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Death Stranding features several bosses for Sam Porter Bridges to tackle over the course of his long journey west. From floating death whales to a psychopathic avatar in a gold mask, Kojima Productions clearly went all out when coming up with challenges for Sam. But in the world of Death Stranding, one 'enemy' clearly stands out above all others: Cliff Unger.
To put it simply, Cliff is just an incredibly cool boss. While others may be more of a threat to Sam in the long run, it's hard to argue that any boss can match Cliff's mysterious appeal. Sam will face Cliff three times over the course of the game, with each fight taking place during a different American war. With each encounter, Cliff's relationship to Sam is slowly revealed.
Tips for the Battlefield in Death Stranding
Sam's first encounter with the Nightmares of War will take place at the very end of Episode 3 and beginning of Episode 4. Sam will be sucked into a supercell outside the South Knot City distribution center, mysteriously pulling him into a new area that appears to be a World War One battlefield. Each of the three main encounters with Cliff will begin similarly.
Remember! Sam will lose the loose gear in his backpack upon entering the supercell. However, items stored in pouches will not be lost. Make sure to pack blood bags and lethal grenades before entering the storm. Sam will also be able to recover his lost weapons after arriving, so bring a few weapons as well.
Sam and BB will arrive in a small, safe area of the battlefield, giving him time to wake up and scan the area for his lost weapons, which should be close.
There is always a path that will lead Sam through an open battlefield. Though it can be hard given a battlefield's chaotic nature, keep an eye out for wooden planks on the ground, or bridges over water. They can also be seen on the map, giving Sam a clear indication of where to go. Generally speaking, Sam should try and get through the opening section as quickly as possible. If, by chance, Sam should forget to pack blood bags in his utility pouch, there should be some lying around the battlefield.
If Sam gets hit, make sure to wait for a blood transfusion from the bags before moving on. The damage from bullets can kill Sam very quickly if he is careless. This is especially true at higher difficulties. Sam can also look for cryptobiote hives, which can be the difference between life and death - or, life and repatriation - for Sam.
Each encounter with Cliff will have two sections: the opening and the fight. The opening will consist of Sam and BB waking up, collecting his gear, and making their way through an open battlefield. Sam can collect gear, but the enemies in these sections are invulnerable to attacks. They are distinguishable by the transparent tails that usually form behind them. The fight is usually separated from the opening by a cutscene that portrays Cliff's realization that Sam and BB are near. Thus begins the game of cat & mouse that defines each encounter.
Sam will often come across Armor Plates scattered throughout the battlefield. This can offer a great deal of protection and are well worth picking up.
How to Defeat Cliff in the World War One Nightmare
Crossing the Open Battlefield
Sam will see a bridge leading from the safe area to the open battlefield. While this battlefield can get a little crazy, paying attention to the wooden slats should help Sam get through this section. Plotting out the proper path on the map can be hugely beneficial here.
Fighting in the Trenches of World War One
The trenches will be instantly recognizable when Sam reaches them. Before entering, take a moment to make sure he has his blood fully restored and a fresh blood bag equipped. Ensuring a weapon is stored on the weapon rack is helpful as well, allowing Sam to simply press right the d-pad to equip the gun.
The odradek will point in Cliff's general direction, reacting similarly to its behavior when in proximity to BTs. It will also react to Cliff's skeleton-soldier bodyguards. Sometimes Sam will find Cliff quickly, sometimes he will have to follow a long trail of bodyguards before arriving at Cliff.
These enemies are more of an annoyance at low difficulty levels, but at the two highest levels they can be a serious threat to Sam, especially when fighting Cliff at the same time.
Fighting Cliff in the World War One Nightmare
When Sam arrives at Cliff, treat him as any other enemy. Aiming for his head seems to get the quickest results. He will summon soldiers to act as cannon fodder, blast through them to get to Cliff. Like the skeleton-soldiers, there will be a moment of slow-motion when he is defeated. Unlike his bodyguards, Cliff requires more than one takedown to be truly defeated.
Cliff will leave a series of prints in the ground which act as a trail to his next destination. These act as a more accurate means of following him because the odradek is thrown of by the soldiers.
After the fourth encounter with Cliff, the World War One segment will conclude.
