Exploring the intricate abilities and power systems of characters in video games can be a fascinating journey, and Death Stranding 2 stands out for its unique take on this concept. Among the mysteries presented by the game, the enigmatic condition known as DOOMS is particularly captivating.
The original mysterious backdrop of Death Stranding introduced not only chilling BTs and Timefall but also the rare syndrome known as DOOMS. This condition, intertwined with the dead, endows its afflicted individuals with extraordinary abilities, each manifesting in distinct ways. These manifestations typically emerge following the cataclysmic event termed the Stranding, and those impacted by DOOMS find themselves particularly sensitive to elements associated with the other side, such as chiralium and BTs, often experiencing adverse reactions ranging from skin rashes to tearfulness.
Given the complexity surrounding DOOMS, this article will delve deeper into the notable characters afflicted with this condition in Death Stranding 2. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer seeking clarity, this overview may shed light on some lingering questions about the powers and experiences linked to DOOMS.Warning: Mild spoilers may follow!
10 The Hydrologist
I Threw Up
The Hydrologist exemplifies that not all DOOMS sufferers boast heroic abilities; for some, the condition imposes severe hindrances. Like Heartman, whose heart stops every 21 minutes, the Hydrologist experiences an equally tormenting condition—she uncontrollably vomits every 21 minutes.
As a prominent researcher alongside Heartman, she spends her time in his lab investigating water samples linked to the Beach. Her heightened sensitivity to environmental factors, particularly tides and tar currents, results in her inability to consume solid food, compelling her to rely solely on fluids for nourishment.
Curiously, she and her daughters—Chronobiologist and Metagenomicist—experience this synchronized 21-minute syndrome. Interestingly, they bear resemblance to the family of director Nicolas Winding Refn, who shares visual connections with Heartman.
9 The Doctor
She’s All Right
The Doctor, portrayed by Debra Wilson, is a unique character notable for having two right hands. A former member of Bridges, she identifies as a “psychic midwife”and operates in northeastern Australia, leading a refuge called The Motherhood for vulnerable women and children.
Her extraordinary DOOMS ability allows her to extract fetuses from Stillmothers without any invasive techniques, using only her two hands. This gift proved invaluable when assisting Rainy, helping her check on her pregnancy status.
8 Dollman
A Porter’s Best Friend
Dollman serves a dual purpose within the narrative, acting as both a chatty source of lore and a reliable ally during the player’s solitary travels through Australia. While the specifics of his past remain vague, it’s revealed that he once had the ability to communicate with the deceased, akin to a medium.
The tragic circumstances of Dollman’s death occurred while he endeavored to help his daughter reunite with her deceased mother, who had become one of the BTs. This intense sacrifice resulted in his transformation into a doll form, leading him to merge his soul with that of his daughter.
Though Dollman no longer wields his former DOOMS abilities, he retains an unsettling connection with the afterlife, aiding players with his heightened awareness of BT presences.
7 Heartman
100 Likes Received From Heartman
As a leading researcher with Bridges, Heartman possesses the ability to explore the Beaches of others. His remarkable powers arose from a devastating incident; after a botched heart surgery killed his family, he became clinically dead for three minutes every 21 minutes due to a unique health condition.
During his temporary deaths, Heartman seeks out the Beaches of his loved ones to forge a connection with them. His unusual heart, shaped like a cartoon heart, is a result of his condition, and he was even gifted a replacement organ from Deadman before his demise.
6 Tarman
Cost An Arm And A Leg
Newly introduced in Death Stranding 2, Tarman plays a crucial role within Drawbridge. He pilots the DHV Magellan and is endowed with a unique DOOMS ability: he can connect his arm stump to the navigation console to sense tar currents, facilitating safe passage through the treacherous terrain.
Tarman lost his arm during a storm while attempting to rescue his son from the swift tar currents below. Despite the limited details on his abilities, it’s evident that he possesses an almost psychic link to his lost limb, enabling him to steer the crew successfully.
5 Rainy
Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
Rainy’s remarkable ability allows her to summon Timefall at will, even capable of intensifying the rainfall as desired. As a recent addition to Drawbridge, she endured a tumultuous past filled with rejection from her family and community, facing accusations of witchcraft due to her powers.
Fragile discovered Rainy during a pivotal moment in her life, recognizing her potential. One fascinating effect of Rainy’s powers is “corefall, ”where rain that interacts with her bubble is reverted to its prior state, effectively reversing Timefall’s rapid aging process. This was notably evident when she helped rejuvenate Fragile’s fragile skin.
Recognizing the magnitude of her abilities, Rainy has become a vital contributor to Drawbridge’s mission to restore Australia’s environment and contribute to humanity’s restoration efforts.
4 Tomorrow
We’ll Always Be Connected
Tomorrow is an intriguing character discovered by Drawbridge from the other side following Sam’s initial encounter with Neil Vana. Initially appearing youthful and innocent, she rapidly matures in awareness due to her unique abilities.Tomorrow possesses significant DOOMS capabilities that allow her to generate tar and rapidly age any object she touches.
Capable of decaying items in mere seconds and disintegrating mechanical foes, Tomorrow is a formidable ally in battle, able to navigate through tar effortlessly and fiercely confront antagonists, including Higgs himself. As the story progresses, it reveals that Tomorrow shares a profound connection with Sam and Lou, enhancing her link to the spiritual realm.
3 Higgs
Big Hater Energy
Serving as the principal antagonist of both Death Stranding titles, Higgs wields the terrifying ability to summon and control BTs at will, reflecting his malevolent nature. Though initially powerless, he was endowed with his DOOMS abilities by Amelie, which unleashed the chaos associated with his character today.
After his defeat in the first game, Higgs spent an extended period on the Beach, slowly spiraling into madness as he plotted revenge against both Fragile and Sam. In Death Stranding 2, Higgs has acquired additional powers, including the control of ghost mechs, showcasing his deepening connection to the afterlife.
2 Fragile
But Not That Fragile
Fragile stands out as a high-level DOOMS sufferer, possessing the power to teleport, or “jump, ”across vast distances instantaneously by leveraging the Beach’s connection. This ability requires physical contact and a somewhat spiritual attachment to her destination. In the previous game, her skills enabled Sam to traverse anywhere within the UCA’s chiral network.
However, the frequent use of her jumping capability has led to a condition termed “jumpshock, ”which complicates her abilities and introduces risks to her health. While her jumping is less frequent in Death Stranding 2, advancements have allowed for transponder technology to facilitate beach travel via Safe Houses and facilities.
1 Sam Bridges
Die And Respawn, Again And Again
Sam’s DOOMS ability is repatriation, granting him the remarkable capacity to return to his body upon death. This power even enables him to revive after voidouts caused by BTs, although the specifics of how his body regenerates are not thoroughly explained. Notably, Sam is the first documented individual to experience DOOMS and was resurrected on the Beach by Amelie, rendering him functionally immortal.
However, this immortality has its drawbacks, as Sam’s soul is trapped before it can fully reach the Beach, remaining in the Seam—a liminal space for souls. The persistent threat of adversaries like Higgs using his repatriation against him means that what seems like a blessing could become a curse. Additionally, Sam struggles with an unrelated psychological condition known as aphenphosmphobia, which reflects his fear of touch resulting from a lack of social interactions during his upbringing.
In rare circumstances, if Sam were to perish on the Beach itself, he faces the risk of permanent death due to his close proximity to the afterlife.
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