How to use weapons while driving in Death Stranding 2

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach significantly evolves its combat system, making "fighting on the move" a much more integral part of the gameplay experience. With expanded maps, more varied terrain, and intensified encounters against human enemies and BTs, mastering vehicle combat is crucial. Sam isn't just a delivery man anymore; he's a mobile fortress, capable of dodging gunfire, weaving through Timefall storms, and engaging threats while keeping his precious cargo safe.
Here's a guide on how to effectively use weapons while driving in Death Stranding 2.

A Guide on Using Weapons While Driving in Death Stranding 2

How Combat Works While Riding:

Once you're in the driver's seat of a vehicle that allows for open mobility, such as the Tri-Cruiser or other similar models (like the new Off-Roader, which also supports attached weapons), your weapon wheel remains fully functional. The "Riddle of the Headless Riders" mission, for example, is an excellent demonstration of this mechanic, as it heavily features vehicular combat against other bikes.

• Accessing the Weapon Wheel: Just hold Right on the D-pad to bring up the tool wheel, exactly as you would on foot.
• Selecting a Weapon: From the wheel, you can select any gun or grenade that is currently equipped in your weapon slots.
• Aiming Limitations: While driving, shooting isn't as freeform as standing still. Sam can only aim in approximately a 180-degree arc in front of the vehicle. You cannot aim directly behind you or to the extreme sides.
• Firing: Press R2 to fire your equipped weapon. The firing mechanism is responsive, but juggling controls can be tricky, especially on a controller. Since R1 handles acceleration, you have a few options for simultaneous movement and shooting:
  • Coast while shooting: Briefly release R1 to maintain your current momentum while you focus on aiming and firing with R2.
  • "Grip-switch" (or claw grip): Some players adopt a specific controller grip (often called a "claw grip") that allows them to press R1 (accelerate) and R2 (fire) simultaneously with different fingers, offering more continuous control over both movement and combat.
  • Utilize vehicle momentum: Use your vehicle's speed to carry you through an area while you focus on clearing threats, then re-engage acceleration as needed.

Choosing the Right Weapons While Driving:

Not all weapons are equally effective while moving at high speed. Certain weapon types stand out for mounted combat due to their firing rate, spread, or projectile speed:

• Assault Rifles: Versatile for sustained fire and medium range.
• Machine Guns: Excellent for high volume of fire against multiple targets or durable enemies.
• Machine Pistols: Good for close-range rapid fire.
• Rocket Launchers: Ideal for large targets or quickly clearing groups of enemies with explosive force.
• Electric Rods/Spears: While typically melee, some vehicle types might allow for their use or for ramming, which can shock enemies. Ramming enemies with your vehicle is also a very effective non-lethal (or lethal, depending on speed and vehicle type) combat option.

Important Note on Aiming: Aiming these weapons accurately while dodging obstacles or weaving through BTs isn't always smooth due to the 180-degree aiming arc and the need to manage vehicle movement. Get used to:

• Quick bursts: Firing in short, controlled bursts rather than sustained streams.
• Planned ambushes from a distance: If possible, identify enemy positions or BT concentrations and fire from outside their immediate engagement range, using your vehicle's speed to close the distance or drive past after attacking.

Tips to Stay in Control and Avoid Cargo Loss

Taking hits while on a vehicle, especially from MULE or Brigand gunfire or BTattacks, can knock Sam clean off, causing your precious cargo to spilleverywhere. To avoid this frustrating scenario and maintain control:

• Keep your speed up: Most human enemies will struggle to hit you if you're zipping past them at high speed. Momentum is your best defense against MULEs andBrigands.
• Avoid turning back into enemy territory: Once you've driven past an enemy camp or a hostile zone, keep goingforward. Circling back or lingering makes you an easy target forrepeated attacks and ambushes. Drive past once, attack if necessary, and continue your route.
• Shoot before entering range: If you spot MULEs, Brigands, or a BT storm incoming, try to engage them from a distance before they can effectively target you or pull you into a tar pit. Use your vehicle's speed to your advantage to create anopening for an attack run.
• Pick up dropped items on the move: A significant quality-of-life improvement in Death Stranding 2 is the ability to collect lost cargo and Chiral Crystals withoutstepping off your vehicle (specifically Tri-Cruisers). This keeps yourdeliveries smooth even in combat zones; simply drive over the items andthey will be collected automatically. This applies to smaller vehicleslike the Tri-Cruiser; larger vehicles may still require you to dismount.
• Utilize your vehicle as a weapon: Ramming into human enemies with your vehicle is an effective way to knock them out, especially MULEs and Brigands.9 This can clear paths quickly and often prevents you from having to use precious ammo.
• Consider Vehicle Upgrades: As you progress, you'll unlock vehicle upgrades that can enhance theirdurability, speed, or even allow for additional attached weapons,further boosting your mobile combat capabilities.

By integrating these strategies, vehicular combat in Death Stranding 2 becomes a dynamic and empowering aspect of your journey, allowing you to stay prepared and keep on trucking.

---

Other Articles Related

How To Get Fireworks in Death Stranding 2
Discover how to unlock and use fireworks in Death Stranding 2 with our guide. Enhance your gameplay  
Where to Find All Auto-Pavers in Death Stranding 2
all Auto-Pavers locations in Death Stranding 2 with our guide. Unlock secrets and enhance your gameplay today!
How To Find the Ghost of Yotei Mask in Death Stranding 2
Learn how to find the Ghost of Yotei Mask in Death Stranding 2 with our step-by-step guide. Uncover tips to unlock this mysterious item.
Where to find The Pioneer location in Death Stranding 2
Uncover The Pioneer’s location in Death Stranding 2 with our comprehensive guide.
How to get the snow tires upgrade in Death Stranding 2
Learn the steps to acquire the snow tires upgrade in Death Stranding 2.Improve your vehicle's performance 
How to get the Coffin Board in Death Stranding 2
Unlock the Coffin Board in Death Stranding 2 with our comprehensive guide.
Where to find The Ghost Hunter in Death Stranding 2
 guide on finding The Ghost Hunter in Death Stranding 2. Getessential tips and insights to navigate this thrilling  
How To Unlock Safe Houses in Death Stranding 2
Discover the essential steps to unlock safe houses in Death Stranding 2.
How to get high capacity Blood Bags in Death Stranding 2
Discover how to obtain high capacity blood bags in Death Stranding 2 with our comprehensive guide. 
How to build Jump Ramp in Death Stranding 2
Discover how to build an effective Jump Ramp in Death Stranding 2.Enhance your gameplay with our step-by-step guide
How to Find toxic mushrooms and food in PEAK
Learn to identify toxic mushrooms and poisonous foods in the wilderness
How to get Fennec ZR-F in Rocket League
There is a way to know how to get Fennec ZR-F in Rocket League
How to use Odradek in Death Stranding 2
Discover how to use Odradek in Death Stranding 2
How to carry Extra Ammo in Death Stranding 2
Learn how to efficiently carry extra ammo in Death Stranding 2. Boostyour survival skills with our expert tips
How to enable third-person view in 7 Days to Die
Unlock the third-person view in 7 Days to Die with our comprehensiveguide. Learn the settings and techniques