Death Stranding 2: How To get Tranq Sniper Rifle and Smoke Grenade

The Tranq Sniper Rifle is a powerful weapon in Death Stranding 2 that provides you with a significant advantage over human enemies in-game. The Smoke Grenade allows you to slip away if noticed by enemies or create a view obstruction. Both need to be unlocked through completing a particular mission in-game — one that some players may miss out on as they trudge along connecting Australia.

Death Stranding 2 Tranq Sniper Rifle and Smoke Grenade Unlock Guide

The Tranq Sniper Rifle and Smoke Grenade are unlocked in Death Stranding by completing the Recover the Mementos from the BT Area at the Lone Commander location. Once you do so, the Lone Commander will allow you to connect the location to the chiral network. This, in turn, unlocks the Tranq Sniper Rifle and Smoke Grenade.

Tranq Sniper Rifle and Smoke Grenade Rifle DS2: How To Use and Other Details

Tranq Sniper Rifle [Costs 80 Resins, 100 Metals, And 80 Chemicals To Fabricate]

The Tranq Sniper Rifle in DS2 is good against human enemies, while useless against BTs or Mechs. Keep in mind that the Tranq Sniper Rifle makes a loud noise when shot, as it is not equipped with a suppressor. Given that taking a shot will give away your location, plan accordingly, and consider using a Smoke Grenade to reposition without being seen. 

Tranq Sniper Rifle controls are:

• Hold L2 to aim through the scope
• Hold R1 to hold breath to stabilize aim
• Press R3 to change the zoom
• Press R2 to take the shot

The bullet drop effect is there for the Tranq Sniper Rifle in Death Stranding 2. This means, gravity will affect where the projectile hits over longer distances. Depending on where you are shooting from and how far you are shooting, you may want to aim a little higher while targeting the enemy.   

“A long-range rifle loaded with non-lethal tranquillizing rounds, ideal for neutralizing human targets from a safe distance. Comes with a variable scope that has two zoom settings. Hold your breath to stabilize your aim, and be warned: makes a loud noise when firing.”

Smoke Grenade [Costs 125 Resins To Fabricate]

You can equip the Smoke Grenade by holding right on the D-pad, selecting throwables, scrolling to Smoke Grenade (provided you are carrying it), and pressing X to equip it. Once equipped, hold L2 to aim and Press R2 to throw. 

The main use case of Smoke Grenade is to quickly reposition under the cover of smoke if detected. Depending on your setup, a Tranq Sniper Rifle and Smoke Grenades are a powerful combination in Death Stranding 2. You will take a shot or two, drop a Smoke Grenade before the enemy converges and locates you, and reposition to start the cycle again.

“A grenade that explodes on impact to produce a lingering cloud of smoke, obscuring enemy vision and causing humans to cough. The smoke can even shield Sam from the vision of Watchers, who unlike other BTs, have the ability to see. The relatively muted sound of its detonation draws little attention to Sam, making it the perfect tool for covert ops. Can be stored in a grenade pouch.”

How To Get and Completely Recover the Mementos From the BT Area [the Lone Commander] in Death Stranding 2

To get this order, you will need to take on the sub-order Deliver the Dismantled Rifle to the Lone Commander [Breakable Cargo] from the Government’s Base. It’s not a main order. You don’t need to complete it to continue with the main story. Once you deliver the cargo to the Lone Commander, he will tell you that he will become a part of the chiral network only if you complete his latest order. The mission blurb for Recover the Mementos from the BT Area is:

“The Lone Commander remains somewhat suspicious of you. You need to prove yourself by fulfilling this order. Retrieve his treasured mementos from the BT area in order to earn his trust.”

The objective is to gather the mementos from the designated area and bring them back to the Lone Commander. It is easier said than done, as the area is BT-infested. The Lone Commander will give you 2x Ladders and 1x Climbing Anchor. Since he isn’t connected to the chiral network, you will not be able to fabricate any equipment.

You can consider bringing more from the Government’s Base before you start the Deliver the Dismantled Rifle to the Lone Commander mission. You also should have weapons like Blood Grenades and Assault Rifle [MP] if needed. Our suggestion is to avoid taking a violent approach as much as possible. 

A few things to keep in mind to complete this mission:

• Once you are in the BT-infested area, crouch (press R1) and pay attention to your Odradek.
• Hold your breath by holding R1 if you get close to a BT.
• Be aware of Lou’s mood and soothe him if necessary.
• Your usage of Ladders and Climbing Anchors will depend on how many you have — always check the map to make the best decision.
• While returning, use L1 for the Odradek scan to see your footstep so you can retrace it.

Upon unlocking the Tranq Sniper Rifle and Smoke Grenade in Death Stranding 2, the Lone Commander will have a new sub order for you to pick up. This one involves the Government’s Base. Given that you will have to make your way back to that location to continue with the main orders, we advise you to take up this sub order. You can easily do it during Episode 3 in DS2.

The sub order Recover All Brigands’ Reconnaissance Equipment will allow you to test both the Tranq Sniper Rifle and Smoke Grenade for the first time against enemies in Death Stranding 2. Once you get near the enemy camp, use Dollman and the map to learn about the area and its geography, and plan how you will go about the mission.

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We provide the latest news and create guides for Death Stranding 2. Meanwhile, you can check out the following Death Stranding 2 articles or catch us playing games on YouTube:

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