Beached Things (BTs) are entities whose souls are stranded in the world of the living following the events of the Death Stranding. BTs are considered extremely dangerous and are almost always hostile toward living beings. Because of the antimatter within their bodies, a BT consuming a living being triggers a voidout—a devastating explosion powerful enough to annihilate entire cities.
Overview[]
A BT comes into existence when the soul of a deceased being fails to cross through the Beach into the world of the dead, leaving it "stranded" in the world of the living. This lingering connection to the afterlife is maintained through an umbilical cord that ties the BT to the other side.
The Death Stranding occurred concurrently with the first recorded sighting of a BT, witnessed by a doctor performing a Caesarean section on a brain-dead mother. Following the Death Stranding, when a human being dies, their ka (soul) remains tethered to, and will attempt to return to, their ha (body). To prevent this, the body must be destroyed—typically through cremation at an incinerator. If this process is not carried out, the ka will return to the ha and then become a BT, stranded in the world of the living, risking a voidout.
BTs can be perceived by individuals suffering from a condition known as DOOMS, or via a trance connection to Bridge Babies (BBs), which exist between the worlds of the living and the dead. The degree to which DOOMS sufferers can interact with BTs varies from person to person. For example, Sam is capable of sensing the presence of BTs, but cannot see them without the assistance of Lou. Fragile, meanwhile, is capable of seeing BTs without external aid. With a DOOMS level of at least seven, Higgs is not only able to see BTs, but can also control them at will.
The true nature of BTs remains unclear; it is unclear if they are all stranded human souls, native entities from the other side, or a combination of both. It is generally assumed that gazer-type BTs result from human deaths, but little is known about the origins or nature of the larger, more complex BTs. Higgs' titan-type BT, for example, appears to be a construct entirely of his own making and under his full control—suggesting that BTs can, in some cases, arise from sources other than human death.
The intent behind BT behavior remains equally mysterious; the grappling and grasping actions of gazer-type BTs could be interpreted as predatory, but they might also be interpreted as a desperate need for physical connection—or even a silent plea for help. At one point, Heartman speculates that the handprints left behind during close encounters may represent BTs attempting to reach out to the living.
A particularly rare case is a BT baby still connected to a living woman. This was the condition of Mama, whose baby died during childbirth while still connected to her via the umbilical cord. As a result, Mama is forced to live in isolation to avoid contact with other BTs. However, her BT baby itself was harmless—displaying surprisingly lifelike behaviors such as sleeping and showing signs of hunger.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Mama's condition is that she was technically dead. She had no pulse, her skin remained cold, yet she could still think, speak, and interact like any other living person—even producing milk, though her baby could not drink it. Somehow, the presence of her BT baby kept her suspended in a liminal state—caught between the world of the living and the Beach.
Tragically, Mama died shortly after choosing to sever the connection with her child for a variety of reasons. Yet her body never necrotized, as the link with the BT had saturated her cells with chiralium, preserving her remains even after death.
Another unusual case is Clifford Unger, who, after dying, returns to life in human form—seemingly enhanced with heightened abilities and the power to control ghostly entities remotely. It's unclear whether Cliff should be classified as a BT, but how he returned without becoming a conventional one remains a complete mystery. What is certain, however, is the hostility of Cliff and the ghostly soldiers under his command. Their aggression is unmistakable and poses a serious threat to anyone who crosses their path.
It is speculated by various Bridges experts that individuals who die harboring intense hatred and unresolved issues may return in a spectral form. This theory could explain the reappearance of Cliff and also supports the idea that ghosts have existed throughout human history. Especially since such apparitions were believed to be mere legends or myths before the Death Stranding.
Countermeasures[]
All active measures against BTs employ chemicals derived from repatriate body fluids. While urine and fecal matter contain compounds capable of repelling BTs, blood is uniquely capable of driving BTs back to the Beach. Hematic weaponry is functionally identical to more conventional forms (including grenades, firearms and even blades): by the time of the chiral network's spread to Australia, the development of MP ammunition allows for firearms that function equally on BTs and humans (although most firearms are now non-lethal by design).
Types[]
Gazer[]
Gazers floating about in timefall
Gazers are floating, humanoid BTs that appear in areas affected by timefall. Their presence can be detected from a distance by spectral black strands drifting in the air above such areas. Gazers come in two forms: adults and infants.
They rely on sound to detect movement and cannot sense Sam while he is standing still or holding his breath. However, when holding his breath, Sam also loses the ability to see nearby gazers—regaining his vision of them only once he breathes again and remains motionless.
