How to Solve Headless Riders Riddle in Death Stranding 2 (July 2025)
Have you heard the haunting tales of spectral bikers terrorizing porters on Australia's night roads? I've spent countless hours unraveling this mystery in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and let me tell you – the Riddle of the Headless Riders is one of the most thrilling optional boss encounters Kojima Productions has crafted. Whether you're a trophy hunter aiming for "The Headless Riders Unmasked" achievement or simply want to make the roads safer for fellow porters, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of solving this supernatural mystery.
Table of Contents
What Is the Riddle of the Headless Riders in DS2?
The Riddle of the Headless Riders is an optional boss encounter that becomes available during Episode 8: Deluge in Death Stranding 2. This mysterious quest involves investigating reports of self-driving Ghost Mech bikes that attack porters traveling on Tri-Cruisers at night. Successfully completing this mission not only earns you a bronze trophy but also allows you to connect The Ghost Hunter facility to the Chiral Network, unlocking valuable rewards and future deliveries.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Episode Available | Episode 8: Deluge |
| Required Orders | Sub Order 109 → Sub Order 110 |
| Prerequisites | Connect The Chronobiologist (Main Order 31) |
| Key Items Needed | Tri-Cruiser, Blood Bags, Machine Guns |
| Time Requirement | Must be completed at night |
| Trophy Reward | The Headless Riders Unmasked (Bronze) |
| Additional Rewards | Porter Suit: Woodland, Rocket Box [MP], APAS Enhancement |
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting
Before you can even think about confronting these ghostly riders, there are several crucial steps you need to complete. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after wandering around Australia wondering why I couldn't trigger the quest!
1. Progress Through the Main Story
First and foremost, you need to reach Episode 8 and complete Main Order 31, which involves connecting The Chronobiologist to the Chiral Network. This facility serves as your gateway to the Headless Riders mystery. If you're still in Mexico or early Australia, you'll need to keep pushing through the main story – check out our guide on how long it takes to beat Death Stranding 2 to plan your journey.
2. Accept Sub Order 109
Once The Chronobiologist is connected, interact with their terminal and accept Sub Order 109. This delivery order asks you to transport a package to The Ghost Hunter, an optional facility that many players might miss if they're not exploring thoroughly.
3. Complete the Initial Delivery
Deliver the package from Sub Order 109 to The Ghost Hunter. Here's where things get interesting – unlike most preppers, The Ghost Hunter won't immediately join the Chiral Network. Instead, he'll offer you Sub Order 110: "Uncover the Identity of the Headless Riders and Remove the Threat."
Step-by-Step Guide to Solving the Riddle
Now we're getting to the meat of the encounter. I've refined this strategy after multiple attempts, and following these steps will ensure you're fully prepared for what's coming.
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
Before heading out, you'll want to stock up on essential supplies:
- Blood Bags: At least 3-4 for healing
- Machine Guns: Any variant works, but the LW Assault Rifle [MP] is particularly effective
- Tri-Cruiser: Essential for triggering the encounter (often left by other players near the location)
- Optional: Grenades for extra damage
Step 2: Locate the Encounter Zone
The mission marker will direct you to a location east of The Ghost Hunter. You'll know you're in the right place when you see:
- An abandoned road with destroyed Tri-Cruisers scattered about
- An Auto-Paver station that's currently offline
- A general sense of unease (seriously, the atmosphere here is incredible)
Step 3: Wait for Nightfall
This is crucial – the Headless Riders only appear at night. If you arrive during the day, you have several options:
- Rest on the ground: Hold Square (on PlayStation) to make Sam sit, then select "Sleep"
- Build a Safe House: If you have the materials, this provides a comfortable waiting spot
- Complete nearby deliveries: Make use of the time to increase your connection levels
Step 4: Trigger the Encounter
Once night falls (you'll see the sky darken and stars appear), mount your Tri-Cruiser and approach the Auto-Paver. When you get close enough, you'll notice it begins glowing with an ominous red light. This is your cue that things are about to get wild!
Drive directly toward the glowing Auto-Paver, and a cutscene will trigger. Sam's Tri-Cruiser will be lifted onto a floating highway loop – yes, you read that right, a floating road in the sky! This is where the real battle begins.
Combat Strategy: Defeating the Headless Riders
The combat encounter on the floating highway is unlike anything else in Death Stranding 2. Here's my battle-tested strategy for emerging victorious:
Phase 1: Initial Wave
The first wave consists of 4-6 standard Ghost Mech bikes. These enemies have moderate health and predictable attack patterns:
- Keep Moving: Never stop or slow down significantly
- Shoot While Driving: Hold R1 and aim in the direction of enemy bikes
- Ram Strategically: If a bike gets too close, ramming deals significant damage
- Watch Your Six: Bikes will attack from behind, so check your mirrors
Phase 2: The Boss Bike
After defeating the initial wave, a distinctive boss bike appears, identifiable by:
- Blue glowing lights (instead of red)
- Significantly higher health pool
- More aggressive attack patterns
- Faster movement speed
Boss Strategy Tips:
- Focus all firepower on the boss while avoiding smaller bikes
- Use the curved sections of the road to create distance
- Save grenades for this phase if you brought any
- Don't get greedy – consistent damage is better than risky plays
Phase 3: Cleanup
Once the boss falls, you'll need to eliminate any remaining standard bikes. By this point, you should have the rhythm down, making this phase relatively straightforward.
