Death Stranding 2: Ultimate Combat Guide – Mastering Body Slams & Spinning Kicks

 

Ultimate Combat Guide – Mastering Body Slams & Spinning Kicks

In Death Stranding 2, combat isn't just about using your weapons or throwing punches—it's about mastering a variety of moves and knowing how to use them to your advantage. Whether you're diving into melee combat, pulling off devastating dropkicks, or using creative techniques like body slams and spinning kicks, there's much more to the combat system than meets the eye. In this guide, we’ll break down all the combat secrets that can elevate your game, making it more satisfying and dynamic.

Mastering Melee Combos and Special Moves

When you’re in a tight spot, sometimes your fists are your best weapon. While Death Stranding 2 offers an arsenal of gear and weapons, learning how to use your body for offense can make all the difference.

• Melee Combo: By pressing Circle repeatedly, you can land a series of hits in quick succession. This combo is effective on most enemies and can be enough to knock them out in a single sequence. You can extend your combo by leveling up your Melee stat, which increases both the number of hits you can perform and the damage each hit does.

• Flying Knee Kick: Press Jump (X) and Circle simultaneously to perform a flying knee. This move is excellent for breaking through enemy defenses and opening up new opportunities for follow-up attacks. It’s a great way to deal with enemies who tend to block your regular punches.

• Body Slam: One of the most satisfying moves in Death Stranding 2 is the Body Slam. To execute it, simply press X to jump and then hit R1. Sam will perform a hilarious yet effective body slam that knocks enemies to the ground. It's a quick and easy way to take an enemy down and can be used strategically to interrupt attacks from stronger foes.

• Dropkick: Another fan-favorite move, the Dropkick is a great tool to knock enemies unconscious in one hit. Sprint, jump (X), and press Circle to perform this move. The key to making this work is building up speed. If you’re wearing an Exoskeleton, the dropkick becomes even more powerful, sending enemies flying across the map. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move, so timing and positioning are important.

Countering, Dodging, and Defensive Tactics

While going on the offensive is exciting, Death Stranding 2 offers plenty of defensive strategies to keep you safe when the fight gets intense.

• Dodge: In close-quarters combat, dodging is essential. You can perform an omni-directional dodge by holding L2 + R2 and pressing X just before an attack lands. This move lets you avoid damage and can even be used to dash through enemy strikes.

• Diving: When you’re holding a weapon or item, you can dive by pressing L2 and X. This move also has invincibility frames, meaning you can avoid damage from incoming attacks, including heavy blows from larger enemies.

• Blocking and Counterattacks: Another important defensive option is blocking. Hold L2 and R2 as an enemy attacks to brace for impact. You can also time your block perfectly to completely negate damage and follow up with a counterattack by pressing Circle. This opens up windows for more offensive opportunities, especially against enemies who like to throw punches or wield melee weapons.

• Tackling: If you need to break through a group of enemies, use the Tackle move. Press L2 + R2 while moving in a direction and press Circle to charge at the enemy. This move knocks enemies off balance and can even set them up for follow-up binds or attacks.

Unique Item-Based Combat Moves

Sometimes, it’s the items at your disposal that can turn the tide of battle. Death Stranding 2 offers plenty of items that can be used creatively in combat.

• The Strand: The Strand is a default item that you can use not only to bind enemies from behind but also to parry incoming attacks. To parry, aim with L2, and just before getting hit, press R2. This will redirect the enemy’s attack, making them vulnerable to a bind or other follow-up moves.

• Gloves: Throughout the game, you’ll unlock powerful Gloves that enhance your melee abilities. These gloves charge up your punches with electricity, allowing you to deal extra damage, especially to armored enemies. Hold Circle to charge up the electrical punch, and unleash a devastating shockwave to hit multiple enemies at once. These gloves are a great addition to your arsenal and are part of the main story progression.

