Conquering the Headless Bikers Quest in Death Stranding 2

Introduction

After two hours of fumbling through the Headless Bikers event in Death Stranding 2, I realized this challenge demands more than just speed. From gear loadout and weather checks to triggering the nighttime sequence precisely, I wasted runs on poor prep. Follow this guide to cut straight to success.

Why This Guide Matters

This side mission combines stealth, high-speed chases, and environmental puzzles at night—elements that can frustrate even seasoned Porters. Clearing it rewards you with a rare prepper connection to the chiral network, the exclusive “Black Drift” track, and the “Headless Riders Exposed” trophy. With proper planning, you’ll finish in 30–45 minutes.

Essentials Before You Begin

• Complete Main Order 031 and Side Order 109 to unlock the Ghost Hunter encounter.
• Have a fully charged trike ready (player-owned or borrowed).
• Pack 1–2 firearms (SMG or assault rifle) and a couple of quick-repair kits.
• Carry basic rain gear, blood grenades, and a medkit.
• Ensure you can rest until night—use a private room or an outdoor sit-and-sleep.

Pro tip: My first try ended when my overloaded trike died at the worst moment. Travel light and prioritize mobility.

1. Trigger the Night Event

The chase only starts after sunset at the eastern marker near the Ghost Hunter’s outpost.

1. Rest until night in a private room, at a shelter bed, or by sitting and sleeping.
2. Deploy or borrow your trike and confirm a full battery.
3. Ride to the eastern waypoint on your map—on foot or another vehicle won’t work.

2. Start the Pursuit

1. Listen for Dollman’s commentary as you near the point.
2. Stop only when prompted by the red terminal light—stay still to trigger the cutscene.

If nothing happens, double-check that it’s night and your trike is functional.

3. Survive the High-Octane Battle

Once the cinematic ends, you’ll face waves of ghost riders in an elevated arena. Victory hinges on two things: agility and firepower.

1. Evade: Weave through ramps and slaloms to stay ahead—riders crash if they lose line of sight.
2. Fire: Switch weapons on the fly or grab pickups along the track. Aim with L2 and shoot with R2 while riding.
3. Ramming: Low on ammo? Angle your trike into a bike to knock it out—just watch your own hull integrity.
4. Boss Wave: The purple-lit rider is the leader. Save ammo for this final showdown and keep moving—he’s faster than the rest.

Insider trick: Jump off small ramps to dodge charges, then land a few shots while riders recover.

4. Wrap Up and Turn In

1. After the boss falls, clear any stragglers.
2. Collect dropped weapons and resources around the arena.
3. Hop back on your trike—it resets to full health.
4. Return to the Ghost Hunter to complete Side Order 110, unlock “Black Drift,” and earn the trophy.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

• No event trigger: Confirm night time and a working trike.
• Trike breaks down: Always start with 100% battery and at least one repair kit.
• Out of ammo: Focus on ramming low-speed riders or loot pickups mid-chase.
• No nearby save point: Manually save in a private room before heading out.

Quick Recap (TL;DR)

• Finish Orders 031 and 109
• Prepare a charged trike, weapons, and repair kits
• Rest until night and ride to the eastern marker
• Trigger the cutscene, then survive waves of headless bikers
• Defeat the purple-lit boss and return to the Ghost Hunter
• Claim “Black Drift” and the “Headless Riders Exposed” trophy

This encounter balances observation with bold moves—master both, and you’ll remember it as one of Death Stranding 2’s standout moments. Good luck, Porter!