Death Stranding vs Elden Ring

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: Asynchronous Online Features (Social Strand System)
• Setting: Post-Apocalyptic United States (United Cities of America - UCA)
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (Windows), macOS (Director's Cut), iOS (Director's Cut)
• Unique Feature: Social Strand System (Asynchronous Multiplayer), Emphasis on Traversal & Delivery, Unique Sci-Fi Lore & Worldbuilding by Hideo Kojima, BB (Bridge Baby) Mechanic, Timefall (Accelerated Aging Rain).

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: Cooperative (Summon Phantoms), PvP (Invasions, Duels, Colosseum)
• Setting: The Lands Between
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Unique Feature: Vast Open World Design by FromSoftware, George R. R. Martin Worldbuilding, Challenging Combat, Deep Lore, Ashes of War System, Spirit Ash Summons, Mounted Combat (Torrent).

• BB-28 ('Lou' - Bridge Baby): Housed in a portable pod attached to Sam's chest. BBs are essential for detecting invisible BTs (Beached Things) via Sam's Odradek scanner. Lou's stress level must be managed (by soothing) as high stress reduces detection ability. BB has a significant emotional and narrative role in the story.
  Human Fetus (Bridge Baby)
• Fragile (Temporary Ally - Contextual): While not a persistent combat companion, Fragile assists Sam during specific story missions using her DOOMS ability to 'jump' (teleport) Sam and cargo across vast distances via her Chiral Network. She also provides crucial information and support.
  Human (DOOMS User)
• Cliff Unger's Skeletal Soldiers (Antagonistic Summons): During Cliff's nightmare sequences, he summons spectral soldiers who fight alongside him against Sam. These act as enemy AI rather than player companions.
  Spectral Manifestation
• Asynchronous Player Structures & Aid: Through the Social Strand System, structures built by other players (bridges, ziplines, generators, safe houses, watchtowers, roads), signs, lost cargo, and material donations appear in Sam's world. While not direct companions, these elements provide significant indirect assistance and create a sense of shared experience.
  N/A (Player-Generated Content)

• Spirit Ashes (Summonable AI): The Tarnished can collect and upgrade numerous Spirit Ashes to summon spectral allies in combat. These range from packs of wolves or demi-humans to powerful individual knights, sorcerers, archers, or unique creatures (e.g., Mimic Tear, Black Knife Tiche, Lhutel the Headless). They require FP to summon and can only be used near Rebirth Monuments (common in boss arenas and difficult areas). They act independently, drawing aggro, dealing damage, or providing support.
  Various (Spectral Humans, Beasts, Monsters, Demi-Humans)
• Melina (Narrative/Level Up): While not a direct combat companion, Melina appears at Sites of Grace to allow the Tarnished to level up by converting Runes into strength. She also provides significant lore exposition and drives parts of the main narrative. She can be summoned for one specific late-game boss fight.
  Spectral Maiden (Nature Unknown)
• Torrent (Spectral Steed): The Tarnished's loyal spectral steed, summoned with the Spectral Steed Whistle. Allows for fast traversal across the vast open world of the Lands Between. Torrent can double jump using Spiritsprings (whirlwinds), gallop quickly, and is essential for mounted combat against certain enemies and bosses. Cannot be used inside most dungeons or Legacy Dungeons.
  Spectral Horse
• Cooperative Phantoms (Online Players): Using online multiplayer features, players can summon up to two other Tarnished (phantoms) into their world to assist with difficult areas or boss fights. Summoned players have reduced flask charges and are returned to their world upon defeating the area boss or if the host dies.
  Human (Other Tarnished Players)
• NPC Questline Summons (Temporary AI): During specific NPC questlines or before certain boss fights related to those quests, the player can often summon that NPC as an AI-controlled ally to help in the fight. Their presence is temporary and tied to that specific encounter or quest step.
  Humanoid (Various NPCs like Blaidd, Alexander, Millicent, Nepheli Loux, etc.)

• Memory Chips: 56 data chips scattered throughout the UCA. Each chip contains a piece of lore from the old world before the Death Stranding, such as music files, movie posters, book excerpts, historical documents, or information about video games (including Kojima Productions references). Found by scanning the environment.
• Chiral Crystals: Naturally occurring formations that appear after Timefall or around BT activity. Harvested by Sam. Used as a crucial crafting material for fabricating equipment, building structures via PCC, and contributing to the Chiral Network.
• Lost Cargo: Packages dropped by other porters (AI or asynchronous player data) or MULEs. Sam can pick these up and deliver them to their intended destination or entrust them to other porters for Likes and connection level increases. Some are specifically for other online players.
• Interviews / Data Logs / Emails (Accessed via Cuff Links): Unlocked by progressing the story, connecting new facilities to the Chiral Network, or finding specific Memory Chips. These provide extensive backstory on characters, organizations (Bridges, UCA, Homo Demens), the Death Stranding phenomenon, BTs, BBs, and the history of the world. Read in the Data section of the Cuff Links.
• Hot Springs: Natural hot springs found in some regions. Resting in them restores stamina, soothes BB, and can provide a temporary buff (e.g., increased stamina regeneration).
• Star Ratings (Prepper Shelters & Facilities): Not a physical collectible, but a progression system. By completing deliveries for specific Prepper shelters or Bridges facilities, Sam increases his connection level with them (up to 5 stars). Each star rank unlocks new fabrication plans, cosmetic items, materials, chiral bandwidth, or lore.

