Death Stranding 2: Ultimate Weapons Guide

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach expands combat with a diverse array of weapons tailored for different foes like ethereal BTs, aggressive human bandits, and hulking mechs. This guide details every weapon, unlock requirements, optimal uses, and loadout recommendations to help you traverse the post-apocalyptic world unscathed.

Understanding Weapon Categories and Enemy Types

Weapons in Death Stranding 2 fall into categories like firearms, thrown explosives, melee tools, and specialized launchers. Each excels against specific enemies: BTs require blood-based or stealth options, humans demand precision non-lethals, and mechs need heavy armor-piercing firepower.

• Firearms: Pistols, rifles, shotguns for ranged precision.
• Thrown: Grenades and deployables for area control.
• Melee/Close: Blades and bats for silent takedowns.
• Launchers: Rockets for high-damage bursts.

Essential Early-Game Weapons

Starting out, focus on versatile picks available from initial orders or low-star connections. These build your foundation without heavy investment.

The Assault Rifle (MP) Lv1 offers balanced fire rates for early skirmishes, while the Shotgun shreds at point-blank.

Top Weapons for Battling BTs

BTs, the ghostly antagonists, demand weapons exploiting their otherworldly nature. Stealth and blood weapons shine here.

• Blood Boomerang: Stealth throwable that returns, ideal for silent clears.
• Blood Grenades: Splash damage perfect for groups.
• LW Shotgun (MP) Lv2: Devastating close-range follow-up if detected.

Combine these for a stealth-first approach: lure with boomerangs, finish with shotgun blasts.

Dominating Human Enemies

Bandits and brigands require non-lethal takedowns to maintain connections. Sniper and stun tools rule.

Start with sniper headshots from afar, transition to bolas for clusters, and rifles for chaos.

Mech-Takedowns: Heavy Firepower Essentials

Mechanical foes boast thick plating; target weak points or use explosives. Binding with strands aids precision shots.

• LW Shotgun (MP) Lv2: Core damage dealer with grenade launcher.
• SL-LW Assault Rifle (MP) Lv2: Pinpoint weak spots.
• EX Grenade: Armor-breakers for groups.

Stealth-bind legs first, then unload grenades into joints.

Complete Weapons List and Unlocks

Here’s every weapon categorized by type, with precise acquisition methods.

Handguns and Pistols

• Big Bore Handgun (MP): 4★ Ciudad Nudo del Norte (C1) – Versatile close fighter.
• SL Machine Pistol (MP): 3★ Ciudad Nudo del Norte (C1) – Rapid fire.
• SL Tranq Handgun: 3★ The Lone Commander – Non-lethal stealth.

Assault Rifles

• LW Assault Rifle (MP) Lv2: 4★ Former Geophysics Research Lab – Top-tier multi-threat.
• Warrior Assault Rifle: Dropped by Neil’s Men in Order 017 – Human/Mech specialist.

Shotguns

• Shotgun (MP) Lv2: 3★ The Musician – Crowd control king.

Sniper Rifles

• LW Tranq Sniper Rifle: 4★ The Lone Commander – Long-range tranqs.
• Tranq Sniper Rifle: Sub Order 101.

Grenades and Throwables

• BT Hologrenade: 3★ Animal Shelter – Human distractions.
• Smoke Grenade: 2★ The Lone Commander – Evasion tool.
• Stealth Hologrenade: 2★ Animal Shelter – Mech/stealth.

Special and Launchers

• Battle Guitar: Episode 13 – Fun mid-range.
• Chiral Shock Cannon: Order 040 – All-purpose long-range.
• Quadruple Rocket Launcher: Main Order 44 – Explosive finisher.

Melee and Unique

• Ghost Blade: Dropped by mechs in Order 022 – Throwable melee.
• Tar Cannon: Order 014 – Sticky control.

Pro Loadouts for Every Scenario

Tailor your inventory for success.

• BT Hunter: Blood Boomerang, Blood Grenades, LW Shotgun Lv2.
• Human Sweeper: SL-LW Tranq Sniper, Bola Stun Gun, Assault Rifle Lv2.
• Mech Buster: LW Shotgun Lv2, Assault Rifle Lv2, EX Grenades.
• All-Purpose: Mix tranq sniper, shotgun, and smokes for flexibility.

Advanced Combat Strategies

Beyond gear, master positioning: use terrain for cover, strands for binding, and hologrenades for diversions. Upgrade via connections for Lv2 variants with better ammo and attachments. Early priorities include Inventor and Lone Commander preppers for tranqs and stuns.

For endgame, chase Quadruple Rocket Launcher and Chiral Shock Cannon to obliterate bosses.

Fabrication and Customization Tips

Weapons print at Safe Houses post-unlock. Stock chiralium and metals; Deluxe Edition adds Machine Gun Lv1 early. Customize with suppressors for stealth or scopes for range.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the best overall weapon in Death Stranding 2?

LW Shotgun (MP) Lv2 handles all enemies exceptionally, especially with its grenade attachment.

How do I unlock high-level weapons quickly?

Max connections at key preppers like The Inventor (4★ for Bola Stun Gun) and C1 facilities.

Are there melee weapons worth using?

Yes, Battle Guitar and Ghost Blade offer unique flair and effectiveness in close quarters.

Can I non-lethally defeat mechs?

Limited options; focus on stuns like Remote Stun Bomb before heavy damage.

What early weapon should I prioritize?

SL Machine Pistol for rapid close defense post-C1 unlock.