Death Stranding 2: Lord of Tar Lake Boss Fight Guide & Showdown Trophy

30th June, 2025

Facing off against Death Stranding 2's mythical Lord of Tar Lake feels like battling Moby Dick himself – if that legendary whale could fly, shoot tracking projectiles, and potentially cause an instant voidout. After spending countless hours perfecting this boss fight and helping fellow porters earn their Showdown at Tar Lake trophy, I'm here to share everything you need to know about defeating this optional BT behemoth in Kojima Productions' latest masterpiece.

The Lord of Tar Lake represents one of the most challenging and rewarding optional encounters in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. This massive flying whale BT isn't just another enemy – it's a test of preparation, patience, and strategic combat that rewards dedicated players with exclusive achievements and the satisfaction of conquering one of the game's toughest challenges.

Table of Contents

DS2 Lord of Tar Lake Boss Overview

Boss Details	Information
Boss Name	Lord of Tar Lake
Type	Optional BT Boss
Location	Tar Lake (Australia)
Trophy	Showdown at Tar Lake
Required Facility	The Fisherman (Level 4+)
Difficulty	Very Hard
Estimated Fight Time	15-25 minutes
Can Cause Voidout	Yes

Prerequisites: Unlocking the Lord of Tar Lake Fight

Before you can even think about challenging this legendary creature, you'll need to complete several prerequisite steps. The Lord of Tar Lake isn't just sitting around waiting for you – accessing this boss requires dedication to building connections and completing specific story progression.

Step 1: Progress to Australia

First things first – you can't access this boss until you've reached Australia in the main story. The first step in obtaining the Showdown at Tar Lake trophy is to meet the requirements necessary to activate it. Firstly, players must connect the Fisherman to the Chiral Network and complete a few connection levels with him. This typically happens after completing Main Order 34, which takes you to the F5 East Distribution Center.

If you're still in Mexico wondering when you'll reach Australia, check out our guide on how long it takes to beat Death Stranding 2 for a complete timeline breakdown.

Step 2: Connect The Fisherman to the Chiral Network

Players can connect the Fisherman to the Chiral Network by accepting Sub Order 166 from F5 East Distribution Center after connecting the facility with Main Order 34. This initial order is straightforward but crucial:

Accept Sub Order 116 from F5 East Distribution Center
Navigate to Tar Lake (a short drive from F5)
Collect the cargo from one end of the lake
Deliver it to The Fisherman on the opposite shore

Pro Tip: While players can traverse the tar lake, it's far too slow and unreliable, so players should simply go around. Trust me, attempting to cross directly through the tar is a recipe for frustration and potential BT encounters you don't need.

Step 3: Increase The Fisherman's Connection Level

This is where the real grind begins. Once you increase their connection level to around 80% through level 4 it will stop increasing, and they will send you an SSS post that they have a sub order available to pick up. Getting to this point requires:

Delivering Lost Cargo marked for The Fisherman
Completing Standard Orders from their facility
Accepting Aid Requests in the surrounding area

The Fisherman will drop hints about the massive BT lurking in Tar Lake as your connection grows. Pay attention to these dialogue snippets – they're building up to the main event!

For a complete breakdown of all facility rewards, including what The Fisherman offers at each level, check out our Death Stranding 2 connection level rewards guide.

Step 4: Accept Sub Order 117

Once you've reached the connection level cap (around 80% through level 4), The Fisherman will notify you via SSS that they have a special sub order available. Return to their facility and accept Sub Order 117: Lord of Tar Lake.

This order has two distinct parts that must be completed in sequence.

Part 1: Capturing the Delphis BT at Ghost Mech Factory

The first phase of Sub Order 117 sends you on a hunt for a very specific BT that will serve as bait for the Lord of Tar Lake.

Location and Preparation

The first part involves venturing to the Ghost Mech Factory in the northeast, near the Data Scientist. Before venturing to this BT-infested zone at the Ghost Mech Factory, make sure you have plenty of weapons to defeat BTs and, most importantly, an EX Capture Grenade.

