Death Stranding is one of the most unique and ambitious video games to emerge recently. Kojima Productions has worked on this game in collaboration with the legendary director Hideo Kojima, bringing players into an intriguing post-apocalyptic world where life and death are no longer distinguishable.
Table of Contents
Our comprehensive guide leads you through all the game’s main elements, gives you survival tips in an aggressive climate, makes sense of the mechanics, and advances you through the storyline. Whether you’re just starting as Sam Porter Bridges or trying to unravel the puzzling narrative, this guide will take you step by step through the challenges of Death Stranding.
What is Death Stranding?
Before discussing gameplay mechanics and strategies, let’s get some clarity on what Death Stranding is. Born in the post-apocalyptic United States where the destruction caused by the mysterious event known as “Death Stranding” fragmented the world into floating “chiral” particles, invisible creatures called BTs, and the remnants of humankind thriving in various isolated bunkers.
Players assume the role of Sam Porter Bridges (played by Norman Reedus), a delivery man tasked with reconnecting isolated cities and settlements. As Sam, you’ll encounter strange and hostile environments, meet various eccentric characters, and gradually piece together the enigmatic story behind the Death Stranding event.
Death Stranding Gameplay Mechanics
At its heart, Death Stranding is an exploration game about navigating harsh territory, carrying cargo, and balancing itself. The core gameplay is based on walking and delivering items, which might sound drab but is much more complex and exciting in real life. Here are some core gameplay elements:
1. The Open World
The world of Death Stranding contains many environments and challenges. From mountains to a rainy wetland, every area has unique challenges. Places will sometimes be hard to pass through, and you must think creatively to decide how to get through. You could use tools, vehicles, and even structures built by other players to assist you.
2. Balance and Stamina
The primary job of Sam is the delivery of packages, and the more cargo you carry, the harder it would be to keep his balance. You would fall if Sam lost his balance, and your cargo would get damaged. That could affect your delivery mission. Keep an eye on Sam’s stamina as well as how to adjust the weight of your cargo for better movement.
3. The Strand System
Among many innovative features in Death Stranding, the asynchronous multiplayer mode stands out. Though combat isn’t going to happen in the traditional multiplayer, other players can leave helpful items, structures, or signs for you to find that will make your journey easier. You won’t meet other players, but their actions will leave a considerable mark on your world.
4. BB (Bridge Baby)
BB, or the “Bridge Baby,” is an enigmatic baby inside a pod that Sam carries throughout the game. BB is crucial to detecting BTs – invisible creatures that haunt the world of Death Stranding. The baby also has a significant role in the story, and its relationship with Sam is one of the emotional centerpieces of the game.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough: How to Progress Through the Story
Chapter 1: The Delivery Begins
In the first chapter of Death Stranding, you’re introduced to the basic mechanics, including balancing cargo, using tools, and dealing with the challenging terrain. Early on, you’ll be tasked with delivering packages from one location to another, with a focus on getting familiar with the game’s movement system and handling cargo.
Key Objectives:
- Learn to carry and balance cargo.
- Use your Odradek (scans for BTs, and navigates the environment).
- Deliver packages to locations nearby.
Chapter 2: Early Encounters with BTs
You’ll begin to face BTs once you move into the second chapter. These are the otherworldly creatures, which only appear in the viewfinder via BB (your Bridge Baby). The game is somewhat stealthy, because unlike in the first game, you cannot kill BTs, instead you must avoid them. When they catch Sam, it triggers a fight with a giant creature called a “Voidout.”
Key Objectives:
- Detect BTs with your Odradek.
- Steal through rivers and under bridges to not create BTs.
- Understand what Voidouts are and the threat they bring.
Chapter 3: The Connection Continues
You’ll start to receive directives to connect the cities, the buildings, and bridges of such by building construction. This is where Death Stranding begins its mandate of building roads, bridges, and facilities to aid yourself and others.
Key Objectives:
- Construct the roads and other infrastructure.
- Complete your delivery routes by connecting to all the settlements.
- Start to understand the Strand system in which other players can leave structures and items for you.
Chapter 4: The Story Unfolds
You’ll begin to construct the history behind the Death Stranding phenomenon, the role of the enigmatic “Higgs,” and how Sam’s sojourn relates to the destiny of the world. This chapter is more about story and characterization.
Key Objectives:
- Learn more about the characters and factions that you meet.
- Uncover the mystery behind the Death Stranding event and the origin of BTs.
- Understand Sam’s personal motivations and connection to BB.
Chapter 5: The End of the Road
In the later stages of Death Stranding, the game ramps up both in terms of story complexity and gameplay challenges. You’ll need to rely on all the skills and tools you’ve acquired to deal with powerful enemies, more dangerous terrain, and an increasingly complex narrative.
Key Objectives:
- Continue to build and maintain infrastructure.
- Get ready for even tougher confrontations with BTs and other human foes.
- Learn the last pieces of the puzzle that complements Death Stranding.
Key Tips and Strategies for Success
1. Balance Your Cargo
The most important skill in Death Stranding is balance. The more bags you’re carrying, the harder it is to walk. Be sure to balance your load equally and prioritize packages when necessary. Use vehicles for heavier loads if possible, according to the terrain.
2. Use the Terrain to Your Advantage
The environment is your greatest friend or foe in Death Stranding. Always on the lookout for high ground, rivers, and natural pathways that will make for a smoother journey. In areas where the terrain is rugged, planning, surveying the area, and using ladders or ropes are helpful ways to climb mountains.
3. Help Other Players
As Death Stranding comprises an asynchronous multiplayer system, it becomes essential to help others by leaving signs, building structures, and contributing to the shared infrastructure. You can, in the process, make the world a little easier to navigate together.
4. Take Care of Your BB
Your BB is an indispensable part of your trip, taking care of and soothing it whenever it is upset. A happy BB will be more intuitive in trying to sense BTs and be able to work effectively to avoid harmful contacts.
5. Patience Is Key
Lastly, patience plays a key role while playing Death Stranding. It isn’t just an action game but rather a game of thoughtful exploration, problem-solving, and storytelling. Take your time to enjoy the journey, and do not finish the narrative too quickly.
Conclusion
Death Stranding is a game unlike any other, blending complex mechanics, an intriguing narrative, and a unique multiplayer system. While it may seem slow-paced at first, the game rewards those who take the time to understand its systems and immerse themselves in its world. This walkthrough is just the beginning of your journey, but with these tips and strategies, you’ll be better prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead in Death Stranding.
Enjoy the ride, and remember: each delivery is more than a job—it’s one step toward connecting a broken world.
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