How to Detect BTs in Death Stranding
First things first, BTs are almost invisible to most people, but thanks to a trait known as DOOMs, and the help of his BB unit, Sam can see the shadowy forms of BTs when remaining near motionless in their presence. As a general rule of thumb, BTs are always found in areas where timefall rain is present, mostly found in narrow valleys or mountain passes, and always at the site of large ruins where people died.
If you have no choice but to enter their home turf, remember that Sam’s condition only allows him to sense their presence. This comes in a two-fold slowdown: Once at the edge of their territory where you’ll start to see grass rapidly grow and die, and again when you start getting close to BTs, where your Odradek Sensor will become active and spin into gear. At this point, your BB will connect with the Odradek Sensor to give you a better idea of where the closest BT is.
Only by remaining still will you be able to get a glimpse of shadowy figures floating around you. If your BB is suffering from Autotoxemia or is otherwise out of commission, you’ll have only your wits to guide you.
How to Avoid BTs in Death Stranding
If you absolutely have to enter a region teeming with BTs, let your objective guide you. If you simply need to pass through the region, it can sometimes be better to stick to the edges of their territory. That way, if you do get noticed, you’re less likely to get surrounded when trying to escape. However, if your order requires you to collect cargo from their lair, you’ll need to take things slow, and try to avoid central areas where more of them are likely to be.
The Odradek Sensor revolves between a few different modes to tell you how close you are to danger. Keep a close eye on it, as you’ll need to react a moment’s notice sometimes – risk getting spotted.
- At the longest range, your Odradek will simply face the current BT with its “hand” outstretched, occasionally “blinking” to indicate that you are fairly far from them. You can use this as a radar to know where /not/ to move. During this stage, you should even be able to keep moving as normal – so long as you aren’t sprinting or gunning it in a vehicle.
- Once the Odradek begins “blinking” more rapidly, you’ll know that you’re getting closer to the BT its currently targeting. At this point, you should be crouching at all times, as moving any faster can risk detection. At this range, you should be able to stop and see the outline of the nearest BTs.
- When the Odradek starts to spin rapidly, that’s a sign that your extremely close to the BT in question. This doesn’t guarantee you’ll be spotted, but unnecessary noise will most definitely get its attention. Make sure your stamina is at full, because now is the time to hold your breath by holding R1 and continue crouch walking away from the BT until your Odradek goes back to the previous mode – then let go of R1 to draw in a breath. If done correctly, the BT will be too far away to hear.
If, despite your best efforts, a BT becomes aware of your presence, you’ll hear a dramatic musical stab, your Odradek sensor will turn orange and “point”, and large footprints that splash tar into the air will start moving to the location you were heard at. This doesn’t always mean you’ll get attacked – if you’re fast, you can scoot or climb away from the location, and as long as you are outside the area it detected you, you might be able to continue on as it looks around.
If you’re still around when the footsteps reach you, get ready to fight for survival. Black tar will envelop an area around you, as bodies emerge to drag you down. You’ll need to alternate between hitting square to knock away each body, while also keeping your balance by holding L2 and R2 when needed. If you should run out of stamina and fall down, things will get a lot worse – so be sure to punch only as needed, then try to run to the edge of the tar. If you get close and see them coming up again, try jumping for a quick hop for freedom. If you manage to get out of the tar, you can quickly sprint away before the BT comes looking for you again.
