Equipment in Death Stranding
Various trailers and gameplay demos for Death Stranding revealed an assortment of familiar and futuristic tools to survive while exploring its vast open world. We listed down all weapons, armor, tools, vehicles, and items which were featured in videoes from the release date trailer up to the Tokyo Game Show 2019 presentations.
Weapons
Strand
The strand is a cord-like weapon used “to bind human enemies from behind and parry attacks at close quarters.” It can be readied by pressing the L2 button, while pressing R2 binds the target.
Bola Gun
“A weapon that binds targets within firing range. Uses strands to bind and immobilize or stun humans or BTs.” The bola gun can be aimed and fired by pressing the L2 and R2 buttons respectively. The length and range of the strand can be increased by holding down the R2 button.
Charge Type BT Gun
A special firearm used against BTs. A rough translation of its in-game description says that the charge type BT gun infuses its bullets with the user’s blood.
Assault Rifle
The assault rifle is a firearm originally used by armed personnel of the United Cities of America, according to a rough translation of its in-game description. It has been improved as a special purpose weapon following the “death stranding” phenomenon.
Grenade
A standard fragmentation grenade. Based on a rough translation of its in-game description, it was used by the armed forces of the United Cities of America.
Ex Grenade
“Capsule made of Sam’s condensed body fluids collected from the shower.” The ex grenade explodes on impact and “is theorized to affect BTs.”
Hematic Grenade
The hematic grenade is a throwable explosive “designed for use against BTs.” The weapon requires blood bags to use. If none are available, the player’s own blood will be expended. The hematic grenade was used to defeat a giant BT that appeared near the end of the TGS 2019 demo. It is aimed with the L2 button and thrown with R2.
Tools and Gadgets
Ladder
“A portable ladder that folds out to a length of 10m. It can be used to climb slopes and cross rivers.” It allows the player to easily scale mountains. The ladder can be held on standby with the L2 button and placed with R2. It can be collapsed, presumably to be carried in the player’s cargo again.
Climbing Anchor
The climbing anchor is “a pole that is driven into the ground to create an anchor for a rope.” The tool allows the player to traverse steep slopes and cliffs. Its rope has a maximum length of 30 meters. The L2 button lets the player hold the climbing anchor on standby. Pressing the R2 button places it in position.
Shoulder-mounted Mechanical Arm
The shoulder-mounted mechanical arm is a device used to scan the area for BTs. As seen in the TGS 2019 demo, the digits of the mechanical arm twitch when BTs are nearby. The twitching becomes more frequent the closer the player is to BTs.
The mechanical arm has the ability to deflect bullets. This was shown during Sam’s encounter with Homo Demens’ leader Higgs. Whether the ability is performed manually by the player or is automatic during gameplay has not been revealed.
Armor and Clothing
Power Skeleton
The power skeleton is a piece of leg armor “that reduces cargo burden by bearing some of the weight.” An “active skeleton” that greatly increases the wearer’s cargo carrying capacity, allowing them to sprint unhindered.
Speed Skeleton
Described as “an active skeleton that boosts the wearer’s mobility.” When equipped, the leg armor allows the player to gain a boost in running speed using the L2 button. This makes it possible for the wearer to jump long distances despite carrying heavy cargo.
Bridges Boots
“Standard-issue Bridges boots, designed to be durable and withstand a wide range of environmental conditions.” Equipping different types of footwear affects the player’s balance, as seen in the TGS 2019 demo.
Ludens Mask Sunglasses
Described as “an old favorite of Sam’s.” Ludens mask sunglasses were designed “with Homo Ludens” in mind. They do not seem to serve any special use other than for aesthetics.
“Sam” Sunglasses
“A pair of sunglasses specially designed for Sam of which he is very fond of.” As with the Ludens mask sunglasses, they are implied to be worn only for style.
Cap
Special cap “beloved of Bridges staff that slightly reduces stamina consumption when worn.” The organization’s name is placed on the front of the cap in bold letters.
Players can customize the color of the Ludens mask sunglasses, “Sam” sunglasses, and cap in the safe house.
Harmonica
A musical instrument obtained by completing the “The Musician” side mission. Can be played to soothe BB and earn a like.
Vehicles
Motorbike
A transport vehicle that accommodates cargo. It allows the player to perform certain maneuvers, including a wheelie, shown in the release date trailer and TGS 2019 demo. The shoulder-mounted mechanical arm can also be used while riding.
Floating Cart
A cart that can be attached to the player’s backpack for pulling additional cargo. It also doubles as a skateboard-like vehicle that the player can ride downhill.
Mules Truck
As seen in the TGS 2019 demo, the player can hijack the trucks used by Mules to ambush travelers. It can, however, be immobilized by the electrified pole weapons that Mules wield.
Items
Monster Energy Drink
Restores the player’s stamina when used. It is based on the real-life beverage of the same name and is stored in the player’s canteen.
Timefall Porter
Presumed to be a popular beer brand in the world of Death Stranding. Sam was seen drinking it during the safe house demo.
Edible Bugs
Live bugs kept in a jar by Sam at his safe house. They are eaten as a snack to supply Sam’s body with iron.
Blood Bag
Allows the player to use hematic grenades. The player’s own blood will serve as a substitute when there are none of these in their inventory.
Container Repair Spray
Used to repair damaged containers, allowing the player to open and harvest their contents. Mules guarding their camps frequently carry some with them.
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