The Odradek Terrain Scanner is a shoulder-mounted, articulated mechanical sensor used by individuals venturing into the dangerous lands transformed by the Death Stranding.
Overview[]
The Odradek serves as a multi-function scanning device, with the ability to analyze terrain as well as detect cargo tags and objects left by other players. The device typically remains in its stowed position on the operator's shoulders unless manually activated or whenever in the prescence of a Beached thing- as long as there is a connection to a BB. However, Odradeks can perform basic functions without a connection to a BB. Another function is the Odradek's built-in flashlight, which automatically tracks with the operator's viewpoint.
Terrorist Odradek
Odradek scanner technology is utilized throughout the world by various groups, primarily by Bridges operatives and freelance Porters, but also by enemies of Bridges as well, such as Higgs, Homo Demens and the MULEs. Bridges operatives possess a variant with five-pointed symmetrical design akin to a star, while Porters and MULEs are seen to use a smaller three-pointed variant. Some individuals, such as Homo Demens and Mama, possess unique Odradek variants. It is possible that Odradeks were originally Bridges-made technology, which was licensed to or copied by others.
Porter Odradek
When connected to a BB pod - after establishing a connection to the BB, users are able to use Odradeks to detect BTs, and in their presence, the Odradek is activated automatically. Its panels or 'flaps' illuminate and can take on a variety of shape and color patterns, indicating the direction of, proximity to and state of nearby BTs:
- If no BT is aware of the player's presence, the Odradek will don blue light, and will clap towards the closest BT, with two different speeds based on the proximity.
- A slow clap indicates a faraway BT (and that's the closest one). The player is in no danger whatsoever, and probably can't even see it from here (yet). Just... don't go in that direction, please...
- A fast clap indicates BT(s) that are closer by. They are still not aware of the player's presence, but they sure will be if they're not careful.
- If BTs are still unaware of the player's presence, but are now getting close enough to hear them, the Odradek will start spinning towards the closest one and will don yellow lights. The distance at which this happens changes based on whether or not the player is crouching.
- If the player made so much sound that a BT is now aware of their position, the Odradek will arrange itself to 'point' in the direction of the closest one now chasing them. As with the color-coded lights on Cuff Links and other Bridges technology, the illuminated panels will change from blue to orange to additionally indicate proximity.
- In the presence of Catcher-type BTs, the Odradek arranges itself into a shape akin to that of a "＋", or a cross, and will have orange lights.
If the BB becomes stressed to the point of suffering from autotoxemia, terrain scanning features can still be used, but BTs can no longer be detected and the Odradek will hang limply.
The Odradek has been observed exhibiting "frightened" or "scared" behaviour by collapsing and shaking when in extremely close proximity of humans with high-level DOOMS. Odradeks used by NPCs can also be observed making their own gestures and digitized sounds, perhaps indicating that Odradeks allow for a degree of non-verbal communication.
If Sam is caught by Hunter-type BTs, the Odradek can sometimes be seen 'jumping' up, as if in surprise. Curiously, its " + " shape used around Hunter BTs can also be observed when Sam connects the Q-Pid to Chiral Network terminals. If Sam manages to defeat a Catcher, or otherwise escape BT territory, the Odradek will often take the shape of a human hand and 'wave goodbye', or even clap and give a thumbs-up gesture. Sam's Odradek can even take the shape of a mobile to help calm BB down.
Upgrades[]
| Name | Description | Unlocked |
|---|---|---|
| Scanner Nullification | Allow the user to nullify enemy scanner pings by activating odradek's own scan ping. | Unlocked after completing Order No. 28 |
| Human Detection | Allow the user to detect living humans during scans. A human scanned will be hilighted in red outline, even if they hide behind an object. | Unlocked by reaching Connection Level 2 with the Timefall Farm |
| Hologram Generator | Create a hologram of a boulder for concealment. Hiding inside this hologram will render the user undetectable to enemy scanners, however this will drain the Odradek’s battery, and care should be taken as the hologram can become visually unstable if it collides with terrain features such as rocks or trees. | Unlocked by reaching Connection Level 2 with the Film Director |
Quick Hacks[]
| Name | Description | Unlocked |
|---|---|---|
| Hide Toggle | Choose whether or not to display the current objective marker at all times. | Unlocked after completing the first recovery request by Thomas Southerland and retrieving the chip near Crater Lake. |
| Disable Sensor Pole | Temporarily disable the targeted sensor pole | Unlocked after completing the second recovery request at Lake Knot City and retrieving the chip from MULEs. |
| Short-Circuit Odrarek | Short-circuit the odrarek of a targetted MULE or terrorist, delivering a electric shock that will knock them out. | Unlocked after the third recovery request at Distribution Center North of Mountain Knot City and retrieving the chip from a dead porter near a terrorist camp. |
Notes[]
- The Odradek device is officially named by in-game text, as well as verbally by Mama.
- Hideo Kojima has said that the odradek was once referred to as a "pata pata" during Death Stranding's development.
- "Odradek" is the name of the subject creature in the short story "The Cares of a Family Man". It is about the narrator's attempts to make sense of a strange object with no apparent origin or identifiable meaning, that begins to display lifelike traits. Many philosophers and literary critics have attempted to interpret the meaning of the story; some have interpreted the odradek as an objectification of memory, a symbol of religious imagery, or even a critique of materialist and capitalist ideologies.
- This is expanded upon in Heartman's interview, "The History of the Odradek".
- The star-shaped toy Mama uses to calm her baby closely resembles the odradek as it is described by Kafka in his short story.
Gallery[]
