In most video games, players are usually out doing action-packed missions that involve bloody shootouts, heart-stopping stealth, or up-close and personal melee combat. However, during the brief moments when the excitement calms, players sometimes need a safe spot where they can recuperate, sort out their inventory, and determine their strategy before getting back in the game. For this reason, many games feature safe houses, and perhaps none of them have been as comfy as the ones found in Death Stranding.
Released in 2019, Death Stranding features a dystopian version of America where terrifying creatures known as BTs roam the land, and they bring with them a destructive type of rain called Timefall that deteriorates everything it touches. Sam Bridges is tasked with making important deliveries to the isolated bunkers and distribution centers across America to reunite the country and save it from its fractured state. When Sam is not hiking great distances to make deliveries, he can rest in one of many safe houses, known as private rooms, that contains great music, plenty of useful features, and a couple of Easter eggs that gamers should appreciate.
Death Stranding's Safe Houses Let Players Listen to Music
Part of Death Stranding's charm lies with the atmosphere it crafts. As players hike through the game's world, they are exposed to austere landscapes that are beautiful yet harsh. Especially in the earlier parts of the game, players have to travel these intimidating landscapes alone, which can be a frighteningly isolating experience. However, when players finally reach their destination, they are greeted by a recipient who is eternally grateful for the delivery, and it somehow makes all the trouble feel worth it.
In the safe houses of Death Stranding, players can listen to a soundtrack that has been composed to complement the game's atmosphere. Most of the songs are shy away from intense, upbeat tunes and instead try to evoke a relaxing, introspective feeling. There is lots of music by Low Roar which can be described as airy and dreamy with plenty of synths. Kojima claims he discovered Low Roar accidentally while in Iceland, and fell in love with the music. He felt there was a "matching of Low Roar's acoustic but digital futuristic sound and the concept of Death Stranding."
Take Some Time To Sort Sam Out
While some music is playing in the background, players can tend to Sam and all his needs while in a safe house. There is a cubicle nearby where Sam can shower and use the restroom. While this is useful for getting the grime off Sam's skin, especially if he has been in contact with BTs, it also has a secondary function, as it allows Sam to make EX grenades. Showers produce EX grenade no. 0 which marks BTs and makes them flee for a short time, using the toilet standing produces EX grenade no. 1 which also makes BTs flee, and using the toilet seated produces EX grenade number 2 which lures BTs.
Players can also customize Sam's outfit and backpack, drink energy drinks that replenish stamina, eat cryptobiotes, examine weapons, and check on baby Lou. Players can also tend to less exciting tasks like reading mail, interviews, and logs, as well as checking what orders Sam has lined up. If players want to jump to a different region of the map, they can also do a Fragile Jump in a safe house, which is Death Stranding's version of fast travel.
Don't Miss the Easter Eggs
While players are hanging out in a private room, they should not miss out on a few of the Easter eggs that can be found. Occasionally, when Sam observes himself in the mirror, he will suddenly see himself with a golden mask on. Zooming in on Sam from different angles when he is sitting on his bed will also trigger different reactions from him, and some of them are hilarious. Then there is the terrifying P.T. Easter egg, which occurs when Sam wakes up to find a strange figure in his shower.
Although Sam's private rooms are not as luxurious as the mansion safe houses of Grand Theft Auto, they provide a level of comfort that is hard to find in any other video game. With some Low Roar playing in the background, players can have a great time poking at baby Lou, discovering the many hidden Easter eggs, or just admiring the fine arsenal of weapons Sam has built up. For players looking for some slow-paced, relaxing gameplay, the safe houses of Death Stranding are just one part of the calm and easy-going experience the game offers.
Death Stranding is available on PC, PS4, and PS5.