• Great Runes: Obtained by defeating major Shardbearer Demigod bosses. Must be activated at a corresponding Divine Tower. Once activated, can be equipped at a Site of Grace and its powerful passive effect (e.g., increased stats, HP on kill) is enabled by consuming a Rune Arc.
• Golden Seeds: Found at the base of illusory Minor Erdtrees glowing with golden light. Used at Sites of Grace to increase the maximum number of charges for the Flask of Crimson Tears (HP) and Flask of Cerulean Tears (FP).
• Sacred Tears: Found in churches scattered throughout the Lands Between, usually before a statue of Queen Marika. Used at Sites of Grace to increase the potency (amount restored per charge) of the Flask of Crimson Tears and Flask of Cerulean Tears.
• Talismans: Found in chests, dropped by enemies/bosses, sold by merchants, or received as quest rewards. Equippable accessories that provide a wide variety of passive buffs, such as increased stats, damage negation, enhanced weapon abilities, or improved resource regeneration. Many are hidden.
• Ashes of War: Found in chests, dropped by Teardrop Scarabs, specific enemies/bosses, or sold by merchants. Items that can be applied to most standard weapons to grant them a new weapon skill and change their damage scaling affinity (e.g., Heavy, Keen, Quality, Magic, Fire, Sacred).
• Spirit Ashes: Found in chests, dropped by enemies, or as quest rewards. Consumable items that allow the Tarnished to summon spectral allies (ranging from basic creatures to powerful knights or sorcerers) to aid in combat, particularly against bosses. Require FP to summon and can only be used near Rebirth Monuments. Upgraded with Grave/Ghost Gloveworts.
• Cookbooks & Crafting Recipes: Found or purchased from merchants. Unlock new recipes for crafting consumable items like Arrows/Bolts, Greases (weapon buffs), Pots (throwable bombs), Cured Meats (status resistance buffs), and more, using materials gathered from the world.
• Crystal Tears (for Flask of Wondrous Physick): Dropped by Erdtree Avatars or found at Minor Erdtrees. Two Crystal Tears can be mixed in the Flask of Wondrous Physick at a Site of Grace to create a custom, single-use potion with powerful temporary effects (e.g., massive stat boost, temporary invincibility, FP cost negation).
• Stonesword Keys: Consumable keys found or purchased. Used to open Imp Statue Seals, which block off optional areas, dungeons, or rooms containing valuable loot, often requiring one or two keys per seal.
• Memory Stones: Found in specific towers or as quest rewards. Permanently increase the number of memory slots available for attuning Sorceries and Incantations.
• Paintings (Puzzles): Paintings found in various locations. Interacting with a painting shows an artist's depiction of a scene. The player must then find that exact location in the game world to find a 'ghost' of the artist, who drops a reward (often a unique item or Ash of War).

• Connection & Isolation
• Rebuilding Society
• The Nature of Death & Afterlife
• Parenthood & Legacy
• Hope in Despair
• Existentialism
• Environmentalism (Timefall)
• Social Strands
• Post-Apocalypse
• American Identity

• Dark Fantasy
• Shattered World
• Demigods & Power
• The Tarnished & Exile
• Grace & Guidance
• Cycles of Death & Rebirth
• Ambition & Corruption
• Cosmic Horror (Subtle)
• Hidden Lore & Environmental Storytelling
• The Quest for Lordship

• Anti-BT Handgun (Lv. 1 & 2): Firearm (Anti-BT, Uses Blood)
  A specialized handgun that fires rounds coated in Sam's blood, effective against BTs. Higher levels deal more damage.
• Hematic Grenades (Lv. 1 & 2): Throwable (Anti-BT, Uses Blood)
  Grenades filled with Sam's blood, creating a cloud that damages and disperses BTs. Essential for dealing with groups.
• Bola Gun (Lv. 1 & 2): Non-Lethal Firearm (Incapacitation)
  Fires a tether that wraps around and incapacitates human enemies (MULEs, Terrorists). Can also be used with blood-coated tethers to temporarily bind BTs.
• Assault Rifle (Lethal & Non-Lethal variants, Lv. 1-3): Firearm (Automatic)
  Standard assault rifle effective against human enemies. Non-lethal variants fire rubber bullets. Upgradable for damage, magazine size, etc.
• Shotgun (Lethal & Non-Lethal variants, Lv. 1-2): Firearm (Close Quarters)
  Powerful at close range against human enemies. Non-lethal variants available.
• Grenade Launcher (Director's Cut): Firearm (Explosive/Utility)
  Fires various types of grenades, including standard explosive, remote-detonation, and potentially others. Added in Director's Cut.
• Maser Gun (Director's Cut): Non-Lethal Firearm (Stun)
  An electrical stun gun effective for incapacitating human enemies silently. Added in Director's Cut.
• Sticky Gun: Utility Tool (Cargo Retrieval)
  Fires an adhesive rope that can attach to and retrieve distant cargo packages or other small items.
• Strand / Cuff Links: Melee/Utility (Parry, Bind)
  Sam's primary melee tool for parrying human attacks and can be used to bind incapacitated MULEs/Terrorists. Also used to interface with the Chiral Network and terminals.
• Remote Stun Bomb / Smoke Bomb: Throwable (Utility/Stealth)
  Stun bombs temporarily incapacitate human enemies. Smoke bombs obscure vision, aiding in stealth or escape.
• Mounted Machine Gun (Director's Cut - Firing Range / Specific Structures): Heavy Firearm (Stationary)
  Powerful machine guns that can be found mounted in certain locations or built at outposts/safe houses. Added/expanded in Director's Cut.