• Cargo as a Weapon: In Death Stranding 2, you can also use cargo as a weapon. By picking up cargo and holding it with L2 or R2, you can swing it at enemies, dealing massive damage. Be cautious, as this damages the cargo, but if you’re running low on conventional weapons, it’s a solid backup. You can also throw the cargo at enemies by pressing Circle, which can sometimes knock them unconscious.

• Pizza Chef Moves: For those looking to get a bit more creative with their combat, visit the Pizza Chef to unlock new special moves. These include:

  • Spinning Pizza Strike: Hold R2 and Circle to perform a rapid, spinning attack that breaks through enemy defenses.

  • Pizza Whirlwind Kick: Hold L2 and Circle to execute a flurry of kicks, dealing damage to all nearby enemies.

  • Great Spinning Pizza Slam: Hold R2, L2, and Circle to rush forward, grab an enemy, and finish them with an over-the-top spinning slam.

Tips for Weapons and Advanced Combat Techniques

Weapons are an essential part of your combat strategy, and Death Stranding 2 offers a variety of options, each with its own advantages.

• Blinding Enemies at Night: Some weapons come with a built-in torch, allowing you to blind enemies at night. To use it, press Square while aiming down sights to illuminate unsuspecting enemies. It’s a sneaky way to gain the upper hand in nighttime encounters.

• Aiming and Auto-Aim: The aiming system can be a bit tricky, but there’s a trick to making it easier. Instead of manually aiming at each target, you can press the aiming button to automatically snap to the closest target. This is especially useful when you’re facing multiple enemies, and it will help you line up shots quickly.

• Using Cover: To take cover behind objects, simply approach them and press L2. Once you’re behind cover, you can pop out and shoot at enemies. Some of the more advanced weapons can also break enemy armor, so be on the lookout for ways to disable enemies more effectively.

• Weapon Quick Equip: Holding multiple weapons can be cumbersome during fights, but you can quickly equip them by pressing Right on the D-pad. If you need to drop a weapon without any animation, simply press Down on the D-pad while aiming.

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This guide has covered some of the hidden and advanced combat techniques you can use in Death Stranding 2 to gain an edge in battle. Whether you're taking down enemies with style using body slams and dropkicks or using strategic item-based moves, mastering these skills will make your experience in the game even more rewarding.

Conclusion

In Death Stranding 2, combat isn't just about brute force—it's about strategy, timing, and using every tool at your disposal. From mastering powerful melee moves like body slams and dropkicks to incorporating creative strategies using items and exoskeletons, there’s a wealth of combat options to explore. By honing your skills, you can turn any battle into a more engaging and dynamic experience. Whether you're up against a group of enemies or facing off against tough bosses, these hidden combat tips will give you the edge you need to come out on top. Keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to mix and match moves to discover the best combat style that suits you.

With these combat tips in mind, you'll be ready to dominate in Death Stranding 2 and experience the game's true depth. So, next time you step into battle, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to make every encounter feel exciting and rewarding!

FAQ

1. How do I perform a flying knee kick in Death Stranding 2?
To perform a flying knee kick, press Jump (X) followed by Circle. This move breaks enemy guards and allows for follow-up attacks.

2. What is the best way to knock enemies out with melee attacks?
The Dropkick is incredibly effective. Sprint, jump (X), and press Circle to perform a powerful dropkick that can knock enemies unconscious in one hit.

3. How can I use items for combat in Death Stranding 2?
You can use items like the Strand for parrying and binding enemies. Additionally, gloves can electrify your punches, and cargo can be thrown as a weapon.

4. What are Pizza Chef moves, and how do I unlock them?
Visit the Pizza Chef and level him up to unlock powerful moves like the Spinning Pizza Strike, Pizza Whirlwind Kick, and the Great Spinning Pizza Slam.

5. How can I block and counter enemy attacks?
Hold L2 + R2 to block incoming attacks, and you can time your block to negate damage or perform a counterattack by pressing Circle.

6. How can I quickly equip or drop weapons during a fight?
Press Right on the D-pad to quickly equip a weapon, and press Down on the D-pad to drop a weapon while aiming, saving time in combat.

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