How to Unlock Pizza-Do Karate in Death Stranding 2 (March 2026 Guide)

Ankit Babal
June 27, 2025
Gaming

Ever wondered how to turn pizza dough into a deadly weapon? I’ve mastered the art of Pizza-Do Acrobatic Karate in Death Stranding 2, and trust me, it’s one of the most hilariously effective combat techniques in the game. After spending hours delivering pizzas and perfecting my spinning kicks, I’m here to share everything you need to know about unlocking this unique martial art system.

What Is Pizza-Do Karate in Death Stranding 2?

Pizza-Do Acrobatic Karate is a special martial arts technique that combines traditional karate moves with pizza-making skills. Yes, you read that right – you’ll literally be throwing pizza dough at enemies while performing gravity-defying kicks and strikes. This combat system was invented by The Pizza Chef, a mysterious prepper who’s actually played by legendary anime director Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell).

The system includes three devastating moves and a unique thrown weapon, all themed around pizza. It’s classic Kojima – taking something mundane and turning it into an over-the-top gameplay mechanic that somehow works perfectly within the game’s bizarre universe.

Quick Steps to Unlock Pizza-Do Karate

Before diving into the details, here’s what you need to do:

Progress to Main Order No. 23 (Heartman’s Lab)
Complete the Yeast delivery to The Pizza Chef
Raise connection level to nearly 2 stars
Find Pizza Chef’s Misanga in MULE camps
Deliver the Misanga and fight Ghost Mechs
Watch the epic cutscene and receive your first technique

Now, let me walk you through each step in detail.

Prerequisites: When Can You Start?

You can’t rush straight to The Pizza Chef when you start Death Stranding 2. First, you’ll need to:

Complete the Mexico section of the game
Reach Australia and progress through the main story
Arrive at Heartman’s Lab (Main Order No. 23)
Receive the mission to deliver Yeast to The Pizza Chef

The Pizza Chef is located in the eastern part of Australia, past the Brigand Camp. Make sure you’re equipped with decent weapons and gear before attempting this questline – you’ll need them.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking Pizza-Do Karate in DS2

Step 1: Connect The Pizza Chef to the Network

After receiving Main Order No. 23, you’ll get a mission to deliver Yeast to The Pizza Chef. This is your introduction to the character. Navigate past the Brigand Camp (I recommend using an off-road vehicle) and deliver the Yeast to complete the connection.

Pro tip: Equip the AI camouflage you recently acquired to avoid detection from homing missiles in the area.

Step 2: Build Your Reputation

Once connected, The Pizza Chef’s connection level will start at 1 star. You need to raise it to approximately 80% through level 2 before the secret door will open. Here’s how:

Accept Sub Order No. 107: “Recover one or more empty pizza containers from the Armed Survivalists”
Complete standard delivery orders from The Pizza Chef
Return any lost cargo marked for his shelter
Deliver pizzas to other preppers (like the Data Scientist quest)

The empty pizza container mission from the Data Scientist provides a significant reputation boost, so prioritize it.

Step 3: Find the Pizza Chef’s Misanga

This is the crucial step many players miss. After completing Main Order No. 29, a special item called “Pizza Chef’s Misanga” will spawn in the world. You can find it in:

The MULE camp directly northeast of The Pizza Chef
The camp south of the desert area, east of The Data Scientist
Occasionally as lost cargo in the general area

The Misanga appears to be randomly placed, so check both locations if you don’t find it immediately.

Step 4: The Secret Room Battle

Once you deliver the Pizza Chef’s Misanga, the door behind the delivery terminal will open. Save your game here – you’re about to face combat.

As soon as you enter:

Two Ghost Mechs will spawn behind you
Use your weapons to defeat them quickly
Approach the kitchen door at the back
Enjoy one of the most bizarre cutscenes in gaming history

Step 5: Master the Techniques

After the cutscene where Sam and The Pizza Chef exchange blows (and pizza), you’ll receive:

Rubber Pizza weapon blueprint
Great Spinning Pizza Strike technique (2-star reward)
The “So YOU’RE the Pizza Chef!” trophy

Continue building your reputation to unlock the remaining moves at 3 and 4 stars.

Complete List of Pizza-Do Karate Moves

1. Great Spinning Pizza Strike (2 Stars)

Controls: Hold R2 + Circle
Effect: Sam performs a horizontal diving strike, flying forward in a straight line
Best Use: Opening attacks, breaking enemy blocks, closing distance quickly
Damage: Medium

2. Pizza Whirlwind Kick (3 Stars)

Controls: Hold L2 + Circle
Effect: Charged spinning attack with multiple kicks hitting all nearby enemies
Best Use: When surrounded by groups, crowd control
Damage: Medium (hits multiple targets)

3. Great Spinning Pizza Slam (4 Stars)

Controls: Hold R2 + L2 + Circle
Effect: Sam rushes forward, grabs an enemy, and performs a devastating slam
Best Use: Single-target elimination, boss fights
Damage: High (often instant KO on regular enemies)

