How to Unlock the Battle Guitar in Death Stranding 2

TL;DR

  • Complete Order 46 to trigger the story sequence where Fragile defeats Higgs and leaves you the guitar
  • The weapon consumes Chiral Crystals for ranged attacks but has unlimited melee capabilities
  • Master both rapid-fire electric charges and charged heavy attacks for maximum effectiveness
  • Battle Guitar becomes available only in the endgame after connecting all of Australia
  • Advanced techniques include combo chains and resource-efficient combat strategies

Since its dramatic reveal in the Death Stranding 2 trailer, Higgs’ electrified Battle Guitar has become one of the most anticipated weapons in the sequel. The ESRB rating confirmation that this unique instrument-weapon hybrid would be playable only heightened community excitement. For players determined to wield this powerful tool, understanding the specific unlock conditions is essential for planning your progression through the game’s challenging narrative.

Acquiring the Battle Guitar represents a significant endgame achievement that requires substantial story progression. You cannot obtain this weapon during early or mid-game phases, as it becomes accessible only after completing the primary continental connection objective. This timing ensures you have adequate combat experience and resource management skills before handling such a versatile armament.

Proper preparation before attempting the unlock mission dramatically improves your success chances. Ensure you have sufficient healing items, weapon durability, and chiral network connectivity to handle the demanding combat encounters. Many players underestimate the resource requirements for Order 46, leading to frustrating mission failures that could have been prevented with better planning.

Order no. 46 in Death Stranding 2
Image Credit: Kojima Productions and PlayStation (via in-game screenshot by Ajithkumar/Beebom)

Order Number 46 serves as the climactic mission to establish continent-wide connectivity across Australia. This demanding assignment requires you to overcome multiple combat challenges, beginning with eliminating numerous Ghost Mech soldiers protecting the route. After clearing the initial resistance, you must confront and defeat the formidable giant mech boss obstructing final connection. Successfully completing these engagements enables you to transport the critical Drawbridge Terminal Unit to the F8 distribution center, completing the continental network.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Higgs materializes unexpectedly to acknowledge your achievement in uniting Australia. As he initiates an assault, DHV Magellan erupts from the tar substance to incapacitate him, while Fragile emerges for their decisive confrontation. In this pivotal moment, Fragile seizes Higgs’ battle guitar and employs it to deliver the final blow against the antagonist.

Fragile Using Higgs Guitar
Image Credit: Kojima Productions and PlayStation (via in-game screenshot by Ajithkumar/Beebom)

Following Higgs’ defeat, Fragile deliberately leaves the Battle Guitar in Sam’s possession before departing. An extensive cinematic sequence then initiates when you enter the DHV Magellan, establishing the foundation for the game’s explosive conclusion. This narrative progression mirrors the weapon acquisition systems found in other tactical shooters, where specialized armaments become available after major story milestones.

After the cinematic concludes, Tarman verifies that the engineering team has specially adapted Higgs’ Guitar for your utilization during the sequel’s dramatic finale. From this point forward, you permanently possess the Battle Guitar and can deploy it strategically in subsequent combat scenarios.

Tar Man modifies Higgs' guitar to let Sam use it in Death Stranding 2
Image Credit: Kojima Productions and PlayStation (via in-game screenshot by Ajithkumar/Beebom)

The primary consideration when deploying the Battle Guitar is that the weapon requires Chiral Crystals to execute ranged electrical attacks. This versatile instrument functions effectively for both close-quarters melee engagements and distance shooting capabilities. Understanding the complete control scheme maximizes your combat effectiveness with this unique weapon system.

  • When the guitar is equipped, repeatedly pressing the circle button executes rapid melee strikes that consume no resources.
  • Utilize the L2 button for targeting alignment followed by R2 activation to discharge continuous electrical projectiles.
  • Alternatively, maintain pressure on the R2 button and release to unleash a concentrated high-power electrical blast.

Advanced combat techniques involve strategic resource management since Chiral Crystal consumption can quickly deplete your reserves during extended engagements. For optimal efficiency, combine melee attacks against weaker enemies while reserving crystal-powered shots for tougher opponents or group situations. The charged attack proves particularly effective against armored targets and boss enemies, though it demands precise timing and positioning.

Many players initially struggle with the weapon’s dual functionality, either overusing crystal-dependent attacks or failing to leverage the charged shot potential. Practice in less demanding combat scenarios to develop muscle memory for seamless switching between attack modes. The Battle Guitar’s learning curve resembles mastering specialized weapons in other tactical games, where understanding both basic functions and advanced applications separates novice from expert users.

Strategic crystal conservation becomes crucial during the final missions where resupply opportunities may be limited. The weapon’s modification by Tarman’s crew ensures it integrates seamlessly with Sam’s existing equipment loadout, similar to how specialized weapons in our BF6 Weapons Unlock Guide demonstrates how endgame armaments often require specialized management techniques. For players seeking comprehensive combat mastery, our Complete Guide offers additional advanced tactical frameworks.

Action Checklist

  • Complete main story progression until Order 46 becomes available
  • Stockpile Chiral Crystals and ensure adequate combat supplies before attempting Order 46
  • Defeat Ghost Mech soldiers and the giant mech boss in Order 46
  • Deliver Drawbridge Terminal Unit to F8 distribution center
  • Complete the cinematic sequence after Fragile leaves you the guitar
  • Practice Battle Guitar controls in safe environments to master both melee and ranged attacks

No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » How to Unlock the Battle Guitar in Death Stranding 2 Complete guide to unlocking and mastering Higgs' Battle Guitar in Death Stranding 2 with advanced combat strategies