional Skeletons may be discovered in future updates or hidden content, the currently known roster consists of:

  • Battle Skeleton
  • Boost Skeleton
  • Bokka Skeleton

Each Skeleton offers a complete three-level upgrade path through facility progression.

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Death Stranding 2 Skeleton Guide | Battle, Boost & Bokka Skeletons