
The Western Environmental Observatory in Death Stranding 2 plays a pivotal role in the game, offering players a chance to explore its unique rewards system and uncover its connection to the mysterious plate gate. This guide provides a straightforward breakdown of the observatory’s significance, the rewards you can earn by increasing your connection level, and insights into its administrator, Peter Gates. Whether you’re aiming to maximize your five-star rewards or simply curious about the observatory’s backstory, this guide has everything you need to navigate this intriguing location.
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About the Western Environmental Observatory
A facility built by the first APAC expedition. It conducts round-the-clock analysis of the Australian environment, observing changes in the climate, the earth’s crust and chiral density levels.
The Death Stranding brought profound environmental changes to Australia. BT areas and chiral clouds appeared, along with timefall and other such phenomena. The appearance of the plate gate has led to even more, and more dramatic, changes. These include phenomena that were not observed in North America (especially not in the IJCA), such as floods, forest fires, tar current anomalies and BTs known as watchers.
These changes are believed to be related to the plate gate, and so the Western Environmental Observatory was established near the gate with the aim of understanding the causal relationship. The focus of its research is not only on the gate itself, but also on the surrounding area.
Several observatories have been established in Australia. Connecting them via the chiral network will improve humanity’s ability to respond to environmental changes and collect data that may allow the location of other plate gates to be predicted.
Administrator: Peter Gates

A staff member of the Western Environmental Observatory.
Peter used to live near the plate gate, and witnessed both its appearance and expansion to its current size. APAC prized his insight, and put him to work at the local observatory. Now, he surveys the surrounding area with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety, seeking answers concerning the origin of the plate gate and the effect it may have on the rest of Australia.
The Brigands in the area, however, view the plate with far less inquisitive eyes, seeing it merely as a portal through which dangerous foreign technology like the chiral network will emerge to take root in Australia. Their siege of the observatory was an effort to prevent this – one that rattled Peter to his core. With the threat neutralised, and the observatory connected, Peter is now hopeful that the chiral network will protect his facility from any future hostilities.
Rewards: Western 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 the Western 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 the Western Environmental Observatory under “Delivery/Report Destination.” Confirm your search, and you’ll receive a list of available Order Locations for the Western Environmental Observatory. It’s a quick and convenient way to make a Porter’s job a whole lot easier.
2-Star Reward
Battle Skeleton Lv1 (Standard, Silver, Gold)

An exoskeleton designed to support the weight of its wearer, increasing their carrying capacity and boosting movement speed.
This model is made for porters making deliveries in extremely hostile and unstable areas, providing essential protection.
Armour plates attached to the hips protect against gunfire, and an electromagnetic shield is deployed when the wearer comes under attack, reducing any damage incurred but draining the battery. Be aware that cargo cannot be attached to the hips when the skeleton is equipped.
Boosting will maximise movement speed but drain the battery.
3-Star Reward
Battle Skeleton Lv2 (Standard, Silver, Gold)

An exoskeleton designed to support the weight of its wearer, increasing their carrying capacity and boosting movement speed.
This model is made for porters making deliveries in extremely hostile and unstable areas, providing essential protection.
Armour plates attached to the hips protect against gunfire, and an electromagnetic shield is deployed when the wearer comes under attack, reducing any damage incurred but draining the battery. Be aware that cargo cannot be attached to the hips when the skeleton is equipped.
Boosting will maximise movement speed but drain the battery. The upgraded version is lighter and more energy efficient. Power output has also been upgraded to further increase carrying capacity.
4-Star Reward
Battle Skeleton Lv3 (Standard, Silver, Gold)

An exoskeleton designed to support the weight of its wearer, increasing their carrying capacity and boosting movement speed.
This model is made for porters making deliveries in extremely hostile and unstable areas, providing essential protection.
Armour plates attached to the hips protect against gunfire, and an electromagnetic shield is deployed when the wearer comes under attack, reducing any damage incurred but draining the battery. Be aware that cargo cannot be attached to the hips when the skeleton is equipped.
Boosting will maximise movement speed but drain the battery. The upgraded version is lighter and more energy efficient. Power output has also been upgraded to further increase carrying capacity.
5-Star Rewards
1 – Custom Hologram: Peter Gates

A Hologram of Peter Gates can now be selected under any Structure Customisation.
2 – Patch 58: Pickup Off-Roader

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 Western 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