• Straight Swords, Greatswords, Colossal Swords: Sword (Various Sizes)
  A wide variety of swords offering different attack speeds, ranges, and damage scaling. From nimble short swords to massive, two-handed colossal swords. Can be infused with Ashes of War.
• Curved Swords, Curved Greatswords, Katanas: Slashing Blade (Often Dexterity Focused)
  Weapons emphasizing fast slashes, often causing bleed buildup (especially Katanas). Curved Greatswords offer a balance of speed and power.
• Thrusting Swords, Heavy Thrusting Swords: Piercing Blade (Often Dexterity/Counter Focused)
  Weapons designed for piercing attacks, effective against armored foes or for counter-attacks. Heavy Thrusting Swords offer more reach and stagger.
• Axes, Greataxes, Halberds: Chopping/Cleaving (Often Strength Focused)
  Weapons that deal significant physical damage, often with good stagger potential. Halberds offer reach and sweeping attacks.
• Hammers, Great Hammers, Colossal Weapons (Blunt): Blunt/Strike Damage (Often Strength Focused)
  Weapons that deal strike damage, effective against heavily armored or crystalline enemies. Colossal weapons are slow but devastating.
• Spears, Great Spears, Twinblades: Piercing/Slashing (Reach/Agility)
  Spears offer excellent reach for thrusting attacks. Great Spears are heavier versions. Twinblades are agile weapons that hit multiple times with spinning attacks.
• Daggers, Claws, Fists: Light Melee (Fast/Status Effects)
  Fast-attacking weapons, often used for applying status effects like bleed or poison quickly, or for critical hits (daggers). Can be dual-wielded effectively.
• Whips, Flails: Flexible Melee (Unique Properties)
  Whips offer range and can bypass shields. Flails deal strike damage and their charged attacks cannot be parried.
• Bows, Greatbows, Crossbows, Ballistas: Ranged (Physical Projectile)
  Various ranged weapons using arrows or bolts. Bows scale with stats, crossbows typically do not but can be used with lower stat investment. Greatbows and Ballistas are heavy artillery.
• Glintstone Staves: Magic Catalyst (Sorcery)
  Used to cast Glintstone Sorceries. Different staves scale with Intelligence and boost specific types of sorceries.
• Sacred Seals: Magic Catalyst (Incantation)
  Used to cast Incantations. Different seals scale with Faith (and sometimes Strength/Arcane) and boost specific types of incantations.
• Shields (Small, Medium, Greatshields): Defensive
  Used to block incoming attacks. Offer varying degrees of damage negation and guard boost (stamina reduction on block). Small shields are better for parrying, greatshields for absorbing heavy hits. Can be infused with Ashes of War for special abilities.
• Torches: Utility/Light Melee
  Provide light in dark areas. Some have unique properties like repelling certain enemies or dealing minor fire damage.

• Bridges Porter Suit (Various Levels & Colors): Sam's standard attire. While not 'armor' in the traditional RPG sense of swappable pieces, the suit itself is integral to his role. It has attachment points for cargo and equipment. Color variations can be unlocked. Its protective qualities are baseline and not significantly upgradable beyond what's provided by specific gear like armor plates or support skeletons.
• Armor Plates (Lv. 1-4 - Attachable): Attachable plates that can be equipped to Sam's Porter Suit on the shoulders and legs. They provide additional protection against ballistic damage from human enemies but add weight and degrade with damage. Can be fabricated and replaced.
• Support Skeletons (Power, Speed, All-Terrain - Exoskeletons): Equippable exoskeletons that provide significant benefits: Power Skeletons increase carrying capacity and stability; Speed Skeletons increase running speed and jump distance; All-Terrain Skeletons improve balance and traversal on difficult terrain. They require battery power and can be upgraded.
• Thermal Pad: An equipment item that helps Sam maintain his body temperature in cold environments, reducing stamina drain. Attaches to the suit.
• Oxygen Mask: Used to traverse areas with low oxygen or harmful gases. Consumes a filter or battery.
• Boots (Various Types & Levels): Crucial for traversal. Boots have durability and degrade with use, especially on rough terrain or during Timefall. Different types (e.g., Bridges Boots, Chiral Boots) offer varying durability and performance. Must be replaced or new pairs fabricated.

• Armor Sets (Head, Chest, Gauntlets, Leggings): Players can equip four pieces of armor: Head, Chest, Gauntlets (Arms), and Leggings (Legs). Each piece provides defensive stats (Physical, Strike, Slash, Pierce, Magic, Fire, Lightning, Holy negation) and Poise (resistance to being staggered). Armor sets often have a cohesive visual style and can be mixed and matched. Some pieces or sets offer special passive effects (e.g., boosting a specific stat or spell type). Armor has weight, affecting equip load and roll speed.
• Light, Medium, Heavy Armor Categories: Armor pieces generally fall into light, medium, or heavy categories, influencing their defensive values, poise, and weight. Heavier armor offers more protection but requires higher Endurance for equip load to maintain faster roll speeds (Light, Medium, Heavy roll).
• Alter Garments Option: At Sites of Grace (with a specific item), some armor pieces can be 'Altered' to remove or change certain cosmetic elements (e.g., removing a cape), which might slightly alter weight and sometimes (rarely) stats.

• Bridges Porter Suit: Sam's default attire. The color of the suit can be changed at Private Rooms after progressing in the story or connecting certain facilities. This is the primary visual customization for Sam's main outfit.
• Headwear (Caps, Hoods, Sunglasses, Goggles, Masks): Sam can equip various pieces of headwear. Caps (e.g., Bridges Cap) are common. Hoods are part of the Porter Suit and can be toggled up/down. Sunglasses (e.g., 'Sam's Sunglasses' - Ludens Mask) and other eyewear can be equipped for cosmetic purposes or minor effects (like reducing glare from snow). Masks (like Oxygen Mask) are functional for hazardous environments.
• Backpack Customization (Attachments & Cover): Sam's backpack can be customized with various attachments like extra battery packs, grenade pouches, utility pouches, and stabilizers. A backpack cover can also be equipped to protect cargo from Timefall, and its color can be changed.
• Exoskeletons (Power, Speed, All-Terrain): While primarily functional gear, different levels of exoskeletons have distinct visual appearances. Their color might be customizable to a limited extent alongside the Porter Suit color.
• Grooming (Hair & Beard - Limited/Contextual): Sam's hair and beard appear to grow subtly over time if not rested in a Private Room. Specific story moments or conditions might also alter his appearance (e.g., covered in tar, effects of Timefall). Direct player-controlled customization of hairstyle/beard length is not a primary feature.
• Cosmetic Items (Unlocked via Prepper Deliveries, Special Editions, Director's Cut): Various cosmetic items can be unlocked, such as different colored Bridges caps, unique backpack flair, different chiral patterns for structures, or special suit colorways (e.g., Gold/Silver suit pieces from Director's Cut).

