One does not have to look very far inDeath Strandingto know that it isa Hideo Kojima game. The moment players take control of Sam Porter Bridges, Kojima’s personal touch can be felt. From the idiosyncratic cutscenes and dialogue to the intricately detailed UI, Kojima and his team clearly set out to create something that was familiar to his fans while still completely unlike anything that came before it.
A wonderfulexample of Kojima’s unique approachto gameplay can be experienced by acquiring the harmonica. In the typical gaming experience, such an item would likely be tied to a single quest or mission, used once, and then relegated to the dark corners of a player’s inventory. InDeath Stranding, however, that concept is flipped on its head. The harmonica is meant to be used by the player to create their own moments. It has no value in the typical sense, but then, nothing about this game can really be described as typical.
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Where to Find the Harmonica in Death Stranding
It is entirely possible for players to make their way throughDeath Strandingand never come across the prepper that gives Sam the harmonica. The Musician is located in the southwest region of the opening map and is neverreferenced by Die-Harmanor any other member of Bridges. In order to receive the harmonica, Sam must complete thefirst standard order for the Musician.
How to Find the Musician in Death Stranding
Sam will have accessto the Musician from very early on inDeath Stranding.While he can technically set out from any location, the best place to begin the journey is theDistribution Center West of Capital Knot City.From here, it is only a short hike to the Musician. Before leaving the Distribution Center though, players should make sure that Sam has the following items:
Once Sam is ready, players should begin heading west from the Distribution Center West of Capital Knot City. If a bridge has been built, they can use that to cross the river, otherwise, they’ll have to look for the safest place to wade across. Next, they’ll need to continue following the river until Sam reaches a large pond that is being fed by a small waterfall.
The Musician’s bunker is up near the top of the waterfall, tucked away behind one of the large cliffs. Instead of trying to cross the pond, players should have Sam head up to the top of the cliff on the right side of the pond before continuing across the top until Sam reaches the edge. From here, Sam can get a better view of the bunker, and players can use one of the climbing anchors to descend.
Next, players should look for a safe, level spot for Sam to use a ladder as a bridge to cross the creek. As he approaches the bunker, Sam can either use another ladder to scale the ledge or walk the long way around to the bunker’s entrance.
How to Get the Harmonica from The Musician in Death Stranding
Complete The Musician’s First Order
Upon entering the Musician’s bunker, Sam will see the usual interface device. Players can use this to select the Musician’s standard order. Luckily,Sam will not have to go farto complete this task.
The order requires Sam to locate two large cases of sheet music and return them to the Musician. After accepting the order players can simply return to the pond using the same equipment that Sam setup to get to the bunker.
The two cases can be found on either side of the pond: one directly at the bottom of the cliff Sam descends and the other on the far side of the pond, across from the first. Players should make sure to scan the area with the odradek to pinpoint their exact locations. It is much easier to get the case on the far side of the pond first, grabbing the second on the way back to the Musician.
To complete the order, players simply have to re-trace Sam’s steps, using the same equipment to return to the Musician’s bunker. Upon arriving, they can then use the interface to turn in the cases. This will initiate the first conversation with the Musician. He will now ask Sam to use his q-pid and connect the bunker to the chiral network.
Receiving the Harmonica from the Musician.
The Musician will show his gratitude by gifting Sam the harmonica. The musician will then be available for deliveries, and Sam will now see his lost packages out in the world.
How to Use the Harmonica in Death Stranding
Just as the Musician says, the harmonica truly is “the travelin' man’s instrument.” Now that Sam has his own, he only needs to equip it byholding up on the d-pad and selecting wear.Now, anytime Sam takes a break,he can play a little somethin' for BB.
While it’s true that the harmonica won’t open any secret dungeons or shoot lasers from its vents, what it does do has no less value. Kojima created a game in which the slow moments - the little breaks andthe sounds of BB’s laughter- mean as much as the moments of heavy action. It’s in these moments that the harmonica’s value - and the moments it creates - can truly be found.
Death Stranding: Director’s Cutis available now on PS5, PS4, and PC.
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