Combat Build Guide – Best Tools, Skeletons & Gadgets for BT & MULE Fights in Death Stranding 2

Not all deliveries go smoothly in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Sometimes, Sam has to deal with threats head-on — whether it’s aggressive MULEs or terrifying BTs. In this guide, we break down the best combat builds, including tools, skeletons, and gadgets that will keep you alive and efficient in any hostile encounter.


๐Ÿ”ง Best Weapons for Combat

⚫ Anti-BT Loadout

  • EX Grenades (Types 0–2): Crowd control against BT swarms.

  • Hematic Grenades & Bullets: Must-haves for large BTs and boss fights.

  • Umbilical Harpoon: Powerful single-target weapon (late-game).

  • Assault Rifle (Hematic): Balanced option for mid-range BT encounters.

  • Remote Stun Mines: Great for stealth ambushes or halting BT movement.

Combat Build Guide – Death Stranding 2
๐Ÿ”ถ Anti-MULE Loadout

  • Bola Gun (Lv. 2+): Fast immobilization, non-lethal.

  • Non-Lethal Assault Rifle: Rubber rounds for aggressive MULE takedowns.

  • Smoke Grenades: Useful for creating confusion and escape routes.

  • Electric Rod (Stick Weapon): Close-quarters finisher.

  • Sticky Gun: Disarms enemies and retrieves packages from range.

๐Ÿง  Pro tip: Customize your loadout based on terrain and mission difficulty — BT-heavy zones call for more Hematic gear.


๐Ÿฆฟ Best Skeletons for Combat Roles

Skeleton                        Best UseBenefits
Battle Skeleton (Lv. 2–3)All-around combatImproves stability and speed while armed
Boost SkeletonHit-and-run tacticsIncreases sprint/jump — great for ambushes and escape
Bokka SkeletonTerrain-based combatAdds balance, carry weight, and traction in mountains/snow

๐Ÿ“† Unlock early versions of these skeletons through story progression, but aim to upgrade via Observatory or F4 Fort Knot.


๐Ÿ›‹️ Must-Have Gadgets & Gear

  • PCC (Lv. 2): Build Timefall shelters, postboxes, and cover during combat.

  • Repair Spray: Restore container condition and gear mid-mission.

  • Battery Pack (Attachment): Keeps your skeletons and gadgets powered longer.

  • Blood Bags (Lv. 3 Stack): Fuel hematic weapons and boost HP regen.

  • Companion Bot: Use as decoy or support during large-scale combat.


๐Ÿ“Š Combat Strategy Overview

⚖️ BT Zones:

  • Use the Odradek scanner to spot BTs and avoid or ambush.

  • Enter stealth mode early; avoid breathing hard or sprinting.

  • If pulled into a boss fight, switch to Hematic grenades and Umbilical Harpoon.

๐Ÿงต MULE Camps:

  • Disable their towers first to block detection.

  • Bola Gun + Sticky Gun = disable and disarm combo.

  • Use terrain tools like ropes or bridges to flank from higher ground.

Keep a zipline network handy for extraction and quick escapes.


๐Ÿ“ NPCs to Prioritize for Combat Gear

NPC / Shelter                    Unlocks
CraftsmanBola Gun, rubber rifles
Western ObservatoryBattle Skeleton upgrades
Veteran PorterSticky Gun, smoke gear
Lost Dome TechnicianRepair Spray++, advanced gadgets
EngineerLoad-bearing gear for heavy weapon loadouts

๐Ÿ’ฌ Community-Sourced Loadout Tips

  • Reddit: Sticky Gun + Bokka Skeleton is a stealthy bandit-clear combo.

  • Steam: “Zipline drop-ins + non-lethal rifles are perfect for farming MULE camps.”

  • Kojima Discord: Remote mines work great in BT swarms, especially around water zones.


✨ Final Thoughts: Fight Smarter, Not Harder

With the right tools and skeleton, you can turn Sam from a deliveryman into a fully capable defender of the Chiral Network. Adapt your build depending on terrain, enemies, and mission type — and you’ll always be ready, whether you’re sneaking past BTs or storming a MULE base.

Want to combine this with fast delivery routes? Don’t miss our Delivery Rank Optimization Guide!

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