TL;DR
- Complete Order No. 29 to connect The Mechanic to the Chiral Network
- Successfully clear the Armed Survivalist camp and retrieve the coffin
- Deliver the coffin to The Mechanic near Motherhood shelter
- Receive Instant Camera as reward for mission completion
- Use camera in DHV Magellan private room for best results
Beyond the core gameplay of cargo delivery and supernatural encounters, Death Stranding 2 introduces several immersive side features that enhance the player experience. While the standard photo mode received significant upgrades from the original title, the newly introduced Instant Camera mode offers a distinct approach to documenting your adventures with the Drawbridge team. This specialized photography tool provides unique functionality that sets it apart from conventional in-game cameras.
The Instant Camera’s debut at Tokyo Games Show generated substantial excitement among the gaming community, showcasing remarkably lifelike character animations blended with playful interaction possibilities. For players seeking to preserve special moments with their crew members and create lasting visual mementos, understanding this feature’s capabilities is essential.
It’s crucial to recognize that the Instant Camera operates differently than the basic photo mode available from the game’s outset. The standard photography tool is accessible immediately, whereas the Instant Camera requires completion of specific story progression. Approximately midway through your journey, you’ll encounter a primary mission directive involving delivery to The Mechanic, which serves as the gateway to obtaining this unique equipment.






Mastering the Instant Camera requires understanding its operational environment. The most effective photography sessions occur within Sam’s private quarters aboard the DHV Magellan, where controlled lighting and multiple backdrop options create ideal conditions. Unlike the standard photo mode that freezes gameplay, the Instant Camera captures spontaneous moments during natural character interactions.
Strategic positioning plays a crucial role in achieving compelling compositions. Position your subjects near windows for natural illumination or utilize the various room settings to establish different moods. The camera’s unique capability to capture crew members in candid poses adds authenticity to your photographic collection that posed shots cannot replicate.


Advanced players should consider several optimization strategies when utilizing the Instant Camera. Schedule photography sessions after major story developments when crew morale is elevated, resulting in more expressive poses. Avoid attempting photos during adverse weather conditions or when team members are fatigued, as these factors negatively impact image quality and subject cooperation.
Common errors include neglecting camera maintenance between uses, attempting photography in hostile territories, and overlooking the importance of relationship levels with crew members. Higher affinity characters exhibit more varied and engaging poses, significantly enhancing your photographic archive’s diversity and emotional resonance.
The Instant Camera serves not merely as an aesthetic tool but as a narrative device that documents your journey’s evolving relationships. Each photograph becomes a tangible record of connections forged throughout your odyssey across the fractured American landscape.
Action Checklist
- Progress through main story until Order No. 29 becomes available
- Prepare combat gear and supplies before approaching Armed Survivalist camp
- Clear enemy encampment and secure the coffin objective
- Transport coffin to The Mechanic near Motherhood shelter
- Return to DHV Magellan private room to access camera functions
No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » Death Stranding 2: How to Unlock Instant Camera to Photograph Your Crew Complete guide to unlocking and mastering the Instant Camera feature in Death Stranding 2 for capturing memorable crew photos
