Ready to turn your delivery runs into action-packed adventures? Death Stranding 2: On the Beach revolutionizes mobile combat by letting you fire weapons while driving vehicles, transforming every journey across the post-apocalyptic landscape into a potential battlefield.
Unlike the original Death Stranding, Death Stranding 2 introduces the ability to use weapons while driving, with the Riddle of the Headless Riders mission serving as a perfect example of this mechanic involving firing while riding the Tri-bike. This addition completely changes how you approach hostile encounters and makes traversal far more dynamic.
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How to Equip Weapons While Driving Death Stranding 2
The process is surprisingly straightforward but requires precise timing:
- Access the Tool Wheel: While in the driver’s seat of a vehicle, hold right on the d-pad to open up the tool wheel
- Select Your Weapon: From there, select a gun or grenade, just like you would on foot
- Switch Weapons: You can switch between them by opening up the tool wheel again and selecting something different
Vehicle Combat Control Scheme
| Action | Control | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open Tool Wheel | Hold Right D-Pad | Works while driving any vehicle |
| Select Weapon | Navigate Tool Wheel | Choose guns or grenades |
| Fire Weapon | R2/RT | Modified mechanics while driving |
| Switch Weapons | Reopen Tool Wheel | Quick swapping during combat |
Best Vehicles for Combat
Not all vehicles handle combat equally well. Here’s what works best:
Tri-bike: Perfect for hit-and-run tactics with excellent maneuverability. The bike’s agility makes it ideal for dodging while returning fire.
Cargo Trucks: Offer more stability for accurate shooting but sacrifice mobility. Great for defensive scenarios where you need to hold ground.
Reverse Trikes: Provide a balanced approach between speed and stability, making them versatile combat platforms.
Strategic Combat Applications
Enemy Encounters: Mobile combat lets you engage MULEs and other hostiles without dismounting, maintaining your escape route while fighting.
Cargo Protection: Defend your deliveries without stopping, keeping precious cargo safe while eliminating threats.
Territory Control: Clear areas of enemies more efficiently by combining movement with firepower.
For more combat strategies, check out our Death Stranding 2 combat guide for advanced tactics.
Weapon Types for Vehicle Combat
Handguns: Including specialized options like handguns that electrocute close-range targets, where the trigger must be held to build up an electrical charge before firing
Grenades: Perfect for area denial and crowd control while maintaining distance
Rifles: Offer long-range precision but require steady driving for accuracy
Special Weapons: Unique tools designed specifically for mobile combat scenarios
Mastering the Mechanics
Timing is Everything: While driving, shooting functions differently than on foot, requiring practice to master the altered mechanics.
Situational Awareness: Keep track of both road hazards and enemy positions simultaneously. It’s easy to crash while focusing on combat.
Ammunition Management: Vehicle combat burns through ammo quickly. Plan your routes to include fabrication terminals for resupply.
Escape Routes: Always have an exit strategy. Mobile combat is about hit-and-run, not prolonged engagements.
Advanced Techniques
Strafing Runs: Use vehicle speed to make multiple passes at enemy positions, whittling down their numbers safely.
Suppressive Fire: Keep enemies pinned while cargo teammates complete objectives or escape dangerous areas.
Defensive Driving: Learn to weave and dodge while maintaining offensive capabilities.
Unlocking Combat Potential
The weapon system in Death Stranding 2 revolves around Connection Levels with various facilities. By completing Standard Orders, Aid Requests, and recovering Lost Cargo, you’ll increase your standing with different settlements and unlock their unique weapon blueprints.
This progression system means your mobile combat capabilities grow stronger as you build relationships across the network, making every delivery run a step toward better firepower.
For weapon unlocking strategies, visit our Death Stranding 2 progression guide to maximize your arsenal development.
The Tactical Advantage
Vehicle-based combat isn’t just a cool feature – it’s a game-changer for how you approach the hostile world of Death Stranding 2. Whether you’re facing down MULEs trying to steal your cargo or dealing with supernatural threats, the ability to fight while mobile gives you options that simply didn’t exist before.
Master this system, and you’ll transform from a vulnerable porter into a mobile tactical unit capable of handling any threat the wasteland throws at you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any weapon while driving in Death Stranding 2?
A: You can access most handheld weapons through the tool wheel while driving, including handguns, rifles, and grenades. However, larger weapons and special equipment may not be available during vehicle operation, and some weapons function differently while mobile.
Q: Do I need to stop my vehicle to reload weapons while driving?
A: No, you can reload weapons while continuing to drive, though the process may take longer and require more careful timing. The game automatically handles reloading mechanics during vehicle combat, but keeping an eye on ammunition counts is crucial for sustained engagements.
