One does not have to look very far in Death Stranding to know that it is a 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 wonderful example of Kojima's unique approach to 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. In Death 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.
Where to Find the Harmonica in Death Stranding
It is entirely possible for players to make their way through Death Stranding and never come across the prepper that gives Sam the harmonica. The Musician is located in the southwest region of the opening map and is never referenced by Die-Harman or any other member of Bridges. In order to receive the harmonica, Sam must complete the first standard order for the Musician.
How to Find the Musician in Death Stranding
Sam will have access to the Musician from very early on in Death Stranding. While he can technically set out from any location, the best place to begin the journey is the Distribution 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:
- At least two ladders: Because the Musician will be outside the chiral network when Sam first travels to his home, Sam will need to use his own gear to deal with any hazardous terrain.
- At least one container of climbing anchors: The best route to the Musician will require Sam to rappel down a large cliff. This sits right at the border of the chiral network, so it's possible that other porters will have left an anchor. This is early in the game though, so it's better for Sam to assume they haven't.
- Depending on the difficulty, players should bring at least one can of container repair spray: Sam will have to take on a small standard order before the Musician will acknowledge him. Rain is extremely common in the southwest section of this region, so it's a good time to get into the habit of carrying repair spray.
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 far to 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 by holding 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 and the 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 Cut is available now on PS5, PS4, and PC.