50 Facts About Death Stranding (Video Games)

Origins and Release

Death Stranding, developed by Kojima Productions, is an action game that has captivated players with its unique mechanics and deep storyline. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this game.

1. The game was first announced in 2016 and officially released on November 8, 2019, for PlayStation 4.
2. The title "Death Stranding" refers to a catastrophic event that has caused widespread destruction and the emergence of supernatural entities known as "Beached Things" (BTs).

Star-Studded Cast

The game features an impressive lineup of actors, adding depth and realism to the characters.

3. Norman Reedus stars as Sam Porter Bridges, the main protagonist.
4. Mads Mikkelsen plays Clifford Unger, a complex character with a mysterious past.
5. Léa Seydoux portrays Fragile, a fellow porter with unique abilities.
6. Lindsay Wagner appears as Amelie, a key figure in the storyline.

Unique Gameplay Mechanics

Death Stranding's gameplay revolves around transporting cargo across a fractured America, offering a fresh take on the action genre.

7. Players control Sam Porter Bridges, who must balance and carry heavy cargo on his back while navigating through treacherous terrain.
8. The game is set in an apocalyptic United States where a cataclysmic event known as the "Death Stranding" has caused BTs to roam the Earth.
9. BTs are invisible but can be detected by Sam's suit, which is equipped with a robotic sensor called an "odradek".
10. Timefall is a unique weather phenomenon in the game, where rain causes accelerated aging in whatever living being it touches.

Bridge Babies and Trans Connections

One of the most intriguing aspects of Death Stranding is the use of bridge babies and their connection to the protagonist.

11. Sam has a unique tool to aid him in his journey—an infant floating in a hi-tech jar attached to his suit.
12. These "bridge babies" are the children of brain-dead mothers and have the ability to sense nearby BTs.
13. Connecting the bridge baby to Sam's suit forms a trans connection between them, allowing a radar-like mechanical arm on his suit to alert him when a BT is nearby.

In-Depth Characters

The game features a large and in-depth cast of characters, each with their own unique story and abilities.

14. Die-Hardman is one of the key figures Sam interacts with during his journey.
15. Deadman, another Bridges affiliate, provides crucial support and information to Sam.
16. Heartman has a condition where his heart stops every 21 minutes, leaving him technically dead for three minutes each time.
17. Mama is attached to her child, who was born on the other side and consequently manifested as a BT.

Cargo Transport and Management

Transporting cargo is a central element of Death Stranding's gameplay, requiring players to carefully manage their loads.

18. The gameplay largely revolves around transporting cargo across the landscape.
19. Cargo is often attached to Sam via damage-sensing tape that changes color based on how close the cargo is to breaking loose.
20. Players can arrange the cargo optimally or use the auto-arrange cargo option.
21. Sam can equip a sturdy mechanical exoskeleton to allow him to carry even larger weights without becoming encumbered.

Tools and Gadgets

To aid in his journey, Sam has access to various tools and gadgets that enhance gameplay.

22. Special mailboxes are dotted around the map where players can deliver their cargo, and it will be available for another porter to pick up in their stead.
23. Delivering cargo to these mailboxes still earns players likes, although not as many as they would get if they held it all the way themselves.
24. Players can use drones called Floating Carriers to transport additional loads of cargo by hovering across dangerous terrain.
25. Sam faces human enemies known as MULEs, a cult of rogue, bandit-like porters who attempt to steal deliveries.

Building and Navigation

Navigating the game's world requires players to build and use various structures and tools.

26. Players can build small roadways to make zipping around on the reverse trike even easier.
27. Climbing anchors help climb and descend steep cliffs, while portable ladders can help Sam reach high ledges and cross deep chasms and raging rivers.
28. If Sam runs out of stamina while fording a river, he and his cargo will be swept away. Standing still allows stamina to refill before continuing the crossing.

Death and Repatriation

Death Stranding introduces unique mechanics related to death and revival.

29. When Sam is killed by a BT, it results in a destructive explosion known as a "voidout," which permanently damages the location of the death with an untraversable crater.
30. As Sam is a "repatriate," he is taken to an underwater world known as the "Seam" if he is killed. From there, he can "swim" back to his body to revive himself.

Chiral Network and Online Functionality

The game's online functionality adds a cooperative element, allowing players to help each other out.

31. The Portable Chiral Constructor (PCC) is a device similar to a 3D printer that allows players to produce consumable items and structures such as ropes, bridges, and power generators.
32. The Chiral Network is a key element of the game's online functionality, allowing players to access maps of areas, use blueprints, and leave supplies, structures, and messages that can be viewed and used by other players.
33. Players can recover cargo lost by other players to complete their delivery.
34. Despite the online functionality, players do not directly encounter other players in the world. All interactions are asynchronous.

Setting and Storyline

Death Stranding's setting and storyline explore themes of loss, grief, and redemption.

35. The game is set in an apocalyptic United States where a cataclysmic event known as the "Death Stranding" has caused widespread destruction and the emergence of BTs.
36. Certain themes and elements of the story were influenced by Hideo Kojima’s childhood and the deaths of his parents.

Development and Reception

The game's development process and reception have been noteworthy.

37. Kojima Productions announced that the game had gone gold in September 2019, meaning development had finished.
38. The game was released on July 14, 2020, for PC by 505 Games.
39. Death Stranding received mixed reviews from critics but has a dedicated fan base.
40. Hideo Kojima has expressed interest in developing a sequel to further solidify the "strand game" genre.

Community and Cultural Impact

Death Stranding has had a significant impact on its community and pop culture.

41. The game has a strong community of players who share tips, strategies, and creative builds.
42. Death Stranding has influenced other games and media with its themes and mechanics.
43. The game has been nominated for several awards and has won some, solidifying its place in gaming history.
44. Its focus on social elements and asynchronous online functions has inspired other developers to experiment with new genres and mechanics.

Emotional and Technical Achievements

The game's emotional resonance and technical achievements are among its strongest aspects.

45. Hideo Kojima’s vision for Death Stranding was to create a game that would challenge players and make them think about the world in a different way.
46. The game offers a variety of gameplay experiences, from stealth and strategy to action and exploration.
47. The story is deeply personal and explores themes of loss, grief, and redemption.
48. The game’s visuals and soundtrack create an immersive atmosphere that draws players into the game world.
49. The game presents players with various challenges, such as navigating through treacherous terrain and avoiding BTs.
50. Players have a degree of choice and agency in the game, allowing them to make decisions that affect the story and gameplay.

The Legacy of Death Stranding

Death Stranding stands out as a groundbreaking game that redefined what action games can be. With its star-studded cast, unique gameplay mechanics, and deep storyline, it has left a lasting impact on the gaming world. Players navigate a post-apocalyptic America, facing challenges like Timefall, BTs, and cargo management. The game’s emphasis on social elements and asynchronous online functions has inspired other developers to explore new genres and mechanics.

Hideo Kojima’s vision brought a deeply personal and emotional narrative, resonating with many players. Despite mixed reviews, the game has a dedicated fan base and has won several awards. Its technical achievements, community engagement, and cultural impact ensure that Death Stranding will be remembered as a pioneering title in the "strand game" genre. This game has set a new standard, influencing future developments in the industry.