Masks

Masks are wearable accessories and equipment that allow Sam to alter his appearance. While they serve purely cosmetic purposes and function as a form of personal expression, some masks have the potential to offer subtle but useful benefits that can make tough situations a little more manageable—turning what was once just for style into a practical piece of gear.

List of masks

Yōtei Mask

"An unusual mask discovered by the Adventurer in the snowy mountains. It has an otherworldly air to it. When the Adventurer saw the mask, he was reminded of Mount Yōtei in Japan, and named it accordingly. Blocks direct and reflected light."

The Yōtei Mask is a mask that is given to Sam by the Adventurer as a gift for making deliveries. In order to receive the mask, a connection level of at least Level 1 is required. Unlike other masks, this masks holds no additional benefits and is purely cosmetic.

Red Mask

"Higgs's red mask. It has the air of a mysterious power. Mr. Impossible have unleashed the mighty power it contains within—holding your breath while wearing this mask now prevents detection by gazers, catchers, and watchers. Beware, however, that once a catcher has spotted you, holding your breath will not hide you again."

The Red Mask is a unique mask, it is the same one worn by Higgs throughout the story of Death Stranding 2. It is only after defeating Higgs, and subsequently finishing the story, that Sam is rewarded the mask as a momento. While purely cosmetic at first, upon obtaining a Level 3 connection level with Mr. Impossible, the 'power it contains within' is unleashed, allowing Sam the ability to be undetectable by all types of BTs, so long as he maintains his held breath.

Golden Mask

"A golden mask in the shape of a skull. Mr. Impossible have unleashed the mighty power it contains within, and the mask now strengthens any BTs that Sam summons. Blocks direct and reflected sunlight."

The Golden Mask is a familiar and unique artifact, as this was the mask worn by Higgs throughout the events of Death Stranding. Not only did the mask conceal his identity and distance him from his past, it came to symbolize his influence and power. After defeating Higgs and finishing the story, Sam receives the mask as a momento. While cosmetic at first, after obtaining a Level 4 connection level with Mr. Impossible, its powers are unleashed. Due to its strong connection with the other side, wearing it allows Sam to strengthen any BT he summons in his fight against other catchers.

Notes

• The Yōtei mask is an easter egg referencing Ghost of Yōtei, a sequel to Sucker Punch Productions' 2020 title Ghost of Tsushima. The design is identical to the one featured in the game.
• Higgs, Amelie, Sam, and Deadman have all worn the golden mask at one point, willingly or not.