Cryptobiote

Cryptobiote

A cryptobiote a day keeps the timefall away.
– Fragile

Cryptobiotes are mysterious, resilient organisms unique to the post-Stranding world. While known for their ability to survive the harsh environments of the Beach, they play a vital role in human survival: when consumed, they are able to replenish blood levels and grant temporary resistance to timefall.

Overview

Fragile about to eat a cryptobiote

Cryptobiotes are small, resilient lifeforms that emerged as a significant species in the aftermath of the Death Stranding. Named after the process of cryptobiosis—meaning "hidden life"—these organisms can suspend their metabolic processes and enter a near-death state to survive extreme environmental conditions. This ability allows them to withstand not only terrestrial hazards but also exist on the Beach and in the Seam, bridging the worlds of the living and the dead. While originally referenced in scientific literature prior to the Death Stranding, cryptobiotes were not formally classified until their unique properties became essential in human survival.

Biological characteristics

Cryptobiotes are capable of surviving in nearly any environment, including areas of high chiral density and even extradimensional realms. Their skin color can change based on habitat, and their flavor is generally mild, though some variants possess distinct tastes. For example, American cryptobiotes are pink with a notably distinct flavor, Mexican cryptobiotes are red and have a spicy taste, while Australian cryptobiotes are yellow with a salty profile. When consumed, cryptobiotes replenish a person's blood levels and are said to grant temporary resistance to timefall, making them a vital resource for porters and researchers alike. They are most commonly found clustered around coral formations, which can appear in a variety of environments, from the snowy mountains to decayed forests.

Life cycle and metamorphosis

Newly eclosed angel bugs

Recent research, especially that which has been conducted by Tarman, has revealed that cryptobiotes undergo a complex life cycle involving multiple metamorphic stages:

• Chrysalis Stage: After maturing around land-based coral, cryptobiotes form chrysalises and transition to a space between the world of the living and the world of the dead. (No chrysalises have been directly observed in the wild.)
• Angel Bug Phase: After several years (or even decades), they eclose from their chrysalises and appear in the world of the living as angel bugs, an imago resembling pelagic sea angels. This stage lasts roughly seven days.
• Fetus Bug Phase: Angel bugs then shed their skin and assume a fetal form, known as fetus bugs, believed to inhabit the tar for several years. The details of their reproduction remain a mystery, as neither angel bugs nor fetus bugs display reproductive organs.

Ecological role and theories

Cryptobiotes are theorized to have adapted their metamorphosis in response to the Death Stranding, paralleling the theory that insects evolved to survive ancient climate shifts. Their capacity to travel between worlds has led some to speculate on a possible origin from the "other side" or even a divine nature—as suggested by their angelic forms.

Variants

D-Cryptobiotes

the quick menu entry

D-cryptobiotes are a rare variant discovered inside gourds by a prepper in the UCA, named for the "dreamlike" effects they induce. When consumed, a D-cryptobiote causes an immediate and vivid sensation akin to falling into a dreamland, and dramatically boosts hematic regeneration—far beyond what standard cryptobiotes provide. Their taste is described as balanced and herbal, reminiscent of the fine medicinal teas, though some may find it off-putting.

The D-cryptobiote is not commonly found in the wild and is highly sought after for its powerful restorative properties. Its unique effects and rarity have made it an object of fascination and desire among porters and researchers alike.

Electrobiotes

Electrobiotes are a mutant form of cryptobiote that have developed the ability to store and discharge electricity. They are most commonly found clustered around bioluminescent blue coral, and can be detected using an odradek's scanner. Electrobiotes are distinguished by their spiky bodies, which resemble that of the jewel caterpillar, and they are prized for their utility in restoring battery power.

When consumed, an electrobiote will immediately recharge a portion of the consumer's battery power. If your battery is depleted, electrobiotes are consumed automatically upon acquisition; if your battery is full, they will be stored in your utility pouch for later use. Their flavor is unique among cryptobiotes, numbing the taste buds rather than overwhelming them, making them a snack that indulged upon.

