The Tar Therapist is one of the more elusive preppers in Death Stranding, added in the Director’s Cut expansion. Nestled in a secluded cave on the edge of the Central Region’s ominous tar belt, he offers unique rewards for those persistent enough to track down his lost possessions. Connecting with him requires a specific lost cargo delivery, and this guide will walk you through every step of the process, from locating his shelter to retrieving his scattered belongings.
Whether you’re chasing 100% completion or simply want his chiral-protective gear, understanding the lost cargo mechanics tied to this character is essential. The retrieval can be tricky due to enemy activity and harsh terrain, but with the right preparation, you’ll have the Tar Therapist folded into the chiral network and his services at your disposal.
Who Is the Tar Therapist?
The Tar Therapist is a reclusive prepper who has turned the hazardous tar surrounding his home into a form of therapeutic treatment. He believes the tar can absorb and seal away emotional trauma, a concept deeply tied to the game’s themes of connection and isolation. Sam can only encounter him after the main story reaches a certain point (specifically, after completing Episode 5 and progressing far enough into the Central Region). He is not part of the critical path, so many players may overlook him entirely.
His shelter is a small cave carved into a cliffside, accessible only by crossing a section of the tar lake. You will not receive a standard order to connect him; instead, the game prompts you to discover his home and then retrieve his lost cargo. The cargo is crucial because, without it, he will not join the chiral network or offer any of his rewards.
Locating the Tar Therapist’s Shelter
Before you can deliver lost cargo, you must first find the Tar Therapist’s home. The shelter is located in the Central Region, northwest of the Craftsman and directly north of the massive tar lake that dominates the map. To reach it, head to the distribution center south of Lake Knot City, then travel west along the edge of the tar belt. Look for a narrow path that cuts through the cliffs; there is a signpost that might appear once you get close, but on a first visit, you’ll need to rely on your map and scanner.
The exact coordinates are near the western border, where the terrain becomes rocky and uneven. Be prepared for BT activity in the area, especially around the tar itself. It is wise to carry a weapon or use stealth to avoid conflict. Once you find the cave entrance, interact with the terminal to trigger the request for his lost cargo. The game will mark a search zone on your map, but the cargo’s exact position will not be pinned until you get very close.
Finding the Lost Cargo
After speaking with the Tar Therapist, your objective updates to find his lost cargo. The search area is generally within the central-west region of the map, tangled in a mix of rocky outcroppings and MULE territory. The cargo is always located somewhere in this zone, but its exact spawn point can vary slightly between playthroughs.
Spawn Locations
The lost cargo typically appears in one of three places. The most common is a small ruined building just south of the Craftsman’s shelter, guarded by a group of MULEs. Their proximity sensors and cargo themselves make stealth or combat unavoidable. Alternatively, the cargo may be found near the base of a cliff next to a dried riverbed, closer to the tar lake. A third possibility is inside a shallow cave along the western wall of the valley, which may contain BTs if timefall is active.
The cargo itself is labeled as Tar Therapist’s Lost Cargo and will glow orange like other mission-critical items. It is a medium-sized package that must be carried in your hands or on your back. It is not especially fragile, but like all cargo, it will take damage from falls, weapons fire, or timefall. If it is destroyed, you will have to restart the retrieval from the shelter terminal.
Tips for Retrieval
Before heading out, equip yourself for the worst. The MULE camp near the Craftsman is a common hurdle, so bring a Bola Gun or a Sticky Gun to deal with them non-lethally. If you prefer to avoid combat, watch their patrol routes and slip through when they turn away. Timefall can degrade both your equipment and the lost cargo, so carry a container repair spray and wear a sturdy backpack cover.
Use your odradek to scan frequently. The lost cargo is not always out in the open; it might be tucked behind a rock or inside a crate. Listen for the distinct audio ping when a delivery objective is nearby. If you trigger a BT encounter, hold your breath, crouch, and use hematic grenades if necessary. Speed helps, but caution prevents costly mistakes.