Essential Equipment for Ghost Mech Factory:

EX Capture Grenades (at least 3-4 for safety)
Blood Bags (minimum 5)
Anti-BT Weapons (Hematic Grenades, Blood-infused ammunition)
Repair Spray (BT areas damage equipment quickly)

The Capture Process

Enter the BT zone at Ghost Mech Factory
Allow yourself to be detected by the regular BTs
Get dragged into the tar (don't resist!)
Wait for the Delphis BT Catcher to spawn

Players will then want to damage the Catcher enough so that it has a red health bar, and then they can throw the EX Capture Grenade into its mouth to capture it once it turns into a white crystal.

Critical Warning: If you accidentally kill the BT without capturing it or die during the fight, you will need to abandon the Sub Order and pick it up again from The Fisherman to respawn the BT (it will give a standby warning like Standard Orders do but you can accept it again immediately).

The Delphis BT looks like a dolphin and behaves more aggressively than standard catchers. Keep your distance and use ranged attacks to whittle down its health. When you see the health bar turn red, that's your cue to throw the EX Capture Grenade.

Post-Capture Preparation

Once you've successfully captured the BT Crystal (Delphis), DO NOT rush straight to Tar Lake. This is your last chance to prepare for one of the game's toughest boss fights.

Part 2: The Lord of Tar Lake Boss Fight

Now comes the main event – facing the Lord of Tar Lake itself. This isn't just any boss fight; it's a test of endurance, resource management, and tactical awareness.

Pre-Fight Preparation

Head back to the F5 East Distribution Center. From here, it's a good idea to stock up with plenty of weapons and the appropriate equipment. Based on my experience and community feedback, here's the optimal loadout:

Essential Weapons:

Rocket Launchers (4-6 units)
Machine Guns (preferably MP variants)
Grenade Launchers (for burst damage)
Blood Bags (10+ recommended)

Support Equipment:

Boost Skeleton (for enhanced mobility)
Armor Plates (protection from projectiles)
Container Repair Spray (maintain equipment durability)

For a complete list of the best weapons for this fight, check out our Death Stranding 2 weapons guide.

Initiating the Boss Fight

Travel to Tar Lake from F5 East Distribution Center
Move to the center of the marked area
Wait for the tar to rise around you
Open your inventory and use the BT Crystal (Delphis)
Watch the cutscene as the Lord swallows the bait

Boss Attack Patterns

The Lord of Tar Lake has several devastating attacks you need to recognize and counter:

1. Tracking Projectile Barrage

It will generally attack by shooting tracking projectiles toward you, so to avoid this try to always have a friendly BT summoned to distract the boss.

Counter Strategy:

Keep moving in wide circles
Use terrain elevation changes to break line of sight
Deploy decoy cargo if available

2. Laser Beam Attack

Its most common attack is to swim in the air and charge a powerful laser beam that will shoot in a straight line, so simply dodge this attack or jump out of the way with a Boost Skeleton.

Counter Strategy:

Watch for the charging animation (bright glow around its mouth)
Sprint perpendicular to the beam's trajectory
Use the Boost Skeleton's enhanced jump to clear the beam entirely

3. Submersion Voidout Attack

Another attack that will instantly kill players and cause a voidout is when the Lord of Tar Lake submerges. If players cannot see the Lord of Tar Lake, keep an eye on the ground and watch for a green circle, as this will indicate the radius where the Lord of Tar Lake will try to swallow you.

Counter Strategy:

IMMEDIATELY sprint away from any green circles
The attack often follows summoning of lesser BTs
Keep stamina reserves for emergency escapes

To learn more about the devastating effects of voidouts, read our guide on what are voidouts in Death Stranding 2.

