Ah, 2025 has blessed us with the sequel many never thought would come. Remember when critics mockingly called the original Death Stranding a "walking simulator"? Well, those critics might want to eat their words now. Death Stranding 2 has evolved into something far more robust, particularly in the combat department, offering players a smorgasbord of deadly toys that would make even the most hardened UCA veteran blush.
The Art of Combat in a Fractured World
Gone are the days of clunky melee and limited combat options. The sequel introduces fluid combos and evasive maneuvers that transform Sam from a glorified postman into a veritable one-man army. But let's be real – what's a soldier without his tools? The arsenal in Death Stranding 2 isn't just expanded; it's practically bursting at the seams with creative ways to dispatch your enemies. Isn't it fascinating how a game about connection has become so proficient at disconnecting souls from bodies?
But enough philosophizing! Let's dive into the top ten weapons that any self-respecting porter should consider essential for their journey across this beautifully desolate America.
10. Grenade Launcher: For When Subtlety Is Overrated
Who doesn't love a good explosion now and then? The grenade launcher in Death Stranding 2 offers that satisfying boom we all secretly crave. It's not the most sophisticated weapon, but there's something primitively satisfying about watching a BT or ghost mech disappear in a cloud of smoke and debris.
The LW Grenade Launcher stands out as the superior choice here. Its fire rate resembles that of a shotgun, allowing players to rain explosive hell upon their enemies from a comfortable distance. One could argue it's the perfect middle ground between raw power and practicality.
However, this explosive friend comes with a caveat – ammunition management is crucial. Nothing feels quite as disheartening as emptying your entire grenade supply only to find your target still standing, mocking your explosive efforts. Perhaps this is Kojima's subtle commentary on the futility of violence? Or maybe it's just game balance. Who's to say?
9. Maser Handgun: Shockingly Effective
Don't let its diminutive size fool you – the Maser Handgun packs a punch that would make Thor jealous. This little lightning-spitter is particularly effective against human enemies, capable of dropping them with a single well-placed shot regardless of their armor. Isn't it ironic that in a world of advanced technology, electricity remains one of our most effective weapons?
The charging mechanism adds a tactical layer to its use. Hold the trigger, feel the power build, and release a bolt of justice upon unsuspecting foes. It's particularly satisfying to use in stealth scenarios, allowing players to silently neutralize entire bandit camps without raising an alarm.
However, the Maser shows its limitations against non-human enemies. Ghost mechs merely shrug off its electrical embrace, and BTs? They couldn't care less about your fancy lightning gun. Perhaps this is a metaphor for how some problems in life cannot be solved with the same solution – or perhaps it's just game design. Our reviewer leans toward the former.
8. Tranq Sniper Rifle: Long-Distance Relationships
For the patient porter who prefers to solve problems from afar, the tranq sniper rifle is nothing short of a godsend. There's something deeply satisfying about watching an enemy drop from hundreds of meters away, never knowing what hit them. Doesn't that make us question the ethics of long-range combat? When the enemy never sees your face, is it easier to pull the trigger?
Initially, this weapon suffers from its loud report – not exactly ideal for stealth operations. But perseverance pays off. Max out your connection with the Lone Commander (a fitting name for a sniper's ally, wouldn't you say?), and you'll receive a silenced version that transforms this weapon from mediocre to magnificent.
With proper planning and steady hands, entire enemy encampments can be cleared without ever setting foot inside their perimeter. The small ammo capacity forces a methodical approach – each shot must count, each target carefully selected. In a game about delivering packages, there's something poetically appropriate about delivering sleep with such precision.
7. Battle Guitar: Rock and Roll and Reload
In a post-apocalyptic world where delivering packages is serious business, trust Kojima to introduce a weapon that screams "but what if it was FUN?" The Battle Guitar is exactly what it sounds like – a guitar that doubles as a lethal weapon. One has to wonder if this is Kojima's tribute to El Mariachi or simply the result of a particularly inspired design meeting fueled by energy drinks.
This late-game weapon fires bullets and lightning bolts (because why not?), consuming chiral crystals as ammunition. And when enemies get too close for comfort? Transform it into an axe and channel your inner rock star as you deliver melee damage with theatrical flair. Could this be the most versatile weapon in gaming history?
What truly earns this instrument of destruction its spot on our list is its all-around effectiveness. Humans, BTs, ghost mechs – all fall before the power of rock. And with chiral crystals as ammunition, resource management becomes less of an issue. It's almost as if Kojima is telling us that music truly is the universal language – especially when that language includes violence.
6. Blood Grenades: Splash Damage with a Personal Touch
Blood grenades make their triumphant return in Death Stranding 2, and they're better than ever. These crimson explosives remain a staple in any porter's anti-BT arsenal, delivering splashes of hemoglobin with devastating effect. The marketing team's "ethically sourced" label is a nice touch, don't you think?
Veterans of the first game will remember the constant blood management dance – throw too many grenades, and Sam would be left anemic and vulnerable. In a welcome quality-of-life improvement, these new blood grenades no longer tap into Sam's personal supply. The in-universe explanation for this change feels a bit hand-wavy, but who's complaining? Certainly not the players who can now liberally shower BTs with blood without consequence.
The lingering blood vapor effect adds a tactical dimension to their use. Throw a grenade, watch the mist hang in the air, and observe as it slowly weakens passing BTs. It's almost like setting up a deadly air freshener – except instead of pine or vanilla, it's essence of porter. Delightful.