• Armor Sets (Full): Hundreds of full armor sets, each consisting of a Helm, Chest Armor, Gauntlets, and Leg Armor. Sets provide a cohesive visual style (e.g., Knight Set, Sorcerer Set, Vagabond Set, various faction armors like Carian Knight, Godrick Soldier, Cleanrot Knight) and offer varying levels of protection, poise, and weight. Some sets have unique passive effects when multiple pieces are worn, though this is less common than individual piece perks.
• Individual Armor Pieces (Mix & Match): Players can freely mix and match Helms, Chest Armor, Gauntlets, and Leg Armor from different sets to optimize stats (defense, poise, weight for desired roll speed) and achieve a unique fashion statement ('Fashion Souls').
• Alter Garments Feature: At Sites of Grace, using a Sewing Needle and Tailoring Tools, players can alter certain chest armor pieces to change their appearance, typically by removing a cape or other cosmetic flourish. This can slightly reduce the armor's weight and sometimes marginally affect stats.
• Talismans (Accessory Slots): While not 'clothing,' Talismans are equipped in dedicated slots and are crucial for character builds, providing significant passive bonuses. They have unique visual icons but do not change the character's outward appearance.

The game features a vast and rugged open world representing a fractured United States, divided into two main large regions: the Eastern Region (serving as an extended tutorial and early game area) and the much larger Central Region. Traversal is primarily on foot, with an emphasis on navigating treacherous terrain (mountains, rivers, rocky plains, snowfields) while managing cargo weight and balance. Key locations include various Knot Cities (e.g., Capital Knot City, Lake Knot City, Mountain Knot City), Prepper Shelters, Distribution Centers, and Waystations. The Director's Cut adds a new smaller area, the Ruined Factory, with new missions. While difficult to give an exact sq km due to its varied density and verticality, the total explorable landmass is very significant.

Elden Ring features a massive open world, the Lands Between, composed of six major regions, each ruled by a Shardbearer demigod: Limgrave (temperate, introductory region), Liurnia of the Lakes (vast wetlands and magical academy), Caelid (scarlet rot-infested wasteland), Altus Plateau (golden, autumnal highlands leading to the capital), Mt. Gelmir (volcanic region home to Rykard), and Mountaintops of the Giants (snowy, desolate peaks). There are also extensive underground areas like Siofra River, Ainsel River, and Deeproot Depths, as well as Leyndell, Royal Capital. The world is seamlessly interconnected with numerous dungeons, caves, catacombs, castles, and points of interest. Map size is estimated to be very large, significantly exceeding previous FromSoftware titles (e.g., comparisons suggest around 70-80 sq km for the main overworld, with substantial underground areas adding to this).

• Reverse Trike / Reverse Trike: Long Range / Defensive / 'Ride' Type (Yojimbo): Motorcycle (Two/Three Wheeled)
  Sam's primary early-game vehicle. A futuristic motorcycle that can transform between a faster two-wheeled mode and a more stable three-wheeled mode with some cargo capacity. Long Range versions have better battery. Defensive versions offer some protection. The 'Ride' Type is a custom variant from a collaboration.
• Truck (Bridges, MULE, Terrorist - Various Capacities): Land Vehicle (Multi-Wheeled Cargo Hauler)
  Large vehicles with significant cargo capacity, essential for transporting bulk deliveries. Bridges trucks are standard; MULE and Terrorist trucks can be commandeered. Different versions have varying durability and protection. Can be damaged by Timefall and rough terrain.
• Floating Carrier (Lv. 1 & 2): Hovering Cargo Platform / Improvised Hoverboard
  A hovering platform that can be tethered to Sam to carry additional cargo, reducing the load on his back. Can carry two large containers per carrier (up to two carriers can be tethered). Sam can also ride an empty carrier downhill like a hoverboard. Consumes Chiral Crystals to operate.
• Support Skeleton (All-Terrain, Power, Speed - Not a vehicle but aids traversal): Exoskeleton (Personal Traversal Gear)
  Equippable exoskeletons that enhance Sam's physical capabilities. All-Terrain improves balance on rough ground. Power increases carrying capacity. Speed increases running speed and jump distance. Requires battery power.
• Buddy Bot (Director's Cut): Robotic Delivery Assistant / Rideable (Limited)
  A bipedal robot that can be assigned to carry cargo alongside Sam or make automated deliveries to previously connected locations. Sam can also ride the Buddy Bot for short distances if it's not carrying cargo. Consumes battery power.
• Roadster / Roadster: Long Range (Director's Cut): Sports Car (Race Track / Limited Open World)
  A sleek sports car primarily designed for use on the Fragile Circuit race track. Can be fabricated and potentially used in areas with completed roads in the open world, though less practical for general deliveries than trucks or trikes.
• Ziplines (Player & Community Built): Fixed Traversal Network
  Constructed using PCCs. Allow for rapid point-to-point travel across difficult terrain, especially in mountainous areas. Requires Chiral Network bandwidth to build and maintain. Players can use ziplines built by others via the Strand System.

• Torrent (Spectral Steed): Mount / Exploration Tool
  The Tarnished's loyal spectral steed, summoned with the Spectral Steed Whistle. Allows for fast traversal across the vast open world of the Lands Between. Torrent can double jump using Spiritsprings (whirlwinds), gallop quickly, and is essential for mounted combat against certain enemies and bosses. Cannot be used inside most dungeons or Legacy Dungeons.
• Lifts & Elevators (Various): Mechanical Traversal
  Numerous mechanical lifts and elevators are found within Legacy Dungeons, caves, and other structures, providing vertical traversal and often leading to new areas or shortcuts.
• Teleporters & Waygates: Magical Traversal
  Fixed teleporters or waygates are found in specific locations, allowing for instant travel between two linked points, sometimes across vast distances or to secret areas.
• Spiritsprings: Environmental Traversal Aid
  Natural whirlwinds of air found in the open world. Riding Torrent into a Spiritspring allows for a massive vertical jump, enabling access to high cliffs and plateaus.