Chlorobiotes

Chlorobiotes are another mutant cryptobiote variant, distinguished by their green outer skin and their ability to perform photosynthesis-like processes. These creatures synthesize and store oxygen within their bodies, thanks to a unique, translucent pigment that may also absorb light escaped from the Beach. Chlorobiotes are most commonly found in coral clumps that form around decayed trees, and can be stored in utility pouches for field use.

Eating a chlorobiote increases Sam's blood oxygen concentration, temporarily preventing his endurance gauge from depleting. This effect is especially useful when climbing steep slopes, crossing rivers, or holding breath for periods of time, allowing consumers to push their physical limits. Chlorobiotes have an extremely bitter flavor, and their unique pigment structure has led to speculation about their connection to the Beach and the broader chiral ecosystem.

Necrobiotes

Necrobiotes are a rare and dangerous cryptobiote variant believed to have developed in response to tarfall. These creatures are easily recognized by their dark grey skin, long hairs, and six short tentacles surround their mouth. Unlike other cryptobiotes, necrobiotes are extremely poisonous—fatal to ordinary humans if consumed. Only individuals with DOOMS or those of exceptional constitution (like Samson Hook) can survive their effects.

Consuming a necrobiote induces rapid blood loss and places the consumer in a near-death state within seconds. In this state, BTs become visible and pacified, likely due to their affinity for the realm of the dead and their recognition of the consumer as belonging to it. This property makes necrobiotes a powerful, yet dangerous, tool for those needing to traverse BT-infested areas. Necrobiotes are extremely rare, typically found only near the skeletal remains of stranded animals. Once collected, they can be stored in a utility pouch for later use, but should be handled with extreme caution.

Chronobiotes

Chronobiotes are a mutate cryptobiote variant that emerged after certain cryptobiotes were parasitized by microscopic chiral microbes. These chiral microbes—likely adapted to the unique temporal tides of the Beach—cause the host cryptobiotes to mutate, resulting in the chronobiote. When consumed, a chronobiote accelerates the flow of time within the consumer's body, enhancing reaction speed and creating the sensation that time is passing more slowly. This effect is believed to be a direct result of the microbe's adaptation to the Beach's environment.

Chronobiotes are typically found in cold climates, where chiral density is high. They have distinctive white bodies and live in gel-like colonies attached to coral. Their texture is often compared to Japanese rice cakes, and their flavor is considered superior to that of regular cryptobiotes—possibly an evolutionary adaptation by the microbes to encourage ingestion and further spread. Chronobiotes can be stored in utility pouches, offering a convenient field ration.

Notes

• Cryptobiotes and blood bags are the primary means for Sam to restore his health and blood levels.
• Consuming one cryptobiote restores 25 units of blood.
• Sam will only consume as many cryptobiotes as needed in order to replenish his blood levels. Once his levels are replenished, he will refuse to eat any more.
• The chiral matter in Sam's urine can attract cryptobiotes to the mushrooms that grow in the urination spot. The more players urinate in the same spot, the more cryptobiotes will appear in that location.
• In Death Stranding, when Fragile visits Sam in his private room, she gives him a jar of cryptobiotes, allowing him to eat cryptobiotes any time he is in the room.
• By holding the button to collect cryptobiotes instead of tapping it, you can collect more cryptobiotes and at a much faster rate.
• Reaching Connection Level 4 with Heartman's Lab in Death Stranding rewards Sam with the cryptobiote accessory which makes it less likely for cryptobiotes to flee when approached.
• In Death Stranding 2, the keychain that Deadman gives Sam as a present for Lou is an angel bug.
• Cryptobiosis is a real-world science, it is a state of life in which all metabolic activities are temporarily halted.
• Cryptobiotes resemble tardigrades (commonly called water bears), although at a much larger scale. Tardigrades are also cryptobiotic.

Gallery

A small cryptobiote coral hive

A cryptobiote flying

A jar of cryptiobiotes in the private room

Menu entry

Cryptobiote accessory

See Also

• Cryptobiotes (interview)