4. Rubber Pizza (2 Stars)

Type: Thrown weapon (uses grenade slot)
Effect: Instantly knocks out any human enemy with a headshot
Best Use: Stealth takedowns, non-lethal approach
Note: Works regardless of enemy armor level

Advanced Combat Tips

After mastering all three moves, here’s how I maximize their effectiveness:

Combo Strategies

The Pizza Blitz: Start with Great Spinning Pizza Strike → follow up with normal punches → finish with Pizza Slam
Crowd Control: Use Pizza Whirlwind Kick → throw Rubber Pizza at stragglers → repeat
Stealth Approach: Rubber Pizza headshots → Pizza Strike on alerted enemies

Equipment Synergy

Battle Skeleton: Enhances all melee damage, making Pizza moves more lethal
Combat Gloves: Stack with Pizza techniques for maximum damage
Speed Skeleton: Makes it easier to chain moves together

Combat Scenarios

Brigand Camps: Pizza moves excel here due to close quarters
MULE Encounters: Mix Pizza techniques with traditional combat
BT Areas: Never use Pizza moves on BTs – stick to traditional weapons

Is Pizza-Do Karate Worth It?

Let me be honest – Pizza-Do Karate isn’t the most optimal combat strategy in Death Stranding 2. Most enemies use ranged weapons, putting you at a disadvantage. However, it’s absolutely worth unlocking for several reasons:

Pros:

Incredibly fun and satisfying animations
No weight or equipment slots required
Rubber Pizza is genuinely useful for stealth
Great Spinning Pizza Slam can one-shot many enemies
Adds variety to combat encounters
Essential for the platinum trophy

Cons:

Less effective than firearms in most situations
Requires close range
Can’t use against BTs
Takes time to unlock all moves

Hidden Secrets and Easter Eggs

The Pac-Man Connection

After maxing out The Pizza Chef’s connection, you’ll unlock a special Pac-Man minigame at his shelter. Look for the Pac-Man-shaped pizza – eating it activates the classic arcade game on your Ring Terminal. Playing Pac-Man actually clears BTs from your map!

Mamoru Oshii’s Performance

The Pizza Chef is motion-captured and voiced by Mamoru Oshii himself. The initial fight scene between Sam and The Chef is choreographed by Yuji Shimomura, known for his work on action films. It’s a genuine martial arts sequence disguised as comedy.

Pizza Delivery Callbacks

This entire system is a callback to the pizza delivery missions from the first Death Stranding, where Peter Englert (secretly Higgs) requested pizzas. The sequel takes this concept to its logical extreme.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

“The Door Won’t Open”

Ensure your connection level is at least 80% through level 2
You must have completed Main Order No. 29
The Pizza Chef’s Misanga must be delivered

“Can’t Find the Misanga”

Check both MULE camps mentioned above
Rest at a private room to respawn items
Try completing other orders to trigger spawns

“Ghost Mechs Too Difficult”

Stock up on blood grenades before entering
Use the assault rifle for quick elimination
Consider lowering difficulty temporarily

FAQs

Can I unlock Pizza-Do Karate early in the game?

No, you must reach Australia and complete Main Order No. 23 first. This typically happens around 15-20 hours into the main story.

Do Pizza moves work on all enemy types?

They work on human enemies and Ghost Mechs but should never be used on BTs. The moves are most effective against bandits and MULEs.

What’s the fastest way to increase Pizza Chef connection?

Complete Sub Order No. 107 for the biggest boost, then focus on delivering his standard orders with premium ratings.

Can I miss unlocking Pizza-Do Karate?

No, all facilities and their rewards remain available in Episode 17 (post-game), so you can’t permanently miss this content.

Does difficulty affect Pizza move damage?

Yes, combat difficulty settings affect all melee damage, including Pizza techniques. They’re more viable on lower difficulties.

Is the Rubber Pizza unlimited?

No, but you can fabricate more at any terminal once unlocked. They’re cheap to produce and lightweight.

Can other players see my Pizza moves online?

Yes! Other players in asynchronous multiplayer can see your combat encounters, including Pizza techniques.

Conclusion

Pizza-Do Acrobatic Karate perfectly embodies what makes Death Stranding 2 special – it’s weird, wonderful, and surprisingly deep. While it may not replace your assault rifle as your primary combat option, mastering these techniques adds a whole new dimension to the game’s combat system.

I’ve had some of my most memorable Death Stranding 2 moments using these moves, from clearing entire bandit camps with nothing but pizza-powered martial arts to the sheer joy of watching Sam perform impossible acrobatic feats. It’s content like this that reminds me why Kojima’s games are unlike anything else in the industry.

So grab your pizza dough, practice those spinning kicks, and remember – in the world of Death Stranding 2, even Italian cuisine can be weaponized. Keep on keeping on, fellow porters!