• Sam Porter Bridges: Protagonist / Porter for Bridges
  The main playable character. A legendary porter known for his ability to make difficult deliveries. He suffers from aphenphosmphobia (fear of touch) and is a 'repatriate,' meaning he can return from 'the Seam' (a limbo between life and death) after dying. He is tasked with reconnecting the fractured United Cities of America. Portrayed by Norman Reedus.
• BB-28 (Bridge Baby 'Lou'): Key Companion / BT Detection Tool
  A premature baby kept in a portable pod connected to Sam. BBs can sense the presence of BTs, allowing Sam to see and avoid them. BB-28, whom Sam names Lou, forms an emotional bond with him. Requires soothing when stressed.
• Fragile: Ally / Head of Fragile Express
  The leader of Fragile Express, a private delivery company. She possesses DOOMS (a condition granting abilities related to the Beach and BTs), allowing her to 'jump' (teleport) between locations on the Chiral Network. A key ally to Sam, with a tragic past involving Higgs. Portrayed by Léa Seydoux.
• Deadman: Ally / Bridges Doctor & BB Specialist
  A Bridges doctor and expert on Bridge Babies. His body is composed of transplanted organs, making him feel disconnected from life. He provides crucial information and support regarding BBs and Sam's condition. Based on the likeness of Guillermo del Toro, voiced by Jesse Corti.
• Mama (Målingen): Ally / Bridges Engineer
  A brilliant Bridges engineer who designed much of their technology, including the Cuff Links and Chiral Network terminals. She is physically tethered to her lab due to a connection with her BT baby. Her twin sister is Lockne. Portrayed by Margaret Qualley.
• Heartman: Ally / Bridges Researcher
  A Bridges researcher obsessed with studying the Beach and the Death Stranding. His heart stops every 21 minutes, sending him to the Beach for 3 minutes where he searches for his deceased wife and daughter before being resuscitated. Based on the likeness of Nicolas Winding Refn, voiced by Darren Jacobs.
• Die-Hardman: Ally / Commander of Bridges / Acting President of UCA
  The commander of Bridges and acting President of the UCA after Bridget Strand's death. He gives Sam his main orders and is deeply committed to reconnecting America. Wears a distinctive carbon skull mask. Voiced by Tommie Earl Jenkins.
• Amelie Strand: Key Figure / Bridget Strand's Daughter / Extinction Entity
  The daughter of President Bridget Strand and the one Sam is ostensibly trying to rescue and connect to the Chiral Network on the West Coast. Her true nature and connection to the Beach and the Death Stranding are central to the game's biggest mysteries. Portrayed by Lindsay Wagner (likeness) and Emily O'Brien (voice/mo-cap young Amelie).
• Clifford 'Cliff' Unger: Antagonist / Spectral Soldier
  A mysterious combat veteran who appears in surreal nightmare sequences, commanding skeletal soldiers and relentlessly hunting Sam/BB. His identity and connection to BBs are a major part of the story. Portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen.
• Higgs Monaghan ('The Man in the Golden Mask'): Main Antagonist / Leader of Homo Demens
  The charismatic and nihilistic leader of the Homo Demens terrorist group. He possesses powerful DOOMS abilities, allowing him to control BTs and Timefall, and serves as Sam's primary human adversary. Portrayed by Troy Baker.
• Bridget Strand: Key Figure / Former President of UCA
  The dying President of the United Cities of America and Amelie's mother. She tasks Sam with the mission to reconnect America via the Chiral Network. Sam's adoptive mother. Portrayed by Lindsay Wagner.
• Various Preppers: Supporting NPCs / Shelter Dwellers
  Isolated individuals living in underground bunkers throughout the UCA. Sam can deliver cargo to them, increasing their connection to the Chiral Network and unlocking new equipment, information, or cosmetic items. Each Prepper has a unique personality and backstory.

• The Tarnished: Protagonist
  The player-customizable character. An individual of a group exiled from the Lands Between long ago, now summoned back by the call of lost Grace after The Shattering, to seek the Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord. Their specific origin class is chosen at character creation.
• Melina: Ally / Spectral Maiden / Guide
  A mysterious spectral maiden who offers the Tarnished an accord: she will act as their Finger Maiden (allowing them to turn Runes into strength) in exchange for being taken to the foot of the Erdtree. She provides guidance, lore, and is central to the main storyline.
• Ranni the Witch (Lunar Princess Ranni): Key NPC / Empyrean Demigod / Quest Giver
  An enigmatic demigod with four arms and a spectral face, who cast aside her Great Rune and her Empyrean flesh. She initiates one of the game's largest and most popular questlines, offering the Tarnished a chance to usher in a new age, the 'Age of Stars.'
• Blaidd the Half-Wolf: Ally / Ranni's Shadow
  A loyal and powerful half-wolf warrior bound to serve Ranni. He assists the Tarnished during Ranni's questline and has his own distinct character arc.
• War Counselor Iji: Ally / Ranni's Counselor / Blacksmith
  A giant, gentle troll blacksmith and Ranni's wise counselor. Provides advice and smithing services.
• Preceptor Seluvis: NPC / Carian Sorcerer / Schemer
  A sorcerer in Ranni's service, but with his own manipulative and sinister agenda involving puppets. Offers sorceries and a morally questionable questline.
• Iron Fist Alexander (Warrior Jar): Ally / Living Jar Warrior
  A large, sentient jar filled with the remains of warriors. He is a jovial and honorable character seeking glorious battle and travels the Lands Between. Assists the Tarnished in several boss fights.
• Fia, the Deathbed Companion: Key NPC / Quest Giver
  A companion who offers to hold the Tarnished, granting a temporary HP buff (Baldachin's Blessing) at the cost of a slight max HP debuff. Her questline involves Those Who Live in Death and leads to an alternate ending.
• D, Hunter of the Dead: NPC / Golden Order Fundamentalist
  A warrior dedicated to hunting Those Who Live in Death, associated with Gurranq and the Golden Order.
• White Mask Varré: NPC / Follower of Mohg, Lord of Blood
  One of the first NPCs the Tarnished meets, guiding them towards Mohgwyn Palace and PvP activities.
• Patches the Untethered: NPC / Recurring FromSoftware Character / Trickster Merchant
  The infamous trickster from previous FromSoftware games. Appears as a mini-boss and later a merchant, always up to no good but sometimes offering unique items.
• Shardbearer Demigods (Godrick, Rennala, Radahn, Rykard, Morgott, Mohg, Malenia): Main Bosses / Antagonists
  The children and descendants of Queen Marika who claimed shards of the Elden Ring (Great Runes) after The Shattering, plunging the Lands Between into war. They are the primary bosses the Tarnished must defeat.
• Queen Marika the Eternal / Radagon of the Golden Order: Central Lore Figure / Ruler of the Lands Between
  The vessel of the Elden Ring and eternal queen of the Lands Between. Her shattering of the Elden Ring initiated the game's conflict. Radagon is her other half/consort, a champion of the Golden Order.

