Hideo Kojima is known for a lot of things. Polished cinematics. Fourth-wall-breaking gameplay. But mostly, the man just loves his famous friends. If you've spent any time trekking through the post-apocalyptic United States of Death Stranding, you know the vibes are usually pretty bleak. It’s a lot of rain, ghostly BTs, and Sam Porter Bridges groaning under the weight of too many cargo boxes.
Then you meet the Wandering MC. Or, as the rest of the world knows him, Conan O’Brien.
Honestly, it’s one of the weirdest moments in a game that features a baby in a jar and grenades made of sweat. Conan doesn’t just show up for a quick "hello." He leans into the bit, tells some truly questionable jokes about otters, and hands you what is arguably the most ridiculous—yet secretly useful—piece of gear in the entire game. If you're looking for the Death Stranding Conan O'Brien cameo, you aren't just doing it for the laughs. You’re doing it for the Sea Otter Hood.
Where is Conan O’Brien Hiding?
You won't find Conan just wandering the paths of the Central Region. He’s tucked away in a hole. Literally. He lives with a character known as the Cosplayer, and their shelter is notoriously easy to miss if you aren't looking for the specific dip in the terrain.
To trigger the encounter, you need to be in Episode 3. Look for Order 37: Sewing Kit Delivery: Cosplayer. You’ll usually pick this up at the Distribution Center South of Lake Knot City. Some players have reported it popping up after Order 38 at different terminals, so if it's not there, check nearby facilities or take a quick nap in a private room to refresh the list.
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The Cosplayer’s shelter is located in a rocky ravine between South Knot City and the Weather Station. It’s a jagged, craggy area where you’ll often see abandoned trucks from other players who thought they could drive through the rocks. Bad idea. Park the trike and walk down.
Why the Sea Otter Hood Actually Matters
Once you deliver those sewing kits, Conan (the "Wandering MC") appears as a hologram. He does a monologue about sea otters. It’s classic Conan—self-deprecating, slightly manic, and completely out of place in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction.
He gives you the Sea Otter Hood. At first, it looks like a joke. When you put it on, Sam gets ears and a little tail. But here’s the thing: it changes how you interact with water.
- No more sweeping currents: Usually, if Sam gets caught in a deep river, he struggles, loses stamina, and eventually gets swept downstream, losing his cargo.
- The Otter Paddle: With the hood equipped (press up on the D-pad to find it in your hat menu), Sam flips onto his back. He starts paddling like an actual otter.
- Total Control: You can do barrel rolls. You can move against the current. It basically turns deep water from a death trap into a swimming pool.
The Story Behind the Cameo
This wasn't just a random business deal. In 2018, Conan visited Kojima Productions in Tokyo for his "Clueless Gamer" segment. The footage of that visit is great—Kojima is showing Conan the 80-camera scanning rig, and Conan is asking why the game is so "weird."
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Kojima, being Kojima, just asked him on the spot: "Do you want to be in the game?"
Conan said yes, got scanned, and the rest is history. Interestingly, Kojima originally wanted the reward to be a full Sea Otter Suit. He mentioned on social media that the original plan was a full-body outfit that would adjust to all the gear Sam carries. They ran into technical hurdles with the "collision" of the baggage and the suit, so they scaled it back to just the hood. Honestly, seeing Norman Reedus in a full otter onesie might have been too much, even for this game.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Cameo
A lot of players think Conan is just a one-and-done Easter egg. That’s not quite true. Like other preppers, you can level up your relationship with the Cosplayer and the Wandering MC.
Increasing your "connection level" with them unlocks better equipment, like the Large Capacity Grenade Pouch. While the otter jokes might get old, the utility of their shelter doesn't. Also, keep an eye on your emails in-game. Conan will send you some truly bizarre messages that expand on his "research" into otters.
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Is He Coming Back for Death Stranding 2?
As we move into 2026, everyone is looking toward the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. During a recent "Clueless Gamer" segment for the Director's Cut, Kojima told Conan, "I want to scan you again."
While it hasn't been 100% confirmed if he'll play the same "Wandering MC" or a new character, the rapport between them makes it almost certain he’ll show up. Some leaks suggest the Sea Otter Hood itself is returning, though maybe through a different NPC called "The Inventor." Regardless, the Conan cameo set the template for the game's celebrity culture—turning real-world icons into weird, holographic hermits.
Next Steps for Your Delivery Run:
If you haven't found him yet, head to the Distribution Center South of Lake Knot City right now. Look for the "Sewing Kit" order. If you've already got the hood but haven't used it, find a deep river (the one near the Timefall Farm is perfect). Jump in, equip the hood, and try the barrel roll. It makes the tedious trek through the Central Region a lot more bearable.