When Death Stranding was first released, players were immediately drawn into its strange yet breathtaking world — a place where death, time, and connection blend into a hauntingly beautiful narrative. Among its most mysterious and terrifying elements are BTs, or Beached Things. These spectral entities form the backbone of the game’s supernatural tension, driving both story and gameplay.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Death Stranding BTs — what they are, how they came to be, how to fight them, and why they matter in the world Hideo Kojima has crafted.
What Are BTs in Death Stranding?
BTs stand for Beached Things — ghost-like entities trapped between the world of the living and the dead. After the catastrophic event known as the Death Stranding, the boundary between life and death was shattered. The souls of the dead could no longer pass peacefully to the afterlife and instead remained connected to the world through their “beaches.”
These stranded spirits — the BTs — roam the Earth, invisible to the naked eye and deadly to those who cross their path.
In short:
BTs are the supernatural remnants of human beings who died but never crossed over completely to the afterlife.
The Origin of BTs and the Death Stranding Event
The Death Stranding event is a mysterious cataclysm that fused the world of the living with the realm of the dead. The result? BTs appeared, Timefall rain began to accelerate aging, and the ecosystem of life and death broke apart.
When a person dies in this world and isn’t cremated quickly enough, their soul (ka) separates from their body (ha). If the ka lingers, it manifests as a BT — creating a link between the “beach” (the afterlife) and the living world.
If the BT touches a living human, it causes a voidout, a catastrophic explosion that annihilates everything nearby.
Different Types of BTs in Death Stranding
BTs come in various forms, each with distinct behavior, danger levels, and visual designs. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| BT Type | Appearance | Behavior | Threat Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stranded BTs | Humanoid, floating in midair | Passive until provoked | Medium |
| Catcher BTs | Giant, animal-like entities | Aggressive, triggers boss fights | Very High |
| Gazer BTs | Shadowy, tendril-like | Detect and alert other BTs | High |
| Mini BTs | Small fragments or “infants” of larger BTs | Distract players, rarely lethal | Low |
| Boss BTs (Whales, Lions, etc.) | Massive and grotesque | Appear in major story sequences | Extreme |
Each type adds layers of tension and strategy. Understanding how they behave is key to surviving the world of Death Stranding.
How to Detect BTs in Death Stranding
BTs are invisible to the naked eye. However, Sam Porter Bridges — the protagonist — can detect them with the help of BB (Bridge Baby). The BB connects Sam to the world of the dead, allowing the Odradek Scanner on his shoulder to react to BTs.
How the Detection Works
- Odradek Scanner Movement: The scanner spins and points in the direction of nearby BTs.
- Beeping Sound: The faster and louder the beeping, the closer the BTs are.
- Holding Breath: Holding your breath minimizes detection since BTs sense life signs.
Pro Tip:
When the Odradek spins wildly and the environment darkens, you’re deep in BT territory. Stay low, move slowly, and watch the scanner closely.
Combat and Survival: How to Deal with BTs
Encountering BTs can be terrifying, especially in dense fog or rain. But with the right tactics and weapons, you can fight or evade them effectively.
1. Stealth Approach
- Crouch and move slowly.
- Hold your breath when near a BT (watch your stamina).
- Use terrain to hide behind rocks or objects.
- Scan periodically but avoid constant pinging — it can attract attention.
2. Using Blood-Based Weapons
Kojima introduced a unique mechanic: Sam’s blood harms BTs.
You can craft weapons like:
- Hematic Grenades (HG): Explode and damage BTs.
- Anti-BT Handgun: Fires bullets infused with Sam’s blood.
- Blood Bags: Serve as ammunition and health supply.
3. Fighting Catcher BTs (Boss Fights)
Catcher BTs appear during forced encounters. When dragged into tar pits, players face giant creatures such as whales or lions.
Tips to Win Boss Battles:
- Keep moving; don’t get trapped in tar.
- Use Hematic Grenades and Anti-BT Handguns.
- Call in help from other porters (NPC allies).
- Utilize floating cargo as platforms.
4. Preventing Voidouts
If a BT kills you, it causes a voidout — an explosion that leaves a massive crater. Always incinerate corpses before they turn necrotic to prevent BT formation.
The Symbolism Behind BTs
Kojima is known for his deep symbolism, and BTs represent the connection between life, death, and human isolation. They embody the idea that the world of the dead is not separate — it’s intertwined with ours.
