Bola Stun Gun
Overview
The Bola Stun Gun is a unique non-lethal weapon in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach that launches electrified bola projectiles — weighted cables that wrap around a target on impact, binding their limbs and delivering a powerful electric shock. Unlike conventional firearms, the Bola Stun Gun is specifically designed to immobilize rather than harm, making it an ideal tool for players committed to non-lethal playthroughs. Its unconventional projectile shape and entangling mechanism set it apart from every other sidearm in Sam's arsenal.
How to Unlock
The Bola Stun Gun becomes available for fabrication after players achieve a 4-star connection rating with The Inventor, a key NPC in Death Stranding 2's Strand network. The Inventor specializes in experimental technology, and the Bola Stun Gun is one of several advanced gadgets unlocked by deepening this relationship. Reaching 4 stars requires consistent high-grade deliveries to The Inventor's facility and completion of their associated sub-orders.
Combat Usage
In combat, the Bola Stun Gun is most effective as a setup weapon — binding an enemy in place to enable a follow-up melee takedown or allowing Sam to slip past without further engagement. The electrified bola cables can also hit multiple closely grouped targets if they are caught in the cable's arc on impact, making it viable for light crowd control in scenarios where enemies cluster together. Against a single incapacitated target, a well-timed melee strike after a bola hit deals increased damage due to the stun state.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Bola Stun Gun's versatility is its defining strength — it can control, immobilize, and create openings in a way that purely lethal or purely ranged weapons cannot. It is one of the best options for non-lethal runs, offering reliable incapacitation without the reload delay of the Tranq Sniper Rifle. Its main weakness is projectile speed: the bola travels slower than a bullet, meaning players must lead moving targets or engage at shorter ranges to land consistent hits. It is also ineffective against BTs and mechanical enemies.
Tips and Strategies
When using the Bola Stun Gun against moving enemies, aim slightly ahead of the target to account for the projectile's travel time — leading your shot is the key skill to master. For non-lethal runs, pair it with the Tranq Sniper Rifle: use the rifle for distant sentries and the Bola Stun Gun for enemies who close the distance or emerge unexpectedly. The stun gun is especially effective in indoor environments or narrow corridors where enemies have limited room to dodge, maximizing the chance the bola cables find their mark.