Gazers can be temporarily immobilized using a bola gun loaded with strands infused with repatriate blood. While immobilized, they remain visible to Sam even as he moves. hematic grenades can drive gazers back to the other side, after which chiral crystals will materialize beneath where they floated.
After a gazer is eliminated, the odradek will automatically shift to detect the next nearest BT—confirming that the target has been successfully neutralized.
Mama and her baby. A rare case of a BT connecting with a living human
If Sam cuts the umbilical cord of a gazer, the BT will be sent back to the other side. Afterward, the BT will give Sam a like, possibly suggesting that its beached state is uncomfortable for it—and that being untethered brings it a sense of relief or peace.
Variants[]
- Baby BT: These BTs are much smaller than other types and are typically found near a larger BT. Their small size makes them difficult to spot and harder to target with anti-BT weaponry. They are rarely encountered alone, so it's important to stay alert and scan your surroundings when approaching one. When a baby BT's umbilical cord is cut, it emits piercing screams and cries—eerily similar to those of a human infant—setting it apart from other BTs in both behavior and sound.
Two giant BTs with one normal sized BT
- Giant BT: As the name would suggest, these BTs are significantly larger than typical BTs—often ranging from two to four times the size of standard BTs. Unlike most BTs, giant BTs lack umbilical cords, which means they cannot be severed in the usual way. Some of these entities are even connected to surrounding BTs, requiring all connected BTs to be defeated before the giant BT can be taken down. These BTs have been observed in several high-risk areas, including the Volcano Observatory area, the Abandoned Roadside Factory, and near the massive Middle Knot City crater. According to Heartman, giant BTs are formed from the consolidated ka of multiple individuals. This fusion likely explains both their immense size and the absence of an umbilical cord.
A red BT
- Red BT: These BTs are particularly dangerous due to the fact that they can only be defeated using chiral bullets or by severing their umbilical cord; bola guns, strands, and hematic grenades are completely ineffective against them. Like giant BTs, red BTs produce a large quantity of chiral crystals once released. It is theorized that red BTs may be the souls of individuals who were heavily exposed to chiral radiation, which could explain both their resilience and their elevated crystal yield.
- Hunter: These White BTs appear when Sam is pulled into the tar by surrounding BTs. These entities act as intermediaries, dragging him toward a catcher-type BT encounter, detailed below.
Hunting behavior[]
Hunting BTs dragging Sam down into tar
Gazers will investigate and slowly glide towards any disturbance in their vicinity. Once they detect a target, they will hone in onto the source of the sound—visually represented by tar handprints moving in its direction. They are especially sensitive to the sound of breathing when close to a target. If Sam fails to hold his breath, they will quickly close in on his location.
Cliff and his ghost soldiers
If a hunting gazer reaches Sam, a pool of tar will form beneath him, and multiple gazers—likely from nearby—will emerge to try and drag him into it. Sam can shake them off and attempt flee toward the edge of the tar. These tar-bound gazers can also be repelled using anti-BT weaponry such as EX grenades, hematic grenades, or even timely urination. If Sam successfully escapes, the hunting gazers will retreat and disappear for a time. However, should they succeed in pulling him under, he will be dragged into a confrontation with a catcher-type BT.
If Sam triggers a voidout in a given area where a catcher encounter cannot occur, standard black gazers will be replaced by golden variants. These variants may also appear randomly in other regions or during catcher battles. Golden gazers tend to move quickly within their territory and will instantly kill Sam if they catch him. While they can be destroyed using anti-BT weaponry, they are significantly tougher—typically requiring twice as much damage to defeat.
Catcher[]
Catchers are large, aggressive BTs that appear when Sam is dragged away by gazers. These types of BTs contain a core of antimatter from the other side, and if Sam is consumed, the reaction between the catcher's antimatter and his matter will trigger a voidout.
Catchers generate a dynamic arena of thick tar, within which remnants of old buildings, vehicles, and debris constantly rise and sink unpredictably. Sam must either destroy the catcher or flee to the edge of the arena. If he escapes, the catcher will become caught on the edge of the arena, then sink into the tar, which subsequently evaporates, causing all nearby BTs to disappear temporarily.
When a catcher is defeated, it will crystallize, dissolve along with the surrounding tar, and leave behind large clusters of chiral crystals. Successfully escaping or defeating a catcher will also cause the timefall in the area to cease and any remaining BTs to disappear for a short period.
In the second game, more Catchers are introduced, and they're all given entirely new designations.
