
The Southern Environmental Observatory in Death Stranding 2 is a key location that offers players a mix of challenges and rewards. This guide provides a detailed overview of the observatory, including its role in the game, the unique threats it presents, and the rewards available as you build your reputation. Whether you’re looking to optimize your deliveries or unlock exclusive upgrades, this resource will help you navigate the observatory’s complexities and make the most of your in-game experience.
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Nearby Shelters
About Southern Environmental Observatory
The Southern Environmental Observatory monitors a region of Australia known for the instability of its tar currents and chiral fields. Ghost mech activity has become more conspicuous in the area of late, and there was some doubt whether a secure chiral network connection could be established there at all.
As if on cue, a unit of ghost mechs appeared in the area just before the mission to connect the Southern Environmental Observatory to the chiral network got underway. Sam and his comrades worked together to successfully bring the facility onto the network, only for Higgs to appear and torture Sam by setting him alight.
Although Higgs seems to have left the area, numerous other threats remain, and Drawbridge have decided to keep a close watch over the observatory.
Administrator: Gregory Southall

A staff member at the Southern Environmental Observatory, Gregory, has noticed that the appearance of ghost mech soldiers is always accompanied by anomalous spikes of chiral radiation. The interference differs from the radiation of ordinary chiral fields, resembling a storm of white noise that shifts direction violently. Asking the Phantom Smith for his thoughts, he was advised that what he was observing was, in fact, a ghost field.
Gregory believes this ghost field is to blame for the poor chiral network performance that has plagued the Southern Environmental Observatory, and the network cannot be safely extended any further until the issue is resolved.
To do so would involve finding some way of preventing the ghost fields from interfering with the chiral network.
Rewards: Southern Environmental Observatory
Each Knot City and Shelter has a five-star reward system, granting rewards and upgrades with every star reached. Gain more reputation by delivering goods. APAS firmware upgrades, bandwidth increases, and Material Allotment increases are granted with every star reward. Shelters additionally offer Sam a place to rest at the 5-Star level.
Porter-to-Porter Advice
Struggling to find enough cargo to boost Sam’s reputation with Southern Environmental Observatory? There’s a simple solution. Open the Ring Terminal menu and head to the “Orders” section. From there, navigate to the “Search” tab and select Southern Environmental Observatory under “Delivery/Report Destination.” Confirm your search, and you’ll receive a list of available Order Locations for Southern Environmental Observatory. It’s a quick and convenient way to make a Porter’s job a whole lot easier.
2-Star Reward
Lightweight Machine Gun Lv1 [MP Bullets]

A lightweight (LW) variant of the machine gun. Although highly portable with a simple construction, it nevertheless retains the impressive full-auto firepower of the standard model.
While the machine gun is capable of dishing out heavy damage, it is susceptible to a high degree of recoil, making it better suited to engagements against larger targets where precision aiming is not critical.
It is equipped with a light that can be used to dazzle nearby enemies.
The upgraded version of the machine gun boasts an increased rate of fire, as well as a mod that makes the recoil far more manageable.
3-Star Reward
Blood Red – Colour

4-Star Reward
Lightweight Machine Gun Lv2 [MP Bullets]

A lightweight (LW) variant of the machine gun. Although highly portable with a simple construction, it nevertheless retains the impressive full-auto firepower of the standard model.
While the machine gun is capable of dishing out heavy damage, it is susceptible to a high degree of recoil, making it better suited to engagements against larger targets where precision aiming is not critical.
It is equipped with a light that can be used to dazzle nearby enemies.
The upgraded version of the machine gun boasts an increased rate of fire, as well as a mod that makes the recoil far more manageable.
5-Star Rewards
1 – Custom Hologram: Gregory Southall

A Hologram of Gregory Southall can now be selected under any Structure Customisation.
2 – Patch 66: Higg’s Guitar

A 1×1 backpack patch that allows the wearer to express their individuality. Serves as proof that you have reached the maximum connection level with the residents of the Southem Environmental Observatory.
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Death Stranding 2
Release: June 26, 2025
Developer: Kojima Productions
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Official Website: https://www.kojimaproductions.jp/en/death-stranding-2