Rewards and Consequences
Successfully defeating the Headless Riders yields impressive rewards that make the challenge worthwhile:
Immediate Rewards:
- The Headless Riders Unmasked trophy (Bronze)
- Connection with The Ghost Hunter facility
- Fascinating story revelations about the riders' identity
Upon Returning to The Ghost Hunter:
- Porter Suit: Woodland - Excellent camouflage for stealth
- Rocket Box [MP] - Powerful anti-BT weapon
- +35 APAS Enhancement Memory Upgrade
- Black Drift song for your music player
- Material Allotment increase
Common Mistakes to Avoid
During my multiple attempts at this encounter, I've learned several pitfalls that can derail your mission:
- Arriving Without a Tri-Cruiser: Walking or using other vehicles won't trigger the encounter
- Fighting During Daytime: The riders simply won't appear – patience is key
- Insufficient Ammunition: Running out of ammo mid-fight is a death sentence
- Ignoring Blood Bags: The constant damage adds up quickly
- Stopping to Aim: Keep that Tri-Cruiser moving at all times!
Advanced Tips and Strategies
For those looking to optimize their approach or struggling with the encounter, here are some pro tips I've discovered:
Weapon Selection Matters
While any machine gun works, weapons with the [MP] designation are particularly effective as they adapt damage based on your target. The Ghost Mechs seem vulnerable to this adaptive technology.
Use the Floating Road's Geometry
The looping track isn't just for show – use the curves and elevation changes to:
- Break line of sight with pursuing bikes
- Set up ramming opportunities
- Create distance when reloading
Online Features Can Help
If you're playing online, other players' signs and structures near the encounter zone can provide hints about timing and preparation. I've even seen helpful players leave fully-loaded Tri-Cruisers with weapons attached!
Lore Implications and Story Context
Without spoiling too much, the identity of the Headless Riders ties into the larger narrative of Death Stranding 2. The Ghost Hunter's reaction to your success provides fascinating insights into:
- The nature of Ghost Mechs in the post-Stranding world
- Higgs' continued influence on the game's events
- The psychological impact of the Death Stranding on survivors
This encounter brilliantly showcases how Death Stranding 2 weaves optional content into its broader themes of connection and isolation. The fact that porters were being terrorized at night adds a horror element that feels fresh for the series.
Integration with Other Game Systems
Completing the Headless Riders quest has ripple effects throughout your Death Stranding 2 experience:
Enhanced Nighttime Safety
While the roads don't become completely safe, defeating the riders reduces (though doesn't eliminate) hostile encounters in the area during night deliveries.
Ghost Hunter Deliveries
With The Ghost Hunter connected, you gain access to unique standard orders and additional sub-orders that delve deeper into paranormal phenomena across Australia.
Trophy Progress
This bronze trophy contributes to your overall completion percentage and is required for the platinum. If you're going for 100%, this is non-negotiable.
Post-Completion Considerations
After defeating the Headless Riders and connecting The Ghost Hunter, several new opportunities open up:
Continued Relationship Building
The Ghost Hunter's connection can be raised to 5 stars, unlocking additional rewards at each level. This includes exclusive customization options and equipment upgrades.
Future Sub Orders
The Ghost Hunter offers additional supernatural-themed missions, including investigating voidout anomalies and preventing catastrophic events.
Community Impact
In the asynchronous multiplayer, your victory makes the roads safer for other players in your instance, contributing to the game's themes of collective progress.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you're having trouble triggering or completing the encounter, here are solutions to frequent problems:
"The Auto-Paver isn't glowing red"
- Ensure it's actually nighttime (not just dusk)
- Verify you're on a Tri-Cruiser
- Check that you've accepted Sub Order 110
"I keep dying to the boss bike"
- Bring more blood bags (seriously, 5-6 isn't overkill)
- Focus on evasion over damage during critical moments
- Consider lowering the difficulty if you're really struggling
"The encounter won't trigger at all"
- Make sure The Chronobiologist is fully connected
- Confirm you've completed Sub Order 109
- Try reloading the area by fast traveling away and back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replay the Headless Riders encounter?
No, once defeated, the Headless Riders are permanently gone from your game world. The encounter is a one-time event tied to the trophy and story progression.
What happens if I fail the encounter?
If you die during the battle, you'll respawn as usual thanks to Sam's repatriate abilities. The encounter resets, allowing you to try again immediately if it's still nighttime.
Do I need specific weapons to win?
While machine guns are highly recommended, skilled players have completed the encounter using only ramming tactics. However, this approach is significantly more challenging and not recommended for first attempts.
Is this encounter required for the main story?
No, the Headless Riders quest is entirely optional. You can complete Death Stranding 2's main story without ever encountering them. However, you'll miss out on valuable rewards and an exciting boss fight.
Can I complete this in Episode 17 (post-game)?
Yes! If you missed this during your main playthrough, you can return in Episode 17 to complete the encounter. All 42 facilities remain accessible after the credits.
Does difficulty setting affect the encounter?
Yes, playing on higher difficulties increases the Ghost Mechs' health and damage output. If you're struggling, there's no shame in temporarily lowering the difficulty for this encounter.
Final Thoughts
The Riddle of the Headless Riders represents everything I love about Death Stranding 2's optional content. It's mysterious, challenging, and rewards exploration with both gameplay benefits and narrative payoff. After helping dozens of fellow porters through social media and forums tackle this encounter, I can confidently say that preparation is 90% of success.
Whether you're a completionist hunting trophies or simply someone who can't resist a good mystery, solving the Riddle of the Headless Riders is an experience that exemplifies what makes Death Stranding 2 special. The blend of supernatural horror, high-speed combat, and that signature Kojima weirdness creates a memorable boss fight that stands out even in a game full of unique moments.
So mount up, porter. The night roads of Australia await, and those spectral riders won't defeat themselves. Keep on keeping on, and remember – we're all in this together, connected by the strands we forge across this beautiful, broken world.