Combat Strategy

The Lord of the Tar Lake is a giant flying whale, that will be diving into and back out of the launch along with flying overhead. This constant movement makes hitting it challenging, but here's the optimal approach:

Summoning Allied BTs

If you have them Gigas and Kheir are the two best overall, as they can deal lots of damage while hitting the boss in the air. These allied BTs serve two crucial purposes:

Distraction – Drawing fire away from Sam
Damage Dealing – Contributing significant DPS throughout the fight

Weapon Prioritization

Start with Rocket Launchers for maximum damage during vulnerable phases
Switch to Machine Guns for sustained damage when the boss is mobile
Save Grenade Launchers for when the boss hovers low

The Community Support System

If players run out of weapons, spam the Touch Pad so Sam can shout at other players so that they throw weapons at him that can be used on the Lord of Tar Lake. This online feature can be a lifesaver:

Ghost players will throw weapons during the fight
Prioritize picking up rocket launchers and machine guns
Don't be too proud to call for help – this boss is meant to be challenging

Advanced Tips and Strategies

After helping numerous players through this fight, here are some pro tips that can make the difference between victory and defeat:

Positioning is Everything

Stay near the edges of the arena for easier escape routes
Avoid the center when the boss submerges
Use elevated terrain when available for better shooting angles

Resource Management

Don't blow through all your best weapons immediately
Save blood bags for the final phase when attacks intensify
Repair weapons during brief calm periods

Exploit Attack Windows

The boss is most vulnerable immediately after surfacing
Focus fire during its laser beam charge-up animation
Coordinate with summoned BTs for maximum damage

Dealing with Lesser BTs

Before this attack, the Lord of Tar Lake often summoned lesser BTs to try and hold Sam in place. These adds can quickly overwhelm you:

Use area-effect weapons to clear groups
Keep moving to avoid being grabbed
Prioritize escape over fighting if surrounded

Post-Victory Rewards

Once you defeat the boss it will fall out of the sky, awarding you the trophy Showdown at the Tar Lake. But don't celebrate just yet! Make sure to return to The Fisherman after defeating it to turn in the order and complete their connection level.

Rewards for Victory:

Showdown at Tar Lake Trophy/Achievement
Maximum Connection Level with The Fisherman
Exclusive Customization Options (varies by connection level)
Massive Like Bonus for the spectacular feat

Alternative Strategies and Loadouts

Not everyone plays Death Stranding 2 the same way, so here are alternative approaches for different playstyles:

The Stealth Approach

Focus on evasion and let summoned BTs do most of the work:

Prioritize mobility equipment over heavy weapons
Use smoke grenades to break target lock
Invest in stamina-boosting items

The Heavy Weapons Specialist

Go all-in on firepower:

Sacrifice cargo space for maximum weapons
Bring multiple quad launchers
Use power skeletons for increased carrying capacity

The Support Build

Leverage online features and BT summoning:

Focus on blood bags and BT summoning items
Rely heavily on community weapon drops
Use repair sprays to maintain donated equipment

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others' failures can save you time and frustration:

1. Rushing the Fight Unprepared

A good amount of Blood Bags, Machine Guns, Grenade Launchers, and a Boost Skeleton is a great idea for the fight ahead, as this is a tanky boss fight with plenty of health and one that can instantly kill players who aren't careful.

2. Ignoring the Green Circles

The voidout attack's green circle indicator is your only warning. Missing it means instant death and potential crater formation in your world.

3. Wasting the BT Crystal

If you accidentally use the Delphis crystal outside the designated area, you'll need to recapture it. Always double-check your location before summoning.

4. Fighting Without Allies

Attempting this fight without summoned BTs makes it exponentially harder. They're not optional – they're essential for survival.

5. Poor Stamina Management

Running out of stamina during the submersion attack is often fatal. Always keep a reserve for emergency situations.

Integration with Other Game Systems

The Lord of Tar Lake fight showcases how Death Stranding 2's various systems interconnect:

Connection System

Building relationships with facilities like The Fisherman unlocks this content, reinforcing the game's themes of connection and cooperation. For more on maximizing connections, see our complete facility locations guide.