Variants[]
Multi-limb-type[]
Multi-Limb-type BT
This BT initially resembles a dolphin, but upon detecting a human presence, it changes its form: multiple limbs erupt from around its head and parts of its body, forming octopus tentacle-like appendages, while wing-like structures extend from its back. It attacks using these limbs in sweeping slashes and whips—some signaled by a flashing light within its mouth, an attack capable of triggering a voidout if it connects. Alternatively, the BT can use its own body as a weapon, launching itself into the air and then crashing down to damage its target. If it manages to grab its prey between its limbs, it will devour them, again resulting in a voidout. Due to its appearance, it's also known as the Delphis.
Multi-limb β-type[]
There's also another type of Multi-limb BT, sometimes designated as the β (Beta)-type, or Octopoid. This BT is similar to the normal Multi-limb type, but its central body is smaller and it has eight massive tentacles with hands in their tips.
Multi-Limb-Type BT summoned by Higgs.
Higgs is capable of manifesting a powerful variant of the β BT, distinguishable by a golden skull-like protrusion atop its frontal head. This version is more durable and aggressive than those encountered in the overworld. It is summoned only once—after Sam connects Port Knot City to the chiral network and must cross the crater lake of Ground Zero to reach the central region.
These can be found in the wild in the second game.
Feline-type[]
Feline-type BT
A BT with feline characteristics, combined with traits of stranded marine life. The oily tentacles on its head—resembling the mane of lion—surround a sea anemone-like mouth that is only visible when it roars. This BT employs a variety of melee attacks, which are signaled by its glowing paws or tail. Additionally, it can launch long-range attacks, firing a chiral laser from its mouth. Depending on the difficulty setting, up to three BT Bestiae may manifest simultaneously.
Golden variant of the feline-type BT summoned by Higgs.
Higgs is capable of summoning a unique variant of this BT, distinguished by a golden skull-like protrusion that conceals its mouth. He summons it only once—outside Mama’s lab—just as Sam prepares to escort her to Mountain Knot City.
Titan-type[]
A Titan-type BT
A colossal, humanoid BT distinguished by a head composed of two fused golden hands. which it uses to grab and absorb its prey, triggering a voidout. Its umbilical cord is more prominent than those of other BTs, allowing it to absorb tar from the ground, channel it through its body, and regurgitate jellyfish-type BTs. At the ends of its arms, instead of hands, the BT possesses long, tendril-like strands tipped with golden hands. These can immobilize prey, lift them off the ground, and deliver them to its head to be devoured. The same golden-tipped strands can also reach into the tar to summon golden gazer-type BTs, which it then hurls at its target. Defeated prey is levitated towards the Gigas' neck, which triggers a voidout once they make contact.
Higgs is capable of manifesting this BT on two occasions. The first manifestation occurs during the transport of a corpse that Corpse Disposal Team 6 and Sam had be tasked with cremating at an incinerator near Central Knot City. During the mission, the Gigas captures and devours Igor Frank, triggering in a massive voidout (in-game tips suggest that such events are triggered when a non-repatriating human is consumed). The second manifestation occurs after Sam finally connects Edge Knot City to the chiral network. On this occasion, Higgs uses Amelie as a hostage and merges with the BT himself, effectively serving as its 'pilot.' Both he and Amelie become incorporated into the BT's form.
Free and controlled versions of the Gigas can also be encountered in the second game, both in the wild and in the story's events. "Wild" Gigas lack the hands in their tendrils, and their head-hands are stony grey.
Whale-type[]
A whale-type BT
A massive, airborne, whale-like BT capable of powerful, long-range attacks. Its mouth opens into three parts, two lateral and one upper, which hides inside a golden skull-like mask, similar to the one worn by Higgs, which indicates it's under his control. Its exposed spine has a shape similar to that of a human body. This BT can attack from a distance using a chiral laser, and are also capable of launching golden gazer-type BTs as projectiles from its mouth. Several manifest in the Midwestern tar belt when Sam crosses it on foot. Additionally, one must be defeated during his return journey from Edge Knot City to Capital Knot City.
Skull-type[]
A new type of coral-like BT first encountered by Sam in Mexico, near the Former Geophysics Research Lab. It initially manifests as a human-like head that rises from the Tar, before its "flesh" melts away and exposes a skull-like visage. The skull then splits in four pieces and the seams fill with anemone-like tentacles. It has a foot shaped like a human spine. Its jaw-like limbs hide its true mouth, a golden-glowing maw.
