In Death Stranding, convincing Lockne to join the Chiral Network at Mountain Knot City is one of the pivotal narrative hurdles players encounter. Initially, Lockne refuses Sam's requests due to deep-seated grief and resentment regarding her twin sister, Mama. Understanding the specific story steps and order of operations is essential for advancing through this crucial phase of the campaign.
Understanding Lockne's Refusal at Mountain Knot City
When Sam first arrives at Mountain Knot City, Lockne remains firm in her decision to isolate her facility from the rest of the UCA. Her reluctance stems from her complex emotional bond with Mama and the tragedy that separated them during their past collaboration. Players cannot force the connection immediately upon arrival, as standard dialogue choices will not change her mind.
To alter her stance, you must progress through Order 46 and address the unresolved situation back at South Knot City. Leaving Mountain Knot City temporarily is a mandatory requirement to move the narrative forward. Attempting to deliver standard cargo or farm connection levels before completing this story milestone will not alter her decision.
Completing the Essential Story Objectives
The key to changing Lockne's mind lies in carrying out the emotional reunion between the twin sisters. After returning to South Knot City and retrieving Mama, Sam must transport her across the dangerous, BT-infested snowy mountains back to Mountain Knot City. This journey requires careful preparation, robust equipment, and effective route planning to protect Mama from environmental hazards.
Upon reaching the facility with Mama, a major cutscene triggers that resolves the misunderstanding between the sisters. Through this poignant encounter, Lockne gains closure and recognizes the greater necessity of uniting the region. This narrative breakthrough instantly converts her stance and unlocks the terminal for full network integration.
Finalizing the Chiral Network Integration
Once the story sequence finishes, Lockne grants Sam full access to the Mountain Knot City terminal. Connecting this major hub expands your network coverage significantly across the central ridge, granting access to essential crafting schematics and valuable structure bandwidth. This connection also opens up subsequent delivery routes that connect neighboring preppers throughout the snowy region.
Following the successful integration, players can freely accept orders, upgrade local roads, and build zip-line networks to navigate the treacherous mountainous terrain efficiently. Resolving Lockne's storyline stands as a major turning point that alters both the narrative tone and the overall traversal dynamics of the game world.
