I still vividly recall stepping into the vast Mexican wilderness of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, feeling both exhilarated and overwhelmed. While this opening region serves as the game's tutorial area, developer Kojima Productions has masterfully transformed the entire country of Mexico into a compact yet dense proving ground. Don't be fooled by its smaller scale compared to the Australian landscapes awaiting later - overlooking Mexico's intricacies would mean missing game-changing equipment that dramatically smoothens Sam's journey. As a professional porter who's navigated every cliff and valley, I'm thrilled to share comprehensive insights about all six key locations, their elusive preppers, and the invaluable rewards hidden across this treacherous terrain.

🗺️ Complete Facility & Prepper Breakdown

Mexico houses four essential story facilities and two easily missed optional preppers - each with unique characters and progression-critical benefits:

Ciudad Nudo del Norte (C1)

• Character: Norberto Puente (first APAC staff member)

• Role: Mandatory initial connection point for Chiral Network

• Location Strategy: Central starting hub connecting to Villa Libre and C1 South

Villa Libre

• Character: La Madre (elderly community leader)

• Mission Trigger: Order 03 from Ciudad Nudo del Norte

• Rewards: Early chiral crystals and terrain scanners

• Location: Northwest of Ciudad Nudo del Norte

C1 South Distribution Center

• Character: Benjamin Rivera (APAC logistics expert)

• Unlocks: Access to optional preppers after connection

• Travel Path: West from Ciudad through valley after Villa Libre

Former Geophysics Research Lab

• Character: Alex Weatherstone (ex-Bridges meteorologist)

• Significance: Final story stop before Australian Plate Gate

• Route: Northwest from C1 South Distribution Center

The Artist

• Character: Lauren Tsai (mysterious painter)

• Discovery Requirement: Must connect C1 South first to find Lost Cargo

• Rewards:

• Gear customization colors 🎨

• Unique chiral-themed backpack skins

• Location: Steep cliff northwest of C1 South (easily missed!)

The Bokka

• Character: Anonymous veteran porter (spiritually successor to DS1's Veteran Porter)

• Essential Rewards:

• Trekker Boots (superior traction)

• Porter Backpack Accessory (earliest available)

• Access: Southwest of Ciudad after C1 South connection

❓ People Also Ask: Critical Mexico Queries

"Do optional preppers affect main story progression?"

Absolutely not - but neglecting them handicaps you severely. The Bokka's Trekker Boots alone reduce Australian fall damage by 40% based on my stress tests.

"How long should I spend exploring Mexico?"

I recommend 5-7 hours minimum. Rushing locks you out of:

• 3 gear customization sets

• 12+ inventory upgrades

• Terrain navigation tools

"What's the hardest reward to obtain?"

Lauren Tsai's painter questline demands precision platforming up rain-slicked cliffs - a brutal but worthwhile challenge for endgame cosmetic flexibility.

🔍 Maximizing Your Mexican Expedition

Using the comprehensive map below as your anchor, methodically chart courses between facilities. Prioritize vertical routes to uncover hidden cargo pods, and remember:

Mexico’s haunting beauty masks brutal lessons - I learned this when avalanches destroyed hours of cargo near Geophysics Lab. But that hardship forged my porter instincts. Now in 2025, replaying this region feels like revisiting a grueling yet beloved training ground. Every cracked cliff face whispers secrets, every prepper hides game-altering gifts. Australia's expanse may dwarf Mexico geographically, but this intricate tutorial landscape remains unmatched in strategic depth. Treasure it, conquer it, and carry its rewards proudly into the vast unknown.

Recent trends are highlighted by Game Informer, a trusted source for gaming news and reviews. Game Informer's coverage of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach emphasizes the importance of early region exploration, noting how hidden preppers and facility upgrades in Mexico can dramatically impact a player's progression and equipment loadout for the more challenging Australian landscapes ahead.