Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Guide | Best Early Game Rifles

Here are two must-find early-game rifles that can easily give you a head start in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.

Game Guide by Faviyan Mustafiz on Jun 26, 2025

In the early stages of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, selecting the right weapon can significantly streamline traversal and combat encounters.

This guide is all about the best assault weapons that will be available soon after the Mexico segment starts. It talks about their strengths, weaknesses, and the best ways to get them.

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Best Early Game Assault Rifles

The two standout options for early progression are the Level Two Assault Rifle and the Level Two Lightweight Assault Rifle.

Both guns are better than the starting weapons in terms of firepower and ammo capacity, but they are best for slightly different types of gameplay.

People love the Level Two Assault Rifle because it has more bullets per clip than any other rifle. This makes it perfect for long-lasting battles against Bandits and BTs. Its powerful firepower, especially when paired with larger ammo pouches, makes up for its heavy frame.

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On the other hand, the Level Two Lightweight Assault Rifle gives up some ammunition volume in exchange for being lighter, which makes it easier to move around.

While the weight savings can benefit Traversal Speed and Stamina Conservation, many players find that the extra rounds in the standard version more than compensate for the added bulk.

Thunder Grenade Launcher Feature

A notable advantage shared by both Level Two variants is the integrated Thunder Grenade Launcher module. This attachment markedly improves the ability to turn off vehicles swiftly and clear out fortified Bandit encampments.

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The combination of rapid-fire assault rifle rounds with explosive ordnance ensures versatility when confronting both human adversaries and BT incursions in open terrain.

Acquisition Guide

To get these guns, the player has to go back to Mexico and focus on specific distribution centers:

South Distribution Center (Mexico): Sends the Level Two Assault Rifle once the facility order for it is complete.

Research Center (Mexico): After meeting the center's conditions, you can get the Level Two Lightweight Assault Rifle.

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Once it's unlocked, Fast Travel is highly suggested because it cuts down on backtracking and speeds up delivery.

If Fast Travel is still not available, the player can navigate through the main gate, but this takes more time and energy management. Concentrating on side quests in Mexico not only accelerates access to these distribution centers but also bolsters overall Equipment Ratings and resource reserves.

Also, check our Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Review and other guides below: