Let me tell you about my recent adventure in Death Stranding 2 that had me scaling the mountains of Mexico. As a veteran player who's logged countless hours in Kojima's strange and beautiful world, I've become something of an expert at finding those hidden gems that many players miss. The Artist prepper facility is exactly that kind of hidden treasure, and unlocking her has been one of my more satisfying side quests in 2025's most atmospheric game.
Finding The Artist's Hidden Sanctuary
I remember the first time I spotted her facility on my scanner. Unlike the more accessible Usada Pekora (who you'll naturally unlock through story progression), The Artist is tucked away in a remote corner of Mexico, the game's opening region. She's situated just north of the C1 South Distribution Center, nestled higher up in the mountainous terrain like a hermit seeking solitude from the chaos below.
Getting there was like trying to deliver pizza to an eagle's nest – technically possible but requiring some serious determination. If you've already unlocked the Bokka facility, you'll find yourself in somewhat familiar territory, as they're relatively close to each other.
My Journey Up the Mountain
I cannot stress this enough: bring your tricruiser bike! My first attempt was on foot, and it was about as efficient as trying to mail a letter by throwing it in the general direction of the recipient. The Artist's bunker sits on a steep slope that had me sliding back down more times than I care to admit. The tricruiser made the journey as smooth as spreading butter on hot toast.
The path itself isn't particularly treacherous, but without proper transportation, you'll find yourself gasping for breath like an asthmatic sloth climbing a redwood. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.
The Unlock Method: A Scavenger Hunt
Unlike some preppers who just want you to show up with a smile, The Artist requires a bit more effort. You need to locate and return lost cargo specifically addressed to her facility. It's like trying to impress someone by finding the earring they lost at a festival – oddly specific but deeply appreciated.
I found several pieces near the Former Geophysics Research Lab, with a few more scattered along the path leading to her bunker. My scanner became my best friend during this hunt. Each time it pinged with that distinctive sound, I felt like a metal detectorist who just found a medieval treasure.
Connection Level Rewards: Worth the Climb?
Once I managed to connect Lauren Tsai (The Artist's real name) to the Chiral Network, a whole new world of deliveries opened up. But the real question is: are her rewards worth the effort?
For players who, like me, appreciate the aesthetic elements of gameplay, her rewards are like finding extra sprinkles on an already delicious cupcake. She primarily offers new color options for customization features across her five connection levels.
These might seem trivial to some, but in a game where personal expression through your equipment becomes part of your identity, these color options allow you to stand out in the shared world of other porters. It's like being the one peacock among pigeons when other players spot your distinctively colored gear.
People Also Ask
How long does it take to max out connection with The Artist?
In my experience, reaching maximum connection with The Artist takes approximately 8-10 dedicated deliveries. If you're efficient and use the zipline network (which I highly recommend building in this area), you can max her out in about 2-3 hours of focused gameplay.
Can you miss The Artist entirely in a playthrough?
Absolutely! Unlike mandatory preppers tied to the main story, The Artist is completely optional. Many players complete the game without ever discovering her facility, which is why her unique customization options are somewhat rare to see in the wild.
Are there any unique story elements tied to The Artist?
While not crucial to the main narrative, The Artist does offer some fascinating emails and conversations that provide insight into how creative minds process the post-Death Stranding world. As an art enthusiast myself, I found her perspective particularly refreshing.
FAQ: The Artist in Death Stranding 2
Q: Is unlocking The Artist worth it if I'm just focused on completing the main story?
A: If you're rushing through the main campaign, The Artist might be a detour you can skip. However, her facility's location provides a strategic connection point for your network in the Mexico region, which can make future deliveries more efficient.
Q: What's the minimum equipment I should bring when trying to reach The Artist?
A: At minimum, bring the tricruiser bike, ladder, climbing anchor, and PCC (for building a generator if needed). The journey is like preparing for a camping trip in bear country – better to overpack than find yourself without essentials.
Q: Do I need to complete any specific missions before The Artist becomes available?
A: No specific mission prerequisites exist, but you'll need to have unlocked the C1 South Distribution Center first, as it serves as your nearest reference point to locate her.
I hope this guide helps you add The Artist to your Chiral Network! Remember, in Death Stranding 2, the journey is often more rewarding than the destination – though in this case, both offer their own unique satisfactions. Keep on keeping on, fellow porters!