Hey everyone! Let's dive into the fascinating and often bewildering world of Death Stranding, focusing on those creepy creatures that make traversal so darn challenging. We're talking about the BTs (Beached Things), the invisible entities that haunt the landscape and turn Sam Porter Bridges' delivery missions into nerve-wracking stealth sequences. Understanding their behavior and how to deal with them is absolutely crucial if you want to survive and reconnect America. So, buckle up, grab your cargo, and let's get started!

What are BTs? Understanding the Enemies in Death Stranding

Beached Things (BTs) are supernatural entities pulled from the Beach, a purgatorial realm connecting the living and the dead. In Death Stranding, BTs are invisible to the naked eye, appearing only when it rains Timefall. They're essentially the lingering souls of the dead, trapped between worlds and desperately seeking connection with the living. These spectral beings are the primary antagonists you'll encounter throughout the game, and they add a significant layer of tension and horror to the already challenging gameplay.

BTs are drawn to chiralium, a substance linked to the Beach and the dead. When it rains Timefall, the chiralium concentration in the atmosphere increases, attracting BTs to the area. This is why Timefall is such a dangerous phenomenon in the world of Death Stranding. Not only does it age everything it touches, but it also brings out these terrifying creatures.

These entities come in different forms, ranging from the standard, floating Gazers to the much larger and more formidable Hunters. Gazers are the most common type of BT, and they'll actively seek you out if you make noise or move too quickly in their vicinity. Hunters, on the other hand, are more aggressive and can pull you into a tar pit if they catch you. And then there are the Catchers, the massive, boss-like BTs that appear during particularly intense Timefall events. Dealing with these Catchers requires strategic use of weapons and careful planning.

One of the most unsettling aspects of BTs is their connection to the environment. They create zones of extreme gravity, making it difficult to move and navigate. The ground becomes slick and unstable, and the air crackles with an eerie energy. This environmental manipulation adds another layer of challenge to encounters with BTs, forcing you to adapt your tactics and be mindful of your surroundings.

Gameplay Mechanics: How to Survive BT Encounters

So, how do you survive these encounters? Death Stranding offers several tools and techniques to help you navigate BT territory. The most important tool is your Odradek, the shoulder-mounted scanner that detects the presence of BTs. The Odradek will point in the direction of the nearest BT, giving you a general idea of where they are. It also reacts to the proximity of BTs, clicking and flashing more rapidly as they get closer. Paying attention to the Odradek is crucial for staying alive.

Stealth is your best friend when dealing with BTs. Crouching and moving slowly will reduce your noise level, making it harder for BTs to detect you. Holding your breath can also help, but be careful not to hold it for too long, as Sam will eventually need to breathe. Using the terrain to your advantage is also a good strategy. Stick to cover, avoid open areas, and try to stay out of sight.

If you do get caught by a BT, you'll be pulled into a tar pit. In this situation, you'll need to fight off the BTs by using your blood-based weapons. Hematic Grenades and EX Grenades are particularly effective against BTs, as they exploit their weakness to blood. Throwing these grenades at the BTs will weaken them and give you a chance to escape. You can also use your strand to cut the BTs' umbilical cords, which will temporarily stun them.

Blood Bags are essential for crafting these weapons, so make sure you have plenty on hand before venturing into BT territory. You can replenish your blood supply by resting at a safe house or by using a blood bag dispenser. Also, keep in mind that your blood type matters. Different blood types have different effects on BTs, so experiment with different weapons to find what works best for you.

Don't forget about the importance of BB (Bridge Baby). BB is a premature baby in an artificial womb that can sense the presence of BTs. BB's connection to the Beach allows him to see BTs, giving you a visual representation of their location. This can be incredibly helpful for navigating BT territory, especially in areas with dense foliage or limited visibility. However, BB can become stressed by prolonged exposure to BTs, so make sure to soothe him regularly by rocking the DualSense controller.

Advanced Strategies: Mastering BT Combat

Once you've mastered the basics of BT evasion and combat, you can start experimenting with more advanced strategies. One such strategy is using chiralium-infused items to attract BTs to specific locations. This can be useful for creating distractions or for luring BTs into traps. For example, you can throw a chiralium-infused grenade into a tar pit to attract a large number of BTs, then use a powerful weapon like the Anti-BT Handgun to take them down.

Another advanced strategy is using vehicles to traverse BT territory. Vehicles can provide a degree of protection from BTs, but they also make more noise, which can attract their attention. If you're going to use a vehicle in BT territory, make sure to drive carefully and avoid making sudden movements. It's also a good idea to equip your vehicle with chiralium sensors, which will alert you to the presence of nearby BTs.

Building structures can also be a useful strategy for dealing with BTs. You can build bridges to cross chasms, shelters to protect yourself from Timefall, and watchtowers to scout out BT activity. These structures can make it easier to navigate BT territory and can provide safe havens in dangerous areas. Just remember that BTs can damage structures, so make sure to reinforce them regularly.

Understanding the behavior patterns of different types of BTs is also crucial for mastering BT combat. Gazers, for example, are relatively slow and easy to evade, while Hunters are much faster and more aggressive. Catchers, on the other hand, are massive and require a coordinated attack to defeat. By learning the strengths and weaknesses of each type of BT, you can develop effective strategies for dealing with them.

Experimenting with different weapon combinations is also a good way to improve your BT combat skills. The Hematic Grenade is a reliable weapon for dealing damage to BTs, but it's not always the most effective option. The EX Grenade, for example, can stun BTs and make them vulnerable to other attacks. The Anti-BT Handgun is a powerful weapon that can quickly take down BTs, but it requires precise aiming. By combining different weapons, you can create a versatile arsenal that's capable of handling any BT encounter.

Community Tips and Tricks: Sharing the Knowledge

The Death Stranding community is a treasure trove of information and helpful tips for dealing with BTs. Many players have shared their strategies and experiences online, offering valuable insights into the game's mechanics and challenges. Here are a few community tips and tricks that you might find helpful:

• Use headphones: Wearing headphones can help you better hear the subtle sounds of the Odradek, making it easier to detect the presence of BTs.
• Pay attention to the environment: The environment can provide clues about the location of BTs. Look for signs of chiralium contamination, such as shimmering air or distorted objects.
• Don't be afraid to run: If you're overwhelmed by BTs, don't be afraid to run away. Sometimes the best strategy is to simply escape and try again later.
• Help other players: Building structures and leaving supplies for other players can make the game easier for everyone. Consider contributing to the shared world to help others on their journey.
• Experiment with different strategies: There's no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with BTs. Experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you.

By sharing knowledge and experiences, the Death Stranding community has created a supportive and collaborative environment that helps players overcome the game's challenges. Don't be afraid to ask for help or to share your own tips and tricks. Together, we can reconnect America and conquer the BT threat!

In conclusion, dealing with BTs in Death Stranding requires a combination of stealth, combat skills, and strategic thinking. By understanding the behavior of BTs, mastering the game's mechanics, and learning from the community, you can overcome the challenges and successfully complete your delivery missions. So, gear up, brave the Timefall, and get ready to face the Beached Things! Good luck, porters!