If there’s one thing that can ruin a perfectly planned delivery run in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, it’s Timefall. It’s a supernatural downpour (or rain/snowstorm) that fast-forwards time on (or ages) anything it touches including cargo, gear, structures, and even vehicles. Even veterans of the first Death Stranding will need to adapt in DS2, since the new maps, environmental hazards, and snow mechanics bring fresh challenges.
Thankfully, there are more tools, smarter strategies, and a few tricks to keep your cargo secure and deliveries safe. Here’s everything you need to know about how to spot Timefall in Death Stranding 2, how to avoid it, and what to do if it damages you and your delivery.
How to Spot Timefall in Death Stranding 2
The biggest mistake new porters make is to walk straight into a Timefall zone without realizing it. The game gives you plenty of warning if you’re aware of them. Before leaving the distribution center, check the weather forecast on your map. If you’ve connected the Weather Station early in the game, you’ll see circular red zones with Timefall mentioned text showing where Timefall takes place. Once you know the affected areas, reroute around danger zones whenever possible, and plan shortcuts that reduce exposure time. Even if you must cross a Timefall area, keep information on the nearest shelters.
There are two types of Timefall in the game—regular and torrential. Both will eat through your cargo containers, but torrential Timefall does it faster, and it appears in locations alongside BTs to fight. What Timefall does is it corrode the cargo containers and, if left long enough, damage the contents inside. It further accelerates environmental wear on structures and mostly coincides with BT territory, turning a bad day into a nightmare.
How to Avoid Timefall Rain in Death Stranding 2
Unlocked after Order No. 5, Timefall Shelters are the mobile safe havens. You’ll need a PCC to build one, and they’re worth every Chiral Crystal and Metal chunk you spend. To construct it, open the Weapon/Tool menu, choose PCC, and then Timefall Shelter. Hold L2 and point your camera at the ground area where you want to place the shelter, and press R2 to build it there.
This is what Timefall shelter does:
- Auto-deploy Container Repair Spray to fix damaged cargo packages instantly.
- Emit BT-repellent mist, keeping trouble at bay.
- Provide a place to rest, refill canteen, and wait out the storm.
- Can be upgraded for durability, aesthetics (you can add custom music), and better protection.
You can wait in the shelter for the storm to stop, or if in a hurry and have other tasks to do, leave the cargo behind in this protective place and come back later to pick up once the weather becomes clear.
Tip: Place shelters in high-risk zones you frequent. Over time, you’ll create a network of “storm bunkers” that make delivery life more easy.
How to Repair the Effects of Timefall Rain
There will be times when you can’t avoid the Timefall rain due to miles from shelter, on foot with no vehicle cover, or maybe you just like living dangerously. In these cases, Container Repair Spray repairs the gear from Timefall effects. You can get the spray by fabricating at delivery terminals (costs ~20 Chiral Crystals & 10–40 Metal), loot from enemy camps and preppers, and sometimes gifted via online aid requests.
To use Container Repair Spray, equip from Tools, aim (L2), and spray (R2) directly at the cargo. It works best out of the rain; spraying during active Timefall is less effective, and it only repairs containers, not the inside items.
Vehicle & Gear Strategies
- Backpack Covers: Keeps cargo dry in light Timefall. Useful for hikers who avoid vehicles.
- Trucks & Off-Roaders: Park under a Timefall Shelter to repair all cargo inside.
- Safehouses & Distribution Centers: Private Rooms fully restore cargo condition and give you a weather break.
In areas with torrential Timefall, killing all closer BTs can clear the temporary skies. So, drop cargo under cover, use Hematic weapons or Prototype MP Bullets to deal with BTs, and once all are defeated, get your cargo and move before the rain returns. It’s risky, but it can save a run when the Timefall storm is blocking your only path.
