The Odradek Terrain Scanner, or simple odradek, is a shoulder-mounted, articulated sensor used by individuals to navigate the treacherous terrain reshaped by the Death Stranding.
Overview[]
The odradek is a multi-function scanning device, capable of analyzing terrain, detecting cargo tags, and identifying objects left behind by other porters. Typically, it remains stowed on the operator's shoulder but automatically deploys when manually activated or when BTs are nearby—provided there is a connection to a BB. Even without a BB, the odradek retains limited scanning capabilities. Additionally, a built-in flashlight is integrated into the device, tracking automatically with the user's gaze.
Variants[]
Odradek scanner technology is used across the world by various factions. Bridges operatives and freelance porters rely on it heavily, while adversaries such as MULEs and the terrorist group, Homo Demens, also employ their own versions. The standard Bridges model features a symmetrical, five-pronged star design, whereas porters and MULEs typically utilize a smaller, three-pronged version. Certain individuals, including Mama and terrorists (especially Higgs Monaghan), possess custom or specialized variants. It is possible that odradeks originated as Bridges technology before being reverse-engineered or repurposed by others.
Terrorist Odradek
BB integration & BT detection[]
When connected to a BB pod, the odradek is capable of detecting nearby BTs. Once a connection is established, the scanner activates automatically upon entering BT territory. Its articulated panels respond dynamically—changing shape, color, and motion—to communicate the proximity, direction, and awareness level of nearby entities.
- Blue glow with clapping panels indicates the presence of BTs that are unaware of Sam.
- Slow clapping indicates the nearest BT is distant. There's no immediate danger, but the area ahead is compromised.
- Fast clapping indicates that a BT is close by. Still unaware of Sam, but caution is advised—one wrong move could change that.
- Yellow glow with spinning panels indicates that BTs are still unaware, but they're now close enough to hear Sam. The odradek will spin to face the nearest threat. The threshold for this shift varies depending on Sam's movement—crouching can help suppress detection.
- Orange glow with pointing panels indicates that a BT has detected Sam's presence. The odradek will sharply pivot and point in the direction of the pursuing entity, intensifying its light as the threat draws closer.
- In the presence of a catcher-type BT, the odradek will assume a cross shape that will glow orange. This indicates a high-level threat and immediate danger.
Porter Odradek
It should be noted that if the BB becomes overstressed and succumbs to autotoxemia, the Odradek will go limp. While terrain scanning remains functional, BT detection is disabled until the BB recovers.
Behavioral Responses[]
The odradek displays a range of distinct movements and visual cues in response to its surroundings. When in close proximity to individuals with high-level DOOMS abilities, it has been observed collapsing and trembling, as if reacting to their presence. Odradeks used by those such as MULEs will occasionally emit mechanical gestures and digitized audio cues, indicating a degree of non-verbal communication.
If Sam is caught by a gazer-type BT, the odradek may suddenly jolt upward. The “＋” shape it assumes in such encounters also appears when Sam connects the Q-pid to a chiral network terminal.
Upon successfully defeating a catcher or escaping a BT encounter, the odradek may briefly take on the form of a hand to wave, clap, or give a thumbs-up. Additionally, Sam's odradek can even take the shape of a mobile either when resting or to assist in calming a stressed BB.
Improvements[]
Upgrades[]
As Sam progresses through his expedition, his odradek will be upgraded with enhanced capabilities and additional functions.
| Name | Description | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Scanner Nullification | Allow the user to nullify enemy scanner pings by activating odradek's own scan ping. | Complete [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. | Reach 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. | Reach Connection Level 2 with the Film Director |
Quick Hacks[]
As Sam recovers J’s memory chips, his odradek will be outfitted with Quick Hacks—special functions that consume battery power when activated.
| Name | Description | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Hide Toggle | Choose whether or not to display the current objective marker at all times. | Find and return one of J's memory chips (near Crater Lake), requested by Thomas Southerland. |
| Disable Sensor Pole | Temporarily disable the targeted sensor pole | Find and return one of J's memory chips (stolen by MULEs), requested by William Lake. |
| Short-Circuit Odrarek | Short-circuit the odrarek of a targetted MULE or terrorist, delivering a electric shock that will knock them out. | Find and return one of J's memory chips (on a dead porter near a terrorist camp), requested by Phillip North. |
Notes[]
- 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," by Franz Kafka. The story follows a narrator's attempts to make sense of a strange object with no clear origin or purpose, but begins to display lifelike traits. Many have attempted to interpret the meaning of the story and the odradek; 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.
- Quick Hacks are exclusive to the PC and Director's Cut versions of the game, as they are cross-content in collaboration between Cyberpunk 2077 and Death Stranding.
Gallery[]
