The world of Death Stranding is filled with threats, but nothing gets the adrenaline pumping quite like an encounter with a BT. Worried about how to defeat BTs in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach? We get it. These supernatural Beached Things are the spirits of the dead, roaming the world and embodying fear itself. These confrontations are some of the most terrifying and exciting moments in the game. Here’s our guide to help you conquer your fears and survive these terrifying encounters.
How to Defeat BTs in Death Stranding 2
Before you can even think about fighting, you need to recognize the warning signs. BTs, unlike human MULEs, aren’t easily seen, but they give themselves away with some clear environmental shifts. Your survival depends on noticing these clues:
- A sudden slowing of time, immediately followed by the signature erosive rain known as timefall.
- The world around you will become darker, foggier, and take on an eerie red hue, signaling that tormented spirits are close.
- A ghost icon will pop up on your map, confirming you’ve walked into a BT zone.

How to Detect BT Objects Using the Odradek Scanner in Death Stranding 2
The first step if you want to defeat BTs in Death Stranding 2 is to pinpoint their location. Your Odradek scanner is crucial for this. Even when you’re not actively scanning, the device will activate, pointing in the direction of the nearest BT. You need to pay attention to its signals:
- Blue Light: The Odradek is pointing, and its light is blue. This means a BT is nearby, but still at a distance.
- Orange Light & Rapid Beeping: The light turns orange and starts beeping frantically. This is your cue that a BT is dangerously close.

Weapons and tools that help you fight BT creatures in Death Stranding 2
Once you’ve found them, it’s time to fight back. You can’t use just any weapon; you need specialized gear. Most of the weapons that work are abbreviated as “MP,” and their descriptions will confirm they are “anti-BT” or effective against all enemy types.
Another essential tool is the Timefall Shelter, which can be built with a PCC. This structure not only repairs your cargo but also generates a shield in a small area. BT creatures can’t get through this shield while it’s active. Its only weakness is that the shield’s energy runs out quickly and takes a few moments to recharge.

How to Defeat Gazer and Watcher Creatures in Death Stranding 2
Gazers and Watchers are the most common types of BTs you’ll face.
- Gazers are often stationary and use sound to find you. You absolutely have to hold R1 to sneak and hold your breath to get by them undetected.
- Watchers are the opposite; they are mobile and will spot you if they have a clear line of sight.
You can take both types out by tossing a few Blood Grenades for a direct hit or by shooting them with your MP firearms. Successfully taking them down is a key part of learning how to defeat BTs in Death Stranding 2.

How to Defeat Hunter and Golden Hunter Creatures in Death Stranding 2
If a Gazer or Watcher spots you, a pool of black tar will instantly form around your feet, spawning Hunter-type BTs.
- Hunters look like humanoid blobs of tar. They will grab you and try to pull you down into the tar, transporting you to a much bigger problem: a Catcher.
- Golden Hunters (pictured above) are a deadlier version that can pull you in to kill you directly.
If they get hold of you, mash the Circle button repeatedly to break free. If you escape their grasp, you should be able to climb out of the tar pool to safety.

How to Defeat Catcher Creatures in Death Stranding 2
If you want to defeat Catcher creatures in Death Stranding 2, you need to be ready for a real boss fight. These massive BTs usually have a glowing weak point, like a mouth or head. Just like with Gazers, you need to hit them hard and fast with your most powerful firearms and grenades. Catchers have one mission: to eat you. If one gets too close and swallows Sam, it triggers a Voidout.

The emergence of giant BT objects in Death Stranding 2
Giant BTs are technically another type of Catcher, but on a much grander scale. These encounters feel like major boss battles. Be warned, as some of them will try to ambush you, turning the ground you’re walking on into a sticky tar pit to signal their arrival.
Later in the game, you’ll gain the ability to capture and summon your own giant BTs. This awesome mechanic lets you call in a friendly titan from another world to help you fight enemy Catchers or other giant BTs.

What is Voidout? in Death Stranding 2
In the world of Death Stranding 2, a Voidout is a massive, destructive explosion. When it happens, the entire area is obliterated, leaving nothing but a huge crater. This means you could lose access to resources, explorable locations, and other points of interest permanently.
A Voidout happens when a Catcher BT successfully consumes Sam.
- If it happens during a boss fight, you’ll get a “Game Over” screen and can reload a save.
- If it happens against a regular Catcher, you can “respawn,” but the crater will remain on your map. Of course, you can always just load a previous save to avoid the damage entirely.

Stay safe out there, Porters!