Despite Death Stranding offering several types of weapons to handle enemies, you can also eliminate them silently. This approach requires more strategic thinking and patience than direct attacks, but it allows you to remain unnoticed if done correctly.

How to Perform a Knockout in Death Stranding 2

To execute a silent stealth kill in Death Stranding 2, you first need to crouch by pressing R1 on the gamepad. Crouch-walking reduces noise and visibility, making it easier to sneak up on enemies patrolling the area.

Approach the enemy you want to knock out from behind. Once you get close enough and remain unnoticed, a prompt will appear: you need to press the circle button on the gamepad. After this, Sam will initiate a silent neutralization of the enemy using the Strand, allowing you to eliminate them quickly and quietly. And that's all it takes to perform a stealth knockout.

You should approach from behind, preferably when the enemy is alone and not facing your direction. This prevents them from calling for backup or counterattacking. The game provides clear visual and audio cues when an enemy suspects something or is about to spot you. Keep this in mind and use it to your advantage.

So, to choke out an enemy in Death Stranding 2, you need to:

• Crouch by pressing R1 on the gamepad.
• Sneak up on the enemy from behind.
• Press the 'circle' button on the gamepad when the prompt appears.

Can You Perform a Knockout Hand-to-Hand Without Strand

Even if you don't have the Strand, you can still manually knock out an enemy. However, there is a risk: the strikes won't be silent. In close combat, they are effective but can easily attract other enemies around you, quickly turning the situation into an open fight. This method should only be used when you are sure no one else is nearby or if you are ready for a potential battle.

Analyze Enemy Patrol Routes

The AI in Death Stranding 2 doesn't act chaotically. Enemies move along clearly defined routes and stop at predetermined points. It's worth spending some time tracking their movements before attacking.

Hide in tall grass or behind various landscape elements (including rocks) and wait until the enemy moves as far away from others as possible. Taking out isolated opponents is the best strategy.

It's often better to wait a few more seconds than to rush and get spotted. Also, pay attention to changes in terrain—hills, rocks, or abandoned structures can give you an advantage or allow you to flank the enemy.

When to Use Knockouts and Avoid Combat

If your goal doesn't involve eliminating enemies, it makes more sense to simply bypass them unnoticed. The game encourages such actions: cargo remains in better condition, and fewer resources are expended. If you're carrying fragile or critically important cargo, avoiding enemy contact is a fully justified tactic.

In camps, enemies often stand close to each other. If there's no way to perform a silent knockout without raising an alarm, it's better to wait or find another path. Using the Odradek scanner, you can assess enemy positions before making a move. And before a fight, it's advisable to remove the cargo.

Do Silent Knockouts Work Against BTs

Unlike human enemies, stealth knockouts don't work on BTs. Their behavior follows entirely different mechanics. If a BT spots you, the usual stealth tactics won't save you. In such cases, you'll need to use Blood Grenades, Anti-BT Handguns, and other specialized equipment that becomes available as you progress through the game.

All the skills you've honed against humans won't work against BTs. Plan ahead. If possible, avoid them. If not, be prepared to respond with the appropriate weaponry. This is critical for your survival.