2021-09-23T11:30:14 02:00

Death Stranding Weapons: Where to find them and how to use them

In our weapon guide to Death Stranding you can read:

What weapons are available in Death Stranding
Where to get rocket launchers and grenade launchers
What to look out for when using deadly weapons

The post-apocalyptic world of Death Stranding holds some dangers. As you roam the North American landscape with Sam, you'll encounter terrorists, ghostly creatures, or crazed mailmen, all of whom want to mess up your tour.

In our guide to Mules and GDs in Death Stranding and the big guide to all bosses in Death Stranding, we already gave you some tips on how to deal with enemies. Now it's time to take a look at the available weapons .

Weapons in Death Stranding: This is what you need to know

If you're hoping for rattling guns in Death Stranding, you won't be disappointed, but you'll have to be patient. You will only get your first "full-fledged" firearm after about 20 hours of gameplay. Once you get it, however, you should still be careful.

Killing people is rather disadvantageous in Death Stranding, since corpses have to be burned in order not to cause all-destroying empty falls (also read our guide to enemies in Death Stranding). So you'd better focus on non-lethal weapons and knock out your human opponents properly. The situation is different with the GDs, because they are immune to normal ammunition.

To damage or even kill them, you'll be equipped with special weapons or ammunition enriched with Sam's body fluids. For most weapons, you aim with L2 and fire with R2 (PS4). If there is a special feature, we will of course point it out to you. You can change the ammunition type in the equipment HUD.

Select the weapon with the analog stick, find the right ammunition and equip it with triangle. If you already have your firearms in your hands, you can also quickly change them during the battle. By pressing the triangle button you can switch between the ammunition types.

EX grenades and blood grenades

Sam's body fluids - also excrement - are mainly used as weapons against GDs. Heartman fills you with the so-called "EX Grenades" when you take a shower or go to the bathroom in your private rooms. After that, they are immediately deposited in your private locker.

In doing so, the somewhat special scientist differentiates his creations into three types, which are obtained from three different bodily excretions:

Type 0: Contains Sam's body fluids, which are secreted via showering. To do this, press Triangle (PS4) at the booth in Sam's private rooms.
Type 1: Contains Sam's urine, which you'll obtain via using the toilet while standing. To do this, select the circle button at the cabin.
Type 2: This missile contains Sam's excrement. Use the toilet while sitting by pressing the X key.

Equip with the grenade via your equipment HUD, hold L2 to prepare the throw and throw by pressing R2. Aiming works via the left analog stick, but always pay attention to the displayed trajectory.

The longer you hold R2 (PS4), the further the grenade will fly. So don't release the button until you have your target perfectly in sight and have reached the right throwing power. The EX grenades are introduced after you complete mission number 5.

Sam's blood is especially dangerous for GDs. It transfers into the blood grenade while you're aiming, so be careful not to draw too much blood. If you have blood bags with you, however, they will be emptied first.

The blood grenade explodes on impact, releasing a mixture of blood and gas. Any GD that comes into contact with it will be damaged or die. You will receive them in order 15.

Hand Grenades and Stun Grenades

When you first arrive in South Knot City, you will be equipped with the basic hand grenade . This is deadly and therefore should be used with caution. The electromagnetic variant, on the other hand, discharges an electric shock upon impact.

You can use it to stun human enemies or disable their vehicles. The shock grenade is especially effective when your enemies are in the water. To get it, successfully complete mission 34 with the Chiral Artist.

This grenade is also available with a remote detonator. You can get it in the north of South Knot City when you increase the connection to the scrap dealer to four stars. You can trigger the fuse with the square button.

With the smoke grenade you have the possibility to rob your opponents of their sight. In addition, the smoke and the coughing it triggers will knock them out for a short time. You'll get it after completing mission 19 at Lake Knot City. Also upgrade your relationship status with the local prepper there to level them up.

Non-lethal weapons

In Episode 3, you will meet the prepper "The Craftsman." He will give you the Bola Gun as a reward for completing mission number 22. The first upgrade is possible from connection level 3 with the Craftsman.

The Bola Gun fires electric shackles at your enemies, sending them to the ground and incapacitating them. The range is limited, though, so you'll have to get relatively close to your opponents. After you have tied up your opponent, you can send him into the realm of dreams with a kick via the square key (PS4).

