While Death Stranding is known for its somber storytelling and slow-paced deliveries, it still offers several useful weapons once players progress through the story. Though Hideo Kojima’s world discourages violence, there are times when Sam Porter Bridges must defend himself against both MULEs and supernatural threats known as BTs. Weapons in Death Stranding are tools of survival rather than instruments of destruction—and unlocking them requires connecting with certain Preppers and advancing through key chapters.
Below is a complete breakdown of every gun in Death Stranding, how to obtain them, and how they function in gameplay.
How to Get Your First Gun in Death Stranding
In the early hours of the game, Sam has no access to weapons. Players are encouraged to avoid confrontation and rely on stealth or evasion when facing enemies. Kojima’s narrative deliberately restricts violence, as killing a human in this world triggers catastrophic consequences. A dead body transforms into a BT, and if not properly disposed of, can cause a massive Voidout—a deadly explosion that wipes out entire areas.
Because of this, lethal weapons are heavily discouraged, and early encounters revolve around non-lethal tools. The first true weapon appears in Episode 3, where Sam begins connecting Preppers to the Chiral Network. During this stage, the Craftsman provides a special toolbox that unlocks your first weapon: the Bola Gun.
1. Bola Gun
How to Get It:
The Bola Gun is received from the Craftsman after completing his delivery requests and linking him to the Chiral Network in Episode 3.
Description:
The Bola Gun fires energy cords that bind and immobilize human enemies such as MULEs and terrorists. Once fired, it wraps around the target’s body, preventing them from moving for a limited time. While highly effective for stealth or defense, it does not harm enemies and cannot be used against BTs.
Upgrades:
By increasing your bond with the Craftsman, you can unlock improved versions of the Bola Gun. The upgraded version can temporarily immobilize BTs, giving you a chance to escape or regroup.
Combat Tips:
- Works best for stealth operations.
- Avoid using it too often in front of large groups—it can alert nearby enemies.
- Immobilized targets can be approached and tied up manually for safety.
2. Sticky Gun
How to Get It:
Unlocked by connecting the Distribution Center South of Lake Knot City to the Chiral Network. It can also appear as a reward for completing specific delivery missions in the same region.
Description:
The Sticky Gun is a specialized utility weapon designed for cargo recovery, not combat. It fires adhesive rounds that attach to distant cargo, allowing Sam to reel it back safely without approaching enemy-infested areas. This tool is especially useful when retrieving stolen cargo from MULE camps or hard-to-reach locations.
Uses:
- Recover dropped or stolen cargo from a distance.
- Useful in mountainous terrain or steep environments.
- Can quietly reclaim packages without alerting enemies.
Combat Tips:
- Not suitable for fighting enemies—focus on resource retrieval.
- Be aware of your surroundings; using it near hostile groups can attract attention.
3. Anti-BT Handgun
How to Get It:
Unlocked after completing delivery requests for both the Junk Dealer and the Chiral Artist during Episode 3. Once their relationship level increases and their areas are connected to the Chiral Network, you’ll receive the schematic for the Anti-BT Handgun.
Description:
The Anti-BT Handgun is Sam’s first true weapon against supernatural enemies. It fires Hematic bullets infused with Sam’s own blood, capable of weakening and dispersing BTs. However, it’s not particularly powerful on its own—larger BTs require several hits to destroy.
How to Use It Effectively:
- Combine it with Hematic Grenades to increase its efficiency against BTs.
- Conserve ammunition, as blood-based bullets drain Sam’s health.
- Best used for defensive purposes when trapped in BT territory.
Understanding Combat and Violence in Death Stranding
Kojima’s world presents violence as a moral burden rather than a necessity. Human enemies (like MULEs) are driven by obsession rather than evil, and killing them leads to permanent in-game consequences. Lethal weapons can cause chaos if not used responsibly, while non-lethal options—like the Bola Gun or Sticky Gun—fit better within the game’s themes of connection and preservation.
Every gun in Death Stranding reflects this philosophy. They serve a purpose beyond simple aggression: binding foes, reclaiming lost cargo, or protecting yourself against the haunting BTs. Progressing through the story and building relationships with Preppers expands your arsenal naturally, ensuring your journey grows safer and more efficient over time.
Summary of All Guns and Their Unlock Requirements
| Weapon | How to Unlock | Primary Use | Effective Against |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bola Gun | Received from Craftsman in Episode 3 | Immobilizing enemies | Humans (MULEs, Terrorists) |
| Sticky Gun | Obtained from Distribution Center South of Lake Knot City | Retrieving cargo | Non-combat tool |
| Anti-BT Handgun | Earned from Junk Dealer and Chiral Artist after connecting their shelters | Combat against BTs | BTs |
Death Stranding is available now for PS4. It has a day-one patch, which is out now. The game is also launching on PC in Summer 2020, and it is currently up for pre-order on Steam and Epic Games Store.