BTs are metaphors for:
- Unresolved trauma or loss
- The inability to move on
- The human fear of death and loneliness
Their eerie, floating appearance and the constant tension they bring serve as reminders that death in Death Stranding is not an end — it’s a continuation of connection.
The Role of BBs and BTs’ Relationship
Bridge Babies (BBs) are premature infants extracted from brain-dead mothers. They act as a bridge between life and death, allowing humans to detect BTs. Sam’s BB, affectionately called Lou, becomes both his companion and survival tool.
The connection between BBs and BTs underscores the emotional depth of Death Stranding: even in a world consumed by death, bonds still matter.
Environmental Impact: BTs and Timefall
BTs and Timefall are linked phenomena. Timefall, the mysterious rain that accelerates time, often indicates BT activity. These two elements create environmental hazards:
- Timefall degrades cargo and equipment
- BTs appear during heavy rain
- Stealth becomes crucial during storms
Players must carefully balance cargo management, movement, and combat awareness during these intense moments.
BT Encounters Throughout the Game
| Location | BT Type | Challenge Level |
|---|---|---|
| Central Region | Standard BTs | Medium |
| Mountainous Terrain | Catcher BTs | High |
| Urban Ruins | Mixed BT zones | Medium |
| Final Mission | Whale-type BT | Extreme |
Each encounter teaches new mechanics and pushes you to adapt — whether sneaking through fog or confronting colossal entities.
BT Lore: Connecting to Kojima’s Vision
Kojima designed BTs to reflect humanity’s relationship with death. The Death Stranding universe is not about fighting monsters but understanding them. BTs are tragic beings, remnants of souls that couldn’t find peace.
BTs remind players of loss, legacy, and the fragile thread connecting existence — a recurring theme in Kojima’s storytelling philosophy.
How BTs Changed the Way We Play Open-World Games
Unlike typical enemies, BTs introduce fear through atmosphere, not violence. Players must:
- Manage emotional tension
- Make decisions based on sound and movement
- Feel genuine anxiety while exploring
This emotional depth sets Death Stranding apart from other open-world experiences. Instead of endless combat, the focus is connection and survival, both physically and emotionally.
Death Stranding Director’s Cut: BT Enhancements
In the Director’s Cut, several improvements affect BT encounters:
- Enhanced visual detection effects
- New weapons and support tools
- Expanded combat zones
- Better BB connection mechanics
These updates make BT interactions even more dynamic and rewarding for both new and veteran players.
Tips for New Players to Survive BTs
- Upgrade Equipment Early: Prioritize Hematic weapons and armor.
- Manage Stamina: Breath control is key during stealth.
- Use BB Wisely: Calm it after stressful encounters to maintain detection accuracy.
- Don’t Panic: If caught, fight strategically or prepare to respawn away from voidout zones.
- Balance Cargo: Lighter loads allow faster, quieter movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does BT stand for in Death Stranding?
BT stands for Beached Thing — a spirit trapped between life and death, originating from the world’s beaches after the Death Stranding event.
How do you detect BTs?
Use the Odradek Scanner linked to your BB unit. The scanner points toward BTs, and the beeping intensity indicates their proximity.
Can BTs be killed permanently?
Yes, but only with blood-based weapons. However, new BTs will continue to appear throughout the world due to the Death Stranding’s ongoing influence.
What happens during a Voidout?
A Voidout occurs when a BT consumes a human, triggering a massive explosion that destroys everything nearby and leaves a crater.
Are BTs connected to the main story?
Absolutely. They symbolize humanity’s connection to death and serve as both a gameplay and narrative mechanic throughout the story.
Can BTs be avoided completely?
Yes, with stealth. Players can sneak through BT zones by crouching, holding their breath, and monitoring their Odradek scanner carefully.
Conclusion: The Legacy of BTs in Death Stranding
The Death Stranding BTs are more than just enemies — they are storytelling devices, emotional triggers, and symbols of connection. They embody Hideo Kojima’s vision of a world where life and death coexist, where fear and compassion intertwine.
Surviving BTs isn’t just about combat — it’s about understanding them. Each encounter challenges you to balance fear with empathy, mirroring the game’s ultimate message: we’re all connected, even through death.