Online Features

The ability to receive weapons from other players' ghosts demonstrates the "strand" gameplay Kojima envisioned. Even in boss fights, you're never truly alone.

Equipment Variety

The fight rewards players who've unlocked diverse weapons from various facilities, encouraging exploration and completion of side content. Check out all 50+ weapons in Death Stranding 2 to expand your arsenal.

Trophy Hunting

As part of the platinum journey, this fight represents one of the more challenging optional trophies. See our complete trophy guide roadmap for context on your completion journey.

Lore and Story Significance

While optional, the Lord of Tar Lake carries thematic weight in Death Stranding 2's narrative:

Maritime Mythology

The flying whale evokes imagery of Moby Dick and other legendary sea creatures, fitting the game's themes of man versus nature and the consequences of disrupting natural order.

BT Evolution

This boss represents an evolution in BT forms – no longer bound to the ground, it demonstrates how the Death Stranding has fundamentally altered life and death.

The Fisherman's Tale

The relationship between The Fisherman and this creature hints at a deeper story about those who've adapted to the post-Stranding world rather than fighting against it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lord of Tar Lake fight missable?

No, this boss fight remains available throughout the game, including in Episode 17 (post-game). You can challenge it whenever you meet the prerequisites.

What happens if I die during the fight?

As a repatriate, Sam will respawn nearby. The boss resets to full health, but any weapons you've collected from player ghosts remain in your inventory. Just recollect any dropped cargo and try again.

Can I fight the Lord of Tar Lake on Very Easy difficulty?

Yes, the boss is available on all difficulty settings. Lower difficulties reduce its health and damage output significantly, making the fight more manageable for players focused on story or trophy completion.

Do I need specific weapons from certain facilities?

While not required, having weapons from facilities like The Government's Base (Bola Gun Lv2) and The Data Scientist (assault rifles) makes the fight considerably easier. The community weapon drops can compensate if you're missing key equipment.

How do I increase The Fisherman's connection level efficiently?

Focus on recovering lost cargo in the Tar Lake vicinity. The closest lost cargo item can be found on the cliffs around the Tar Lake directly north of their location. Also check mountain peaks near The Aeronautical Engineer and islands near F8 Terminal Fort Knot.

Can the Lord of Tar Lake cause a permanent voidout crater?

Yes, if the boss successfully performs its submersion attack and consumes Sam, it will create a permanent crater in your game world. This crater persists even after respawning, serving as a reminder of your failure.

What's the best time to attempt this fight?

I recommend waiting until you've unlocked fast travel via the DHV Magellan and have access to higher-tier weapons. This typically happens around Episode 7-8 in the main story.

Can I replay the boss fight after winning?

Unfortunately, no. Once defeated, the Lord of Tar Lake doesn't respawn. Make sure to save before the fight if you want to experience it multiple times or help friends in their games.

Final Thoughts

The Lord of Tar Lake represents everything that makes Death Stranding 2 special – it's challenging without being unfair, rewards preparation and patience, and creates memorable moments through both gameplay and spectacle. The best method of attacking the Lord of Tar Lake is through resilience, patience, and plenty of bullets.

This optional boss fight embodies Kojima's design philosophy of creating experiences that bring players together. Whether you're calling for help via the touchpad or leaving weapons for future players, the Lord of Tar Lake becomes a community challenge rather than a solitary struggle.

Successfully defeating this legendary creature isn't just about earning a trophy – it's about proving your mastery of Death Stranding 2's interconnected systems and joining an exclusive club of porters who've conquered one of the game's ultimate challenges.

Remember, in the world of Death Stranding 2, no porter truly walks alone. The connections you've built, the weapons you've unlocked, and the community supporting you all culminate in moments like these. The Lord of Tar Lake awaits in the depths of Australia's tar-soaked wilderness – are you ready to write your legend?