Picking the best Death Stranding weapons is tricky, especially with a heavy initial focus on non-lethal options, and a penalty for using anything that does actually kill people. Plus newer weapons like the the Maser and a mounted machine gun were added via the Director's Cut.
It's not a game that even gives you a sniff of a weapon until 10-15 hours in, and it'll take about 25-30 to really get a full locker of offensive gear. So it all about playing the long game, literally, with Death Stranding.
Even when you do get some guns you'll still find Death Stranding a fairly sparse combat experience. There are moments of high energy and big battles for sure, but it's all well spaced out. Plus, for reasons, full on 'kill everyone' fighting is actively discouraged. It's also worth noting that most of the these weapons and upgrades are are unlocked from specific characters, with finding Death Stranding Preppers, gear and upgrades your route to new toys outside the main story.
Make sure you always have Blood bags in Death Stranding
Quick note before we look at Death Stranding guns: because everything you'll use against BTs uses Sam's blood in its ammo you'll want to make sure you have plenty of blood bags on you. You'll fill one up every time you stay in a private room so don't forget to take them with you. Without them, weapons will draw blood from Sam directly and that doesn't last long.
Death Stranding Maser gun
The new Death Stranding Director's Cut Maser Gun is a new non-lethal option completely legally distinct from any other non-lethal electrical guns you might be thinking of. While most of the game's weapons stun by using plastic bullets this is a more traditional way of incapacitating someone.
Death Stranding mounted machine gun
The Death Stranding Director's Cut mounted machine gun is a new heavy options that's going to make certain boss battles a lot easier. That heavy rate of fire and shielding will shred enemies, BTs and big enemies a like.
Death Stranding Hematic Grenade
Unlocked at Capital Knot City
These are technically the first weapon you can unlock although you can only use them against BTs. They use Sam's blood to destroy smaller BTS with a direct hit, and wear down the larger ones with multiple attacks. While these use Sam's blood there are also Death Stranding EX grenades which use bodily fluids and waste instead.
Death Stranding Bola gun
Unlocked from the Craftsman
You'll unlock this not long after you reach the Central Region. It's a non-lethal gun that ties up the human Mules you encounter. It's not a permanent solution though so remember to kick them before they struggle free. A later upgrade makes it work on BTs too.
Death Stranding Anti-BT handgun
Unlocked from the Chiral Artist
The anti-BT handgun is exactly what it sounds like - it kills BTs. It fires Sam's blood so remember those blood bags, and don't forget to charge it up fully for a one shot kill. It's slow to fire but will take a BT down in one go so it's a powerful tool used correctly. More deliveries to the Chiral Artist will unlock an upgraded version but it's as good as you need it to be at level one.
Death Stranding Handgun
Unlocked at South Knot City
You unlock your first actual real gun at a certain point in the game where you have to use it. However, because people turn into BTs when they die it's not recommended you use outside of that specified point. Upgrading it with more deliveries will unlock an anti-BT upgrade which is a handy reserve for when the ammo in more useful weapons run out.
Death Stranding Assault Rifle
Unlocked at South Knot City
You'll get the assault rifle alongside the handgun, again at a specific point in the game. And, once again, it's best not to use it after that. And, again, you unlock a BT effective version if you upgrade it by making deliveries to the Distribution Center North of Mountain Knot City, but for dealing with people there are better non-lethal options coming up.
Death Stranding Grenade
Unlocked at South Knot City
As well as the handgun and assault rifle you'll also receive a grenade. Again, it's not advisable to use this outside of the situation it's provided for because of the whole 'dead people make BTs' thing, but it's nice to have at least.
Death Stranding non-lethal assault rifle
Unlocked at Waystation North of Mountain Knot City
Now you can start shooting people. The non-lethal assault rifle fires rubber bullets so no dead people to worry about but, otherwise, it's functionally the same as a real gun. It means you can finally start taking out Mules in a far more satisfying way. There's an anti-BT option as well at level 2, which you can get by making deliveries to the Distribution Center North of Mountain Knot City.
Death Stranding Shotgun / Riot Shotgun
For some reason you'll unlock both of these from the Photographer you have to visit during the story. The first is lethal, so best avoided outside of certain situations, while the second is another rubber bullet job so fine to use anywhere. Continue delivering to the Photographer to unlock and upgrade both.
Death Stranding Grenade and rocket launcher
Again you'll unlock these at a very specific point in the game where their use will be obvious. However, you can also unlock variations and upgrades by delivering to the Evo-devo Biologist because scientist apparently love high impact ordnance in Death Stranding.
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