5. Multirocket Launcher: Excessive Force as a Lifestyle Choice
When subtlety fails, the multirocket launcher steps in. This weapon doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is – a harbinger of absolute destruction. Available in guided and unguided variants, with options for four or seven rockets, this launcher asks a simple question: "Why kill something once when you can kill it many times simultaneously?"
The guided multirocket launcher particularly shines against massive BTs. There's something deeply satisfying about watching multiple rockets curve through the air before converging on an otherworldly target. It's like conducting a symphony of explosions – Beethoven would be proud, if slightly concerned.
The lightweight variants address the obvious drawback of lugging around what is essentially a small artillery piece. Being able to store extra launchers in your vehicle feels almost like cheating, but in the best possible way. After all, isn't preparation half the battle? Though one must wonder – at what point does "prepared" become "unhealthily obsessed with explosives"?
4. Silenced Machine Pistol: Compact Efficiency
As we climb higher in our rankings, we find that sometimes less truly is more. The silenced machine pistol embodies this philosophy perfectly – a compact sidearm that delivers outsized results. Nestled comfortably in Sam's holster, this weapon doesn't demand cargo space like its bulkier cousins. Isn't it interesting how the most useful things in life often take up the least space?
With 17 rounds per magazine and a respectable rate of fire even in semi-automatic mode, this pistol transforms stealth from a chore into a pleasure. Helmeted enemies pose little challenge – one shot to remove their protective headgear, another to send them to dreamland during that brief moment of slow-motion surprise. It's almost unfair. Almost.
The silencer elevates this weapon from good to essential. Unlike many games where suppressors magically transform bullets into whispers, Death Stranding 2 gets it right – silent but deadly, with no reduction in stopping power. For the porter who values efficiency and discretion in equal measure, the silenced machine pistol is nothing short of a revelation.
3. Lightweight Machine Gun: Democracy Delivery System
Sometimes, the best solution is the most straightforward one – point at problem, hold trigger until problem ceases to be a problem. The lightweight machine gun embraces this philosophy with open arms, delivering a constant stream of persuasion to anything unfortunate enough to be in its path.
What sets this weapon apart is its versatility. Bandits? Shredded. BTs? Perforated. Ghost mechs? Ventilated. Maintaining distance while unleashing a hail of bullets is a strategy as old as firearms themselves, and Death Stranding 2 honors this tradition splendidly. The surprising accuracy at range is the cherry on top, allowing for precision work when the situation calls for it.
The lightweight variant transforms this weapon from cumbersome to convenient, allowing it to be carried on Sam's suit rather than taking up precious cargo space. One might question why UCA engineers didn't make all their weapons lightweight from the start. Budget constraints? Manufacturing limitations? Or perhaps they just enjoy watching porters struggle with inventory management? Food for thought.
2. Lightweight Shotgun: Social Distancing Enforcer
There's an elegant simplicity to the shotgun that transcends time and technological advancement. Point, shoot, watch problems disappear in a cloud of buckshot. The lightweight shotgun in Death Stranding 2 continues this proud tradition, offering unparalleled stopping power at close range.
Even heavily-armored enemies crumble after two shots at most, making this the ultimate equalizer in close-quarters combat. The lightweight version offers all the benefits with none of the bulk – a no-brainer choice for any porter with sense. But the real stroke of genius is the auxiliary single-shot grenade launcher at level 2. Running out of shells? No problem! Switch to the grenade launcher and continue the party without missing a beat.
In a game about maintaining distance (both physically and emotionally), there's something ironically appropriate about a weapon that excels at point-blank range. Perhaps it's Kojima's commentary on how sometimes the only way to truly connect is to get uncomfortably close? Or maybe shotguns are just really effective. The world may never know.
1. SL-LW Assault Rifle: Perfection in Simplicity
At the summit of our list stands the silenced, lightweight assault rifle – the weapon that does everything well without showing off. From the early game to the final credits, this trusty companion never leaves your side, evolving alongside you through various upgrades.
What makes this weapon truly special is its adaptability. Need to silently clear an outpost? Done. Facing down a ghost mech? No problem. BT giving you trouble? The assault rifle has you covered. The silencer adds stealth capabilities without sacrificing damage output – a rare balance that many games get wrong. And like its shotgun cousin, the integrated grenade launcher provides that extra punch when standard bullets just won't cut it.
The modest ammo capacity might seem like a limitation, but it encourages thoughtful engagement rather than spray-and-pray tactics. Isn't that reflective of life itself? Resources are limited, so make your shots count. In a game filled with exotic and flashy weapons, there's something refreshingly honest about the assault rifle's straightforward effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
Death Stranding 2's arsenal represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, offering tools for every situation and play style. From the humble handgun to the outlandish battle guitar, each weapon has found its niche in this strange, beautiful world that Kojima has created.
As we trek across America once more, delivering packages and dispatching foes, these weapons become more than just tools – they're extensions of Sam himself, companions on a journey through a fractured landscape. They represent different approaches to the same problems, different philosophies on how to navigate a world filled with threats both visible and invisible.
And isn't that what Death Stranding has always been about? Finding your own path, making your own choices, and connecting with others in whatever way makes sense to you – even if that connection comes through the barrel of a silenced assault rifle. After all, in a world torn apart by the Death Stranding, sometimes the most effective connection is the one that keeps you alive to deliver another day.
What's your weapon of choice in Death Stranding 2? The elegant sniper rifle? The boisterous battle guitar? Or perhaps you're a traditionalist who appreciates the reliable assault rifle? Whatever your preference, the fractured America of 2025 awaits, with packages to deliver and enemies to overcome. The choice, as always, is yours.