As Hideo Kojima has explained several times, the main guideline in Death Stranding is to restore the links between human communities across America. Sam Porter Bridges must join the various outposts and shelters to make special deliveries that will also gradually restore the network and reveal the map thanks to the Q-Pid. You start your adventure on the East Coast, and little by little, from delivery to delivery, you will always go further west.
Map of America
- The Death Stranding map is not available in one block, it is more a small region and two much more massive areas (especially the central area).
- This is a miniaturized version of the United States, don't expect to cross it from side to side on a 1:1 scale like The Crew, Norman Reedus wouldn't have finished it otherwise!
- Iceland was chosen by Kojima Productions as an inspiration for the layout of this map and this is very often reflected, even if some biomes are more reminiscent of Martian scenery.
Chiral network - Restoring the grid
One of the core gameplay elements of Death Stranding is to reach a city or shelter with a scanner for your special dog tags. The restoration of this network seems comparable to reconnecting the Internet and satellite coverage. The surrounding terrain is then displayed, as well as the multiplayer points of interest, like bridges, signs, etc...
Overcoming the terrain
Most cities are no longer connected by roads in the world of Death Stranding. The terrain is generally wild and steep, with cliffs, streams and other. Some sections are still practicable with a vehicle, but for others, it will be necessary to swim, rappel, or use gadgets. The further west you go, the more dangerous the terrain will be to practice and the more necessary it will be to use good equipment.
Examples of points of interest and encounters
This list is by no means exhaustive, but here are some of the noteworthy elements seen on the map in the gameplay videos:
- Abandoned equipment, usually in a suitcase.
- Vehicles belonging to other players
- MULE camps addicted to delivery. They are armed and sometimes have a vehicle. Their camp seems to be full of valuable items to pick up.
- Areas infested by BTs.
- A hot spring in which it is possible to swim.