• Main Orders (Story Deliveries)
  A series of critical delivery missions that advance the main narrative. These involve transporting vital cargo (e.g., supplies, personnel, data, specialized equipment) between major Knot Cities and Prepper shelters to connect them to the Chiral Network, uncover the mysteries of the Death Stranding, find Amelie, and confront Higgs and Cliff Unger. These often involve long, perilous journeys across challenging terrain and encounters with BTs or human enemies.
• Standard Orders (Optional Deliveries)
  A vast number of optional delivery requests taken from terminals at various facilities. These involve transporting different types of cargo (materials, medicine, sensitive items, etc.) to other connected locations. Completing them rewards Likes, increases connection levels with facilities (unlocking new gear/customization), and provides materials. Categories include delivery condition (e.g., time-sensitive, fragile), cargo type, and retrieval missions.
• Orders for Sam (Story-Related Side Deliveries)
  Special optional deliveries often initiated by key characters or found as 'Lost Cargo' specifically addressed to Sam. These can provide unique rewards, lore, or further develop relationships with NPCs.
• MULE / Terrorist Camp Clearing
  Infiltrate and neutralize MULE (cargo-obsessed) or Terrorist camps to retrieve stolen cargo, clear a path for deliveries, or fulfill specific orders. Can be approached with stealth (non-lethal takedowns with Bola Gun/Strand) or combat (lethal/non-lethal weapons).
• BT Boss Encounters / Voidout Avoidance
  Survive and defeat large Catcher BTs (often triggered by being caught by Hunters) or unique, massive BT entities encountered during main story progression. This also includes scenarios where Sam must escape a growing voidout crater if a human is consumed by a BT nearby.
• Cliff Unger's Nightmare Sequences (War Zones)
  Surreal, recurring missions where Sam is transported to WWI, WWII, and Vietnam War-themed battlefields to confront Clifford Unger and his spectral soldiers. These are combat-focused segments with unique environmental challenges.
• Structure Building & Maintenance (PCC Construction)
  Using the Portable Chiral Constructor (PCC), Sam can build various helpful structures in the world (Bridges, Generators, Ziplines, Watchtowers, Safe Houses, Timefall Shelters, Postboxes). These require Chiral Crystals and other materials. Maintaining and upgrading these structures (and those built by other players via the Strand System) is an ongoing activity.
• Road Reconstruction (Auto-Paver Contributions)
  Contribute materials (Metals, Ceramics, Chiral Crystals) to Auto-Paver units found throughout the Central Region to help reconstruct sections of the old highway system. Completing roads significantly improves vehicle traversal for Sam and other players.
• Director's Cut - Ruined Factory Missions
  A new set of story missions added in the Director's Cut, involving investigating a mysterious, large underground Ruined Factory complex. These missions feature new stealth and combat encounters, and provide additional lore.
• Director's Cut - Firing Range Challenges
  Test various weapons against holographic targets in a dedicated Firing Range. Completing different drills and achieving high scores can unlock rewards.
• Director's Cut - Fragile Circuit (Races)
  Participate in time-trial races using different vehicles (Reverse Trike, Truck, Roadster) on a newly added race track. Compete for best times and unlock rewards.

• Main Story Path (Becoming Elden Lord / Other Endings)
  The overarching goal is to gather Great Runes by defeating Shardbearer Demigods, gain access to the Erdtree, and ultimately mend or replace the Elden Ring to become the Elden Lord. The specific steps and requirements vary based on player choices and progression through key Legacy Dungeons and boss encounters (e.g., defeat Godrick, Rennala, Radahn, Morgott, Rykard, Mohg, Malenia - though not all are strictly mandatory for every ending). This path involves interactions with Melina and other key NPCs.
• Legacy Dungeons (e.g., Stormveil Castle, Academy of Raya Lucaria, Volcano Manor, Leyndell Royal Capital, Crumbling Farum Azula, Elphael Brace of the Haligtree)
  Explore large, intricate, multi-layered dungeon environments filled with powerful enemies, traps, shortcuts, secrets, mini-bosses, and culminating in a major Shardbearer or story-critical boss fight. These are key progression points.
• Major NPC Questlines (Ranni, Fia, Millicent, Alexander, Blaidd, Nepheli Loux, Dung Eater, Goldmask & Brother Corhyn, etc.)
  Optional but often extensive and rewarding storylines involving key characters. Completing these questlines can lead to unique items, spells, Spirit Ashes, alternate game endings (especially Ranni's and Fia's), and deeper understanding of the lore. These often require specific actions, finding items, or defeating certain enemies across multiple regions.
• Minor Dungeons (Caves, Catacombs, Tunnels, Ruins)
  Smaller, optional dungeons found throughout the open world. Each typically contains a mini-boss at the end and rewards valuable items like Talismans, Spirit Ashes, Ashes of War, crafting materials, or upgrade materials.
• World Bosses & Field Bosses (Tree Sentinels, Night's Cavalry, Erdtree Avatars, Dragons, Death Rite Birds, Tibia Mariners, etc.)
  Powerful, often optional, bosses found roaming the open world or guarding specific locations. Defeating them usually yields unique weapons, Ashes of War, Sorceries/Incantations, or significant amounts of Runes.
• Clearing Evergaols
  Circular stone platforms that transport the Tarnished to an arena to fight a unique boss. Rewards often include powerful Ashes of War, weapons, or spells.
• Activating Great Runes
  After defeating a Shardbearer Demigod and obtaining their Great Rune, the Tarnished must find and ascend the corresponding Divine Tower to restore its power, allowing it to be equipped at a Site of Grace (requires a Rune Arc to activate its effect).
• Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Campaign (Expansion)
  A new major storyline set in the Land of Shadow, accessed by touching Miquella's withered arm in Mohgwyn Palace. Involves following in Miquella's footsteps, uncovering new lore, facing new demigods and enemies, and exploring a vast new map. (Details based on pre-release info)

