Death Stranding, the enigmatic masterpiece created by Hideo Kojima, stands as a unique and captivating experience in the world of video games. At its core are the BTs, or “Beached Things,” which are ethereal and otherworldly entities that players encounter throughout the game.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore the enigmatic nature of the BTs, their connection to the game’s narrative, and their role in creating a surreal and hauntingly atmospheric gaming experience.
Understanding the BTs
BTs are one of the central mysteries of Death Stranding. They are supernatural beings that exist on the boundary between life and death.
They appear as spectral, floating figures, resembling twisted, ghostly human forms, often obscured by a black, inky substance.
BTs are a constant threat in the game’s post-apocalyptic world, haunting the landscape and posing a grave danger to the protagonist, Sam Porter Bridges.
Death Stranding
The origins of the BTs are shrouded in mystery, but they are closely tied to the phenomenon known as “Death Stranding.”
It is a catastrophic event that has caused the boundaries between the realms of the living and the dead to blur. This event leads to the appearance of BTs, who linger on the “beach,” a spectral realm where the living and the dead coexist.
BTs are drawn to places with high levels of chiralium, a mysterious substance that plays a crucial role in the game’s technology and narrative.
These entities also tend to appear during Timefall, a supernatural rain that accelerates time and has destructive effects on both the environment and living organisms.
Interactions with BTs
Encounters with BTs in Death Stranding are tense and terrifying experiences.
They are attracted to the presence of living beings, especially humans, and can sense them through their breath and bodily fluids. When a BT approaches, the player must remain still and hold their breath to avoid detection.
Moving or making noise can lead to a dangerous confrontation with these ethereal beings.
One of the game’s central mechanics involves the use of Bridge Babies (BBs), infants connected to sensory equipment that can detect BTs. Players rely on their BB to navigate BT-infested areas and avoid the creatures’ notice.
The enigmatic connection to Sam
A significant aspect of the BTs’ mystery in Death Stranding is Sam Porter Bridges himself.
Sam possesses a unique ability to sense BTs and connect with them on some level.
This connection becomes a central part of the narrative, and it raises questions about Sam’s past, his role in the Death Stranding event, and the true nature of the BTs.
Narrative significance
The presence of BTs serves as a driving force in Death Stranding, both narratively and thematically.
BTs represent the blurred boundaries between life and death, the unknown, and the unseen forces that shape the game’s world. They also symbolize the isolation and disconnect between the fragmented remnants of humanity in a fractured society.
The BTs in Death Stranding are a testament to Hideo Kojima’s ability to craft a complex and intriguing narrative within a video game. These enigmatic entities embody the game’s themes of isolation, connection, and the fragile nature of existence in a post-apocalyptic world.
Their mysterious presence and eerie encounters contribute to the game’s unique atmosphere and gameplay mechanics, making Death Stranding an unforgettable and thought-provoking gaming experience.