How To Unlock The Showdown At Tar Lake Trophy In Death Stranding 2

Full Guide Intro

The Showdown at Tar Lake trophy is tied to one of the most impressive hidden boss fights in Death Stranding 2. Deep beneath the tar lurks the legendary Lord of Tar Lake, a massive BT that many players will never encounter without following a specific chain of optional objectives.

If you're working toward the Platinum trophy, defeating this secret boss is required.

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Connect The Fisherman

The first step is unlocking the Fisherman.

After connecting F5 East Distribution Center through Main Order 34, you'll gain access to:

Sub Order 166

This mission sends Sam to Tar Lake to recover cargo and deliver it to the Fisherman.

Completing the order connects him to the Chiral Network.

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Raise The Fisherman's Connection Level

After unlocking the Fisherman, continue increasing his connection rank.

You can do this by:

• Delivering Lost Cargo.
• Completing Standard Orders.
• Accepting additional deliveries for the Fisherman.

Once you reach approximately 4 Stars, the Fisherman will post a message on the SSS network discussing a method for defeating the Lord of Tar Lake.

This unlocks:

Sub Order 117

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Prepare For The Hunt

Before beginning Sub Order 117, gather supplies.

Recommended equipment:

• EX Capture Grenade
• Multiple Blood Bags
• Machine Guns
• Grenade Launchers
• Boost Skeleton

You'll need these tools both to capture the bait and defeat the hidden boss.

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Capture The Delphis BT

The first objective sends Sam to the Ghost Mech Factory northeast of the Data Scientist.

This area is heavily infested with BTs.

To obtain the bait:

1. Allow BTs to drag Sam into the tar.
2. Trigger the large Delphis BT Catcher encounter.
3. Damage the Catcher until its health bar turns red.
4. Throw an EX Capture Grenade into its mouth.
5. Capture the BT when it transforms into a crystal.

This creates:

BT Crystal (Delphis)

The crystal will be used to lure the Lord of Tar Lake.

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Summon The Lord Of Tar Lake

After obtaining the BT Crystal, return to the area near Tar Lake.

When ready:

1. Enter the tar-covered zone.
2. Open your inventory.
3. Use the BT Crystal (Delphis).

Moments later, the massive Lord of Tar Lake emerges to consume the bait.

The hidden boss battle will begin immediately.

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How To Defeat The Lord Of Tar Lake

The Lord of Tar Lake has enormous health and several dangerous attacks.

Laser Beam Attack

The boss frequently rises above the tar and fires a powerful energy beam.

Avoid this attack by:

• Sprinting sideways.
• Dodging at the last second.
• Using a Boost Skeleton for extra mobility.

Devour Attack

The most dangerous move occurs when the boss dives beneath the tar.

Watch for:

• A glowing green circle.
• Movement beneath the surface.

If Sam remains inside the circle, he can be swallowed instantly.

This attack can trigger a voidout and force a restart.

Lesser BT Summons

The boss occasionally summons smaller BTs to restrain Sam.

Eliminate these quickly before they interfere with your movement.

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Best Strategy For The Fight

The safest strategy is simple:

• Stay mobile.
• Keep your distance.
• Continuously fire ranged weapons.
• Avoid greed during attack windows.

This is a long fight, so patience is more important than raw damage output.

If you run out of ammunition, repeatedly press the Touch Pad to call for assistance from other Porters, who may throw additional weapons into the arena.

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Claiming The Trophy

Once the Lord of Tar Lake falls:

• The Showdown at Tar Lake trophy unlocks immediately.
• The Fisherman's storyline concludes.
• You can return to him for final connection rewards.
• The hidden BT threat is permanently defeated.

This is one of the largest optional encounters in the entire game and one of the most memorable boss fights in Australia.