1. Cooperative Play: Players can summon up to two other players (phantoms) into their world to help with exploration, defeating enemies, and tackling bosses. Requires consumables like Furlcalling Finger Remedy. 2. Invasion (PvP): Players can invade other players' worlds as hostile Red Phantoms to engage in combat. 3. Duels: Players can summon others specifically for duels using red summon signs or participate in organized PvP in the Colosseums. 4. Hunter/Blue Sentinels: Players can be automatically summoned to help a host who has been invaded.

Original release on PS4. PC version released later. Director's Cut released for PS5 and PC, including new story missions, new equipment (Maser Gun, Support Skeleton), Firing Range, Fragile Circuit (race track), new combat abilities, enhanced visuals, and QoL improvements. Various digital deluxe and physical collector's editions were available for both original and Director's Cut, often including digital artbooks, soundtracks, and in-game cosmetic items.

Available in Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition (digital artbook & soundtrack), Collector's Edition (Statue of Malenia, SteelBook, artbook, digital soundtrack), and Premium Collector's Edition (Collector's Edition content + 1:1 Malenia helmet replica). The 'Shadow of the Erdtree' expansion is a major paid DLC.

The primary post-launch content was the 'Director's Cut,' which is a significantly enhanced and expanded version of the base game rather than traditional DLC. It added new story missions (Ruined Factory), new areas, new equipment, new combat mechanics, a firing range, a race track, and various quality-of-life improvements. No further major story expansions beyond the Director's Cut have been released.

• Q: What exactly is the 'Death Stranding' event?
  A: The Death Stranding is a cataclysmic event that blurred the boundaries between the world of the living and 'the Beach' (an afterlife realm). This caused BTs (Beached Things) to appear, Timefall (rain that ages everything it touches), and 'voidouts' (massive antimatter explosions caused when a BT consumes a human). It effectively shattered society.
• Q: What are BTs (Beached Things)?
  A: BTs are spectral, largely invisible entities from the Beach that are drawn to the living. They leave handprints on the ground and can only be properly seen with the aid of a BB (Bridge Baby) connected to an Odradek scanner. If they catch Sam, they can drag him into a tar-like substance and trigger an encounter with a larger 'Catcher' BT.
• Q: What is the Chiral Network?
  A: The Chiral Network is a communications and data network that Bridges is trying to establish across the UCA. It utilizes chiralium (a mysterious particle from the Beach) and allows for instant communication, data transfer, and fabrication of items using chiral printers. Connecting settlements to the network is Sam's primary mission.
• Q: Is Death Stranding a 'walking simulator'?
  A: While traversal on foot and managing cargo are core mechanics, labeling it solely as a 'walking simulator' is reductive. The game involves complex inventory management, route planning, stealth against BTs, combat with MULEs/Terrorists, building structures, a deep story, and unique asynchronous multiplayer elements. Traversal itself is a challenging and engaging system.
• Q: What does the Director's Cut add to Death Stranding?
  A: The Director's Cut adds new story missions (Ruined Factory), new delivery support equipment (e.g., Cargo Catapult, Support Skeleton, Buddy Bot), new weapons (Maser Gun), a Firing Range, a Fragile Circuit (race track), new combat abilities (enhanced melee, mounted machine guns), new MULE encounters, and various quality-of-life improvements and graphical enhancements for PS5/PC.
• Q: Can you fight BTs directly?
  A: Yes, while stealth is often an option, Sam can fight BTs using specialized weapons like Hematic Grenades (made from his blood), the Anti-BT Handgun, or by cutting their umbilical cords if he can get close enough (often after incapacitating them with blood-coated Bola Gun tethers). Some larger BTs are full boss encounters.

• Q: Is Elden Ring made by the same developers as Dark Souls?
  A: Yes, Elden Ring is developed by FromSoftware, the same studio renowned for the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. It shares many gameplay philosophies and mechanics with these titles.
• Q: Is George R. R. Martin's involvement significant in Elden Ring?
  A: George R. R. Martin, author of 'A Song of Ice and Fire' (Game of Thrones), collaborated with Hidetaka Miyazaki to create the foundational lore, mythology, and history of the Lands Between and its characters. He primarily contributed to the worldbuilding that existed before The Shattering, while FromSoftware developed the main game narrative and events within that established history.
• Q: Is Elden Ring an open-world game?
  A: Yes, Elden Ring features a vast, seamless open world called the Lands Between, which players can explore freely. This is a significant departure from the more interconnected but less 'open' level design of previous Souls games. It also includes large, intricate 'Legacy Dungeons' which are more akin to traditional Souls levels.
• Q: How does multiplayer work in Elden Ring?
  A: Elden Ring features both cooperative and competitive (PvP) multiplayer. Players can summon others to help with bosses and exploration, be invaded by hostile players, or engage in duels. This is done through various in-game items and systems like summon signs and the Colosseums.
• Q: What are Ashes of War?
  A: Ashes of War are equippable items that grant weapons new special skills (weapon arts) and can change their damage scaling properties (affinities like Heavy, Keen, Magic, etc.). They allow for extensive customization of weapon movesets and build crafting.
• Q: What are Spirit Ashes?
  A: Spirit Ashes are consumable items that allow the player to summon spectral allies (ranging from animals to warriors) to aid them in combat. They require FP (Focus Points) to summon and can only be used in areas with a Rebirth Monument. They can be upgraded to become more powerful.
• Q: Is Elden Ring very difficult?
  A: Elden Ring maintains FromSoftware's reputation for challenging gameplay, particularly its boss fights. However, the open-world structure, the ability to explore and level up elsewhere if stuck, and powerful tools like Spirit Ashes and Ashes of War provide players with more options to overcome challenges compared to some previous titles, making it potentially more accessible to a wider audience while still offering deep difficulty for veterans.

