Death Stranding Explained: Story, Characters, Gameplay, and More

Hands Across America

Set 10 years after an event known as the Death Stranding caused large segments of the North American population to disappear, you play as Sam Porter Bridges, an agent of the organization known as BRIDGES. Sam is tasked by the President of the United Cities of America to help rebuild the nation and its infrastructure, and he must work with other BRIDGES members to explore the fractured remains of civilization and re-establish a connection known as Strands. These various Strands will bolster the Chiral Network, allowing more people to stay connected and leave their fear-induced isolation. During his mission, Sam will contend with supernatural entities and insurgent forces that now inhabit the land. In the aftermath of the Death Stranding event, the line between life and death has blurred, allowing creatures and individuals once thought dead to cross over into the real world–and the other way around.

The game’s title is a reference to the phenomena where aquatic animals–such as whales and dolphins–wash along shores en masse. During this bizarre event that only affects cetacean animals, the sea creatures die a slow death in places that are foreign to them. The game’s narrative evolves the concept, presenting a scenario where large portions of the human population are swept away and brought into the realm of the dead. All the while, supernatural entities start to roam about, corrupting isolated areas of the country to take the remaining humans back to the realm of the dead. Another side effect of their presence in the waking world comes in the form of Timefall, a supernatural rain that instantly ages anyone that comes in exposed contact with it.

“I make deliveries. That’s all” — Sam Porter Bridges

This strange approach narrative and the setting is not only a way to justify how Sam re-engages with a fractured world, but it also serves as the framework for Death Stranding’s exploration and social gameplay. By establishing more bonds with civilians and the isolated cities, which create new Strands, you will be able to progress further into the world and advance Sam’s capabilities in ways that weren’t possible with fewer connections. If he ventures too far outside of the existing network’s reach, you’ll get disconnected from benefits it can offer–which include map data, safe houses, and supplies. While this is a necessary part of Sam’s mission, it’s in your best interest to explore when most prepared.

According to Hideo Kojima in a post on social media, it focuses on the act of bridging the divide with characters and other players online. All set in a world where isolation is commonplace, and where the bizarre is the new normal.

“People have built ‘Walls’ and become accustomed to living in isolation. Death Stranding is a completely new type of action game, where the player’s goal is to reconnect isolated cities and a fragmented society. All elements including the story and gameplay, are bound together by the theme of ‘Strand’, or a connection.

As Sam Porter Bridges, you will attempt to ‘Bridge’ these divisions, and in doing so, create new bonds or ‘Strands’ with other players around the globe. Through your experience of playing the game, I hope you’ll come to understand the importance of forging connections with others.”

The Characters

Much like Solid Snake from the Metal Gear Solid series, the ever-stoic Sam interacts with a variety of characters who have bizarre backstories and even weirder call-signs. The members of BRIDGES, in particular, deal with all manner of strange circumstances within the Death Stranding, and as a collective, they help Sam–in their own way–with making sense of the peculiar world he explores. Kojima has a well-known love of Hollywood films and TV, and that’s especially noticeable in Death Stranding’s cast.

Here’s a quick rundown of the key players in Death Stranding:

• Norman Reedus as Sam Porter Bridges, an agent of BRIDGES.