Since Sam's blood was processed in the fabric of the shackles, the Bola Gun is also an effective tool in the fight against the GDs. Aim with LS and fire the shackles at your opponents by pressing the R2 button.

The detention weapon is not really a weapon in the classic sense. However, it's very useful for relieving Mules of their cargo. It fires, as the name suggests, ammunition that sticks to objects.

The projectiles are connected to a rope, which allows you to pull the items towards you. Catch them out of the air with Triangle (PS4) when they fly towards you. You'll get the detention weapon in Episode 3, Mission 36 where you have to infiltrate a Mule camp. Watch out for your own suitcases, though, because the Mules are also equipped with it.

Death Stranding Director's Cut: This is the new weapon Mesa Rifle

You can get the "Mesa Rifle" in one of the new areas of Death Stranding Director's Cut (guide). We'll show you how to find the destroyed factory and open a new mission branch in the linked article. With the Mesa Rifle you get a non-lethal firearm early in the game.

It can only be used to shoot human enemies such as Mules or terrorists. The weapon is ineffective against GDs. The Mesa Rifle fires an electric beam that shocks attackers with a body hit. Be aware that it takes two to three hits to bring an enemy to the ground. Especially with melee fighters rushing in, you'll quickly catch a hit before you can fire the decisive shot.

Firearms in Death Stranding: Watch out, deadly!

You'll get the compact handgun when you first visit South Knot City and complete Mission 38, and you'll have the opportunity to upgrade when you reach the third bond level with Owen Southwick.

After mission 38 in South Knot City, the assault rifle is finally yours. The fully automatic assault rifle has a strong recoil, which pulls the barrel up when firing continuously. Therefore, it's better to fire short bursts to aim more accurately.

You aim with L2 and fire with R2 (PS4), activating the automatic burst by holding the R2 button. Load them up with Blood bullets and you'll have a reliable partner in the fight with the GDs.

After you deliver order number 43, you'll be allowed to upgrade it. This will be given to you in the Mountain Knot City distribution center. You can reach level 3 with Aaron Hill at connection level 3.

Complete mission number 42 and you will also get the non-lethal assault rifle. You can get the order in the north of Mountain Knot City in the way station. If you want to upgrade it, you'll first have to complete order number 43, which you'll get in the Mountain Knot City distribution center.

The prepper "Photographer" will give you not only the shotgun, but also its non-lethal counterpart filled with rubber bullets. When you reach connection level 3 with him, you can upgrade the shotgun, and from level 4 the riot shotgun. Use it like any other shotgun, but watch out for the larger dispersion and the lack of penetrating power at longer distances.

Anti-GD handgun, grenade and rocket launcher

When you reach the Chiral Artist's Studio and complete mission number 33, you'll get the Anti-GD Handgun. From connection level 3 you can increase it to level 2. If you hold down R2 while firing, the weapon will charge up and fire more powerfully.

The anti-GD handgun is a useful firearm in the fight with GDs, although its penetrating power doesn't quite match that of the blood grenades. It also uses Sam's blood as ammunition, so always have enough blood bags with you.

With the grenade launcher you get one of the most flexible weapons in Death Stranding. Whether it's stun grenades, lethal or GD ammo, it can be loaded appropriately for any combat situation. Deliver order number 61, which you'll receive from the Evo Devo biologist.

Once you've finally reached Edge Knot City, head to the Tar Belt to get your hands on the remote-controlled grenade launcher. If you want to upgrade it, you're also in the right place with the Evo Devo Biologist.

Press L2 to aim, R2 to fire and the square key (PS4) to detonate the grenade. If you move too far away from the fired projectile, it will deactivate.

You'll also get the quad rocket launcher from the Evo Devo biologist once you reach a level 4 connection with her. You'll use it to fire up to four missiles at a time, in a straight line towards the intended target.

If you want a bit more control, the launcher is also available with a control unit. Here you can even fire up to five missiles at once. Use the target tracking so that the missiles always hit perfectly.

To make sure you're also well advised away from the battles, read our big tips and info guide for Death Stranding. If you are looking for rewards, you can find a comprehensive overview in our Death Stranding trophy guide.

More guides for Death Stranding on GameZ:

Visit us on Facebook and Instagram to discuss your favorite games.