Powered by Guerrilla Games' Decima Engine, Death Stranding showcases stunningly realistic and atmospheric visuals. It features vast, desolate landscapes with incredible detail, realistic weather effects (Timefall, snowstorms, wind), and highly detailed character models utilizing performance capture from its star-studded cast (Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, etc.). The otherworldly designs of BTs and the Beach are also visually striking.

Powered by FromSoftware's proprietary engine, Elden Ring presents a breathtaking and artistically stunning open world. It features diverse landscapes from lush forests and crumbling castles to fetid swamps and celestial realms. Known for its grand scale, intricate environmental details, imaginative enemy and boss designs, and atmospheric lighting. Ray tracing (shadows and ambient occlusion) was added post-launch on PC and current-gen consoles, enhancing visual depth.

Original score composed by Ludvig Forssell, featuring haunting, ethereal, and often melancholic electronic and orchestral pieces. The game also features an extensive licensed soundtrack with songs from artists like Low Roar, Silent Poets, and Apocalyptica, which often play during significant traversal sequences or moments of reflection, greatly enhancing the atmosphere. Sound design is crucial for detecting BTs (their distinct clicks and Odradek scanner sounds) and navigating hazardous weather like Timefall.

Original score primarily composed by Yuka Kitamura, Tsukasa Saitoh, Shoi Miyazawa, Yoshimi Kudo, and Tai Tomisawa. Features epic orchestral themes for boss battles, melancholic ambient pieces for exploration, and ethereal choral music for significant locations. Sound design is crucial for combat cues (enemy attacks, parry windows) and creating atmosphere in the diverse biomes and dungeons.

Features an immersive HUD integrated into Sam's suit and cuff links. Displays health, stamina, BB's stress level, cargo condition, equipped items, and a compass/sensor for BTs and objectives. The Cuff Link menu provides access to the map, orders, inventory, crafting, data logs, and online features. Cargo management involves carefully arranging packages on Sam's back, suit, and vehicles to maintain balance.

Features a minimalistic HUD displaying health (red), FP (blue), and stamina (green) bars. Equipped items (weapons, spells, consumables) are shown in quick slots. A compass at the top of the screen aids navigation. Menus for inventory, equipment, stats, map, and system settings are accessible. Status effects and buffs are shown with icons. Sites of Grace act as checkpoints and hubs for leveling/upgrading.

Offers a range of accessibility options, including customizable controls (PC), subtitle and text size adjustments, options for colorblind modes, options to change QTEs to holds, adjustable HUD elements, and various gameplay settings for difficulty and interaction prompts.

Accessibility options are more limited compared to some modern AAA titles but include control remapping (extensive on PC), subtitle customization (size, background), options to disable camera auto-rotation, and some UI adjustments. The game's core difficulty remains a key design pillar, but Spirit Ashes and co-op can significantly aid players.

• Official PC system requirements for 'Death Stranding DIRECTOR'S CUT'. Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially those with complex terrain or weather effects), and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended for optimal performance.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, high TGP (Total Graphics Power), and good cooling. **Death Stranding, while well-optimized, can be demanding at higher settings due to its detailed environments and visual effects.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance during long treks.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A decent CPU is needed for physics, AI, and managing online strand elements.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR 1.0 (FSR 2.0+ may be available via later patches or mods).
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Model Detail, Shadow Quality, Ambient Occlusion, Screen Space Reflections, Memory for Streaming, and Anti-Aliasing heavily impact performance.
• Game Name: Death Stranding

• Official PC system requirements from FromSoftware/Bandai Namco. Performance can vary significantly depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially with many effects or enemies), and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended for optimal performance and to reduce stuttering/loading times.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, high TGP (Total Graphics Power), and excellent cooling. **Elden Ring, while scalable, can be demanding at higher settings and resolutions, particularly with its detailed environments and complex enemy encounters.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential to prevent thermal throttling during intense boss fights or exploration.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Laptops with good sustained CPU power will benefit, especially in areas with complex geometry or many NPCs/enemies.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM can provide a noticeable performance uplift.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended for optimal framerates.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: The game does not natively support DLSS or FSR in its initial releases, but this can vary with patches or be achievable via mods on PC. Ray tracing was added in a post-launch patch for PC (shadows and ambient occlusion).
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Antialiasing Quality, SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion), Grass Quality, Volumetric Quality, and Reflection Quality heavily impact performance. Ray Tracing features are very demanding.
• Game Name: Elden Ring

• Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR 1.0 (FSR 2.0+ may be available via later patches or mods).
• Key Settings Impact: Model Detail, Shadow Quality, Ambient Occlusion, Screen Space Reflections, Memory for Streaming, and Anti-Aliasing heavily impact performance.

• Upscaling Tech: The game does not natively support DLSS or FSR in its initial releases, but this can vary with patches or be achievable via mods on PC. Ray tracing was added in a post-launch patch for PC (shadows and ambient occlusion).
• Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Antialiasing Quality, SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion), Grass Quality, Volumetric Quality, and Reflection Quality heavily impact performance. Ray Tracing features are very demanding.

• G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
• Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance during long treks.
• C P U Power Limits: A decent CPU is needed for physics, AI, and managing online strand elements.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.

• G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
• Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential to prevent thermal throttling during intense boss fights or exploration.
• C P U Power Limits: Laptops with good sustained CPU power will benefit, especially in areas with complex geometry or many NPCs/enemies.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM can provide a noticeable performance uplift.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended for optimal framerates.