Grenade

Lore & Background

Grenades in the Uncharted series are military-grade fragmentation devices, often of modern design, reflecting the contemporary settings and conflicts Nathan Drake encounters. They are typically used by enemy mercenaries and soldiers, and Drake can scavenge them from fallen opponents or discover them in supply crates. The grenade's design varies slightly between games but consistently features a pin and spoon mechanism, with a timed fuse that detonates after a few seconds.

In the context of the series' treasure-hunting adventures, grenades are not tied to any specific historical artifact or legend. Instead, they represent the modern tools of survival that Drake must master to overcome hostile forces guarding ancient secrets. Their presence underscores the contrast between the romanticized world of exploration and the brutal reality of armed conflict.

While not a narrative focus, grenades are a staple of the gameplay loop, allowing players to approach combat dynamically. They can be cooked (held before throwing) to control detonation timing, and in later entries, they can be thrown back by enemies or even shot in mid-air for dramatic effect.

In Their Own Story

The crumbling monastery walls offered little cover. Nate ducked behind a stone pillar as bullets chipped the ancient masonry. He patted his vest—three grenades left. Pulling the pin, he counted two beats, then lobbed the device over the pillar. It bounced once, skidding to a stop at the feet of two mercenaries. Their shouts were cut short by the blast. Dust and debris settled as Nate moved forward, the path now clear.

Reader's Guide

The grenade is a throwable explosive that detonates after a short fuse, dealing heavy damage to enemies within its blast radius. It first appears in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, where it is used to clear groups of enemies or destroy obstacles. The player can hold the grenade to cook it, shortening the fuse for precise timing. In Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, enemies can throw grenades back, adding risk to their use. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception introduces the ability to shoot grenades in mid-air, causing premature detonation. No major upgrades exist, but the grenade's effectiveness is tied to player skill. Narratively, grenades are never central to the treasure-hunt plot but serve as a practical tool for survival, emphasizing the series' shift from exploration to action.

Did You Know?

• In Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, enemies can catch and throw grenades back at the player, requiring careful timing.
• The grenade model in Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is based on the M67 fragmentation grenade, a real-world military design.
• In Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, grenades can be used to destroy environmental objects, such as wooden barricades, to create new paths.
• The grenade's cooking mechanic was introduced in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, allowing players to control detonation timing.