Delivering the Lost Cargo
Once you have secured the lost cargo, the return trip to the Tar Therapist can be just as dangerous. The tar lake surrounding his shelter is extremely hostile; stepping into it will quickly drain your stamina and damage any cargo you carry. You must navigate across the solid rock ledges that wind through the tar. There is a specific path that loops around the lake and leads to the cave entrance. If you have built a bridge in the area, it can shortcut part of this journey, but the final approach is always on foot.
When you arrive, hand in the cargo at the terminal. This completes the order and initiates the connection process. The game will reward you with a cutscene of the Tar Therapist accepting his belongings, after which he becomes a fully functional facility on the chiral network. You can then take on standard deliveries to and from his shelter, increasing your star level with him.
Rewards for Connecting the Tar Therapist
Delivering the lost cargo is only the beginning. As you build a relationship with the Tar Therapist by completing deliveries, you unlock several unique items. At two stars, you receive the Chiral Boots, which have enhanced durability and offer slight protection against tar. At four stars, you gain the Cover (Backpack) customization that shields cargo from timefall and tar damage. At five stars, he gives you a hologram and a special color variant for your gear.
His shelter also becomes a valuable rest stop if you are running deliveries in the western reaches of the map. You can claim materials, fabricate equipment, and recharge your exoskeleton there. The Chiral Boots are particularly useful for navigating the rocky terrain north of Mountain Knot City, where normal footwear wears down quickly.
Tips for Efficient Cargo Retrieval
If you want to streamline the process, there are a few advanced tactics. First, you can attempt to find the lost cargo before ever visiting the Tar Therapist. The cargo does not spawn until you have progressed far enough in the story (usually after the Craftsman is connected), but if you stumble upon it early, you can store it in a private locker for later use. When you do meet the therapist, just retrieve the cargo from the locker and turn it in instantly.
Second, consider using a vehicle. The MULE camp and rocky terrain make trikes or trucks tricky, but a well-driven truck can bulldoze through MULEs and carry the cargo safely. Be mindful of battery life and the lack of roads in this region. A carrier bot can also help if you want to free up your hands for weapons.
Finally, always carry extra repair spray. Timefall is unpredictable, and even a small amount of container damage can lower your delivery rating. A perfectly intact cargo yields a higher connection progress toward the next star, which accelerates your reward unlocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tar Therapist’s lost cargo called?
It is labeled as Tar Therapist’s Lost Cargo when you find it in the world. It is a unique mission item that only appears as part of the Tar Therapist introduction order. You cannot confuse it with standard lost cargo that you might pick up for other preppers.
Where can I find the lost cargo for the Tar Therapist?
The cargo spawns within a search zone in the central-west area of the Central Region. Common locations are the MULE camp south of the Craftsman, a cliffside near the tar lake, or a cave along the western valley wall. Use your odradek to scan the area, and the cargo will glow orange when you get close.
Do I need to connect other preppers before accessing the Tar Therapist?
There is no strict prerequisite, but it is recommended to have at least the Craftsman connected so you can fabricate essential gear. You also need to have progressed past Episode 5 to unlock the full Central Region, as the Tar Therapist’s shelter is inaccessible before then.
What rewards do I get for delivering the lost cargo to the Tar Therapist?
Upon initial delivery, you connect him to the chiral network. As you increase his star rating, you unlock Chiral Boots (two stars), a timefall- and tar-resistant backpack cover (four stars), and cosmetic items at five stars. His shelter also provides materials and rest facilities.
Can I find the lost cargo before meeting the Tar Therapist?
Yes, it is possible. The cargo will spawn in the world once you reach the appropriate story point. If you find it early, you can store it in a private locker and turn it in instantly when you later visit the therapist’s shelter. This skips the retrieval segment entirely.
Connecting the Tar Therapist may seem like a minor side objective, but his unique gear makes the hazardous tar lakes and relentless timefall far more manageable. With the lost cargo in hand and a safe route to his cave, you’ll gain a valuable ally in the battle against the elements and isolation. Just keep your odradek ready, watch for BTs, and remember that even the strangest therapists can offer the best protection.