This BT moves slowly but is extremely agressive. It can melee prey with its "jaws" and fire barrages of tar from its mouth. If its target is too far, it can suction enormous amounts of air to pull them towards it. If it swallows them whole, it will immediately trigger a voidout. It can also stab its foe with six slender tentacles that sprout from its "eyeholes".
Hand-type[]
A new kind of Catcher encountered in Australia. It resembles a severed human hand, but acts more like a giant spider, with an abdomen with fiery red glows that resembles a bleeding stump, seven long fingers that act as legs and end on sharp, pointy claws and a mouth in its lower wrist. In combat, it uses its claws to fight in melee and can fire burning globs of tar. Its strongest attack manifests as it raising itself upright, then firing seven chiral beams from its claws while roaring. It's also known as "Kheir".
Jellyfish-type[]
Jellyfish BTs floating
A subspecies type of BT resembling large, pulsating sacs with tendrils dangling beneath them, not unlike their aquatic namesakes. Normally, some remain stationary, anchored to the ground, while most float through the air. Upon detecting the presence of a human, they will attack by rapidly approaching their target before exploding. They appear impervious to small arms fire and are visible even to those without DOOMS. Unlike standard BTs, they do not seem capable of causing voidouts—likely because they are not formed from human deaths.
They are most notably found in Edge Knot City, however, they can also be found hovering over the tar belts at the edges of the map in the Central Region. A more dangerous variant appears northeast of Port Knot City (during Episode 12). This version possess a golden coloration and spikes, and upon taking damage, split into two smaller forms, increasing the threat.
In the second game, some of the larger BTs like the Gigas are able to summon jellyfish-types as a form of attack.
Gameplay[]
Combating BTs starts out relatively straightforward with the use of hematic rounds and grenades, though lethal anti-personnel weapons can also be effective if aimed at areas of a BT covered in blood—allowing for increased damage while conserving Sam's own blood.
Hematic and EX grenades can stun catchers and gazers, interrupting their attacks and pursuit. Gazers have varying degrees of health dependent on their size and the difficulty setting—fatter BTs may require around 75ml of blood, while giant BTs demand significantly more.
Stealth plays an important role in BT encounters. Actions like sprinting, vehicle boosting, or firing loud weapons will provoke a gazer, causing it to rush Sam and trigger a tar pool. In contrast, walking, driving normally, or calling out will cause a gazer to approach more slowly, escalating only if Sam fails to hold his breath or takes another triggering action. Throwing objects such as cargo or grenades can also lure gazers to a specific area.
Lou becomes stressed whenever Sam is near a BT or is being pursued, which can impact her performance.
Another method of eliminating BTs is by cutting their umbilical cord. After delivering Mama to Mountain Knot City, Sam receives a cord cutter, a blade of pure Chiralium attached to his cuff link, allowing him to cut BTs' umbilical cords. Doing so causes the BT to disappear and gives Sam a like, possibly signifying a sense of relief from the entity.
Notes[]
- As an Extinction Entity, Amelie possesses a heightened perception of BTs that allows her to circumnavigate BT-occupied areas. She used this ability during the Bridges I westward expedition, protecting the expedition team on many occasions. Additionally, Amelie can also control BTs—a power she later granted to Higgs.
- BTs tend to manifest in areas with elevated chiralium density, which often rises following the incineration of human remains.
- In Heartman's Lab, you can find two life-sized wax sculptures of humanoid BTs. Inspecting them will earn you 10 likes from Heartman.
- Hideo Kojima refers to the Quad (β) catcher as 雑魚 (zako, lit. "small fish" but more colloquially "small fry" or "weakling"), and has noted that it is one of the weakest catcher-type BTs.
- The names borne by Catcher BTs in the second game are derived from Latin and Greek words, usually related to their origin species. The one exception are the BT Octopoids.
- BT Delphis (The Multi-Limb types) are named after the Greek name for dolphins.
- BT Bestia are named after the Latin word for "Beast".
- BT Gigas are named after the Greek word for "Giant".
- BT Cetus are named after the Ancient Greek name for whales.
- BT Raia are named after the Latin word for rays.
- BT Kheir are named after the Ancient Greek word for "Hand".
- BT Megalocarcinus means "Large Crab" in Greek.
- In the second game, a BT can also trigger a voidout if it eats another BT. Unlike a normal voidout, those triggered by BT cannibalism don't cause explosions, as the destructive energy is fully absorbed by the Beach. Instead, it triggers an intense flash of light.
Gallery[]