How to Defeat Cliff in the World War Two Nightmare
Make sure to fill Sam's utility and grenade pouches before heading out to meet Deadman on the mountain! At least a few weapons is a good idea as well.
Sam will get flung into World War Two at the end of Episode Six, leading into the beginning of Episode Seven. Sam is sucked up into another supercell while on his way to meet Deadman, who had been 'repairing' BB. Deadman and BB are sucked into the supercell separately, forcing Sam to meet with them before pursuing Cliff.
Locating Deadman and BB in the World War Two Nightmare
Sam begins the second Nightmare on the outskirts of a bombed-out European village. Scanning the area will reveal the weapons he dropped while 'traveling' here. Sam must meet Deadman in the sewers, so begin looking for any entrances to the underground areas.
Watch out for rockets and artillery while crossing the first trench main battle area. Sam can be seriously hurt if he takes even a single direct hit from these weapons.
Look for this area on the map, where two dead whales can clearly be seen. As Sam approaches it, ladder emblems will become visible when scanning. This is an indicator that Sam is close to the sewers.
Drop into the aqueduct, the sewer entrance is at the far end. Entering the sewer as early as possible allows Sam to avoid all the craziness above. Continue down the path until Sam begins to hear Deadman talking to BB. There will be a large drop, approach it slowly to grab the ladder. Follow the sewer until a staircase arrives at the left. Following this will lead directly to Deadman.
Fighting Cliff in the World War Two Nightmare
Sam can take the ladder up to the top, revealing an old church in ruins. The cutscene will begin as soon as Sam begins to approach. Unlike the claustrophobic trenches of the WW1 sequence, this encounter features open city courtyards and destroyed buildings.
After Sam downs Cliff for the first time, he will be temporarily disoriented and unable to move. Sam can still follow Cliff's prints, which usually lead into or around the church after the first takedown.
At higher difficulties, rushing into Cliff can be a very bad idea. Some of his bodyguards can carry bazookas, which can kill Sam in a single shot. The better approach here is slow and methodical. Use walls for cover, but do not get too close, as explosions can still damage Sam. Using this method may not be fast, but it will yield results.
The fourth takedown is once again the final.
How to Defeat Cliff in the Vietnam Nightmare
Crossing the Battlefield:
At this point, players should know what to expect from the setup. The Vietnam Nightmare begins Episode 11, sending Sam off for one final battle with Cliff. Like the other battlefields, the faster Sam can get to his destination, the better. This battlefield has multiple hazardous areas, so try and loot only what Sam needs. The area where Sam and BB face Cliff will have a lot of items to loot.
An important reminder that holds especially true in this Nightmare: while it's important to move quickly, do not sprint. There are several explosions that seem designed to punish Sam for not being methodical in his approach. So, move quickly, do not rush.
Fighting Cliff in the Vietnam Nightmare
Once the cutscene ends, Sam will be set loose in an open jungle clearing. Most of this battlefield has very little cover, save for a few shacks and fallen trees. Using the tall grass is a good way to stalk the group or to stay unseen.
The first round should not present too much of a problem, using the same tactics as the previous fights. Cliff will have even more bodygaurds in Vietnam, so trying to rush him is once again a very good way to die. Look for old buildings or multiple logs to post up behind, taking out the group from a distance. While the weapons in Death Stranding lack in several ways, they are extremely accurate from distance.
Watch out for Cliff's ranged attack, which sees him send his cables to knock Sam out from behind cover. It will show up as a large orange and black pool that looks like a large version of the tracks he leaves behind.
After the second takedown, Cliff will 'retreat' up to the top of the hill that sits in the middle of the battlefield. Use the tall grass to slowly scale the hill. This may be the only time Sam has no other choice but to ambush the group. Look for any place to find cover on the hilltop. Using the shotgun here can take down Cliff very quickly.
From the top, Sam will now have the high-ground. Use this advantage to take Cliff out one final time.
Now watch one of the most beautifully sad moments in gaming play out. This guide applies to both Death Stranding and Death Stranding DIrector's Cut equally.
Death Stranding is available on PS4 and PC. Death Stranding Director's Cut is available on PS5 and PC.