Fighting MULEs
When push comes to shove, you can defend yourself against MULEs by punching them when their guard is down–which temporarily knocks them unconscious. That, or if you’ve got a piece of cargo in your hand that you don’t care about, you can smash it onto a MULE’s face for a swift knockout. But if you’re feeling particularly brave (and are without valuable cargo), you can tackle them by sprinting and pressing the attack button with both triggers held down. This maneuver can stun MULEs, leaving them open for attack; it’s also particularly useful against armored MULEs.
It’s also possible to use more defensive maneuvers against an attacking MULE. While it’s perfectly viable to dodge an incoming MULE’s lunging attack with a well-timed sidestep, you can counter it with your Strand as long as you hold it up just before contact. If performed successfully, Sam will use his Strand to throw them off balance, leaving you an opening to deliver a swift grapple attack that instantly knocks them out. The Strand is also capable of stealthily dispatching MULEs for a brief time. Approach a MULE from behind, hold up your Strand, and use it to incapacitate and tie them up in one fell swoop.
Speaking of tying up MULEs, you’ll eventually unlock the ability to fabricate a Bola Gun, which can instantly tie up an unsuspecting MULE from a distance. However, keep in mind that doing so will quickly alert their comrades around the area. Regardless, if you’ve managed to take down a MULE with a bola shot, be sure to pass by and kick them while they’re down to knock them out, as they’ll get up much quicker if you don’t.
Other useful tools against MULEs are Smoke Grenades and Shock Bombs, which are both incredibly effective at stopping a pack in their tracks. Once you’ve unlocked these grenades for fabrication, it’s recommended to have them on hand whenever you’re crossing through MULE territory. You never know when you’ll need them.
There is decoy cargo, like the Smoke-Emitting and Vog-Emittingcases, which can draw MULE attention while also potentially incapacitating them. Both are handy when you get pinged while sneaking and want to turn back the odds in your favor.
