What Are Voidouts in Death Stranding 2? (July 2025 Guide)
If you've been traversing the haunting landscapes of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, you've likely heard whispers about voidouts – those catastrophic explosions that can literally reshape the world around you. As someone who's spent countless hours navigating the treacherous terrain of this post-apocalyptic masterpiece, I'm here to break down everything you need to know about these devastating phenomena that make every encounter with BTs feel like a dance with death itself.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Are Voidouts in Death Stranding 2?
At its core, a voidout is an explosive annihilation event that occurs when a Beached Thing (BT) comes into contact with a living human. Think of it as matter meeting antimatter – when the supernatural essence of a BT collides with the physical world, the result is a massive explosion powerful enough to obliterate entire cities and leave behind craters that permanently scar the landscape.
The in-game corpus describes voidouts as being similar "to the concept of annihilation in particle physics - an enormous amount of energy is released, wiping out almost all matter." This isn't just flavor text – it's a core mechanic that shapes how you approach every dangerous situation in Death Stranding 2.
The Science Behind the Destruction
When a BT consumes a human, "the anti-matter within a BT comes into contact with matter from the physical world", triggering an instantaneous chain reaction. The resulting explosion doesn't just damage the area – it completely eradicates everything within its radius, leaving behind a crater that's "full of BTs" and surrounded by high chiralium density that makes the area completely inaccessible.
How Voidouts Work in Death Stranding 2
Unlike the first game where lethal combat was heavily discouraged, Death Stranding 2 has made some significant changes to how voidouts function. The sequel introduces "rubber bullets" as the standard ammunition, meaning "you needn't worry about causing a voidout after dispatching a human enemy".
However, the threat is far from eliminated. Here's what can trigger a voidout in Death Stranding 2:
1. Getting Caught by a Catcher BT
The most common way to trigger a voidout is when "Sam comes in contact with a Catcher BT and is unable to escape its clutches". These massive BTs appear when you're detected by regular BTs and dragged into their tar-filled domain.
2. Improper Corpse Disposal
Perhaps even more terrifying is that voidouts can be triggered "if you do not dispose of human corpses properly in Death Stranding 2". Any human body left to necrotize will eventually spawn a BT, which can then cause a voidout if it encounters another living person.
3. Sam's Unique Situation
Since Sam Porter Bridges is a repatriate, "you will be able to return to the area where you triggered an explosion and look at the hell you have unleashed". While this saves you from permanent death, the environmental consequences remain very real.
The Devastating Impact of Voidouts
When a voidout occurs in Death Stranding 2, the consequences are immediate and lasting:
- Massive Crater Formation: The explosion leaves behind an enormous crater that permanently alters the game world
- Inaccessible Areas: "Because of the high chiralium density, he will begin to float and won't be able to proceed any farther"
- Infrastructure Destruction: All player-built structures, ladders, bridges, and equipment in the area are completely obliterated
- BT Infestation: The crater becomes populated with BTs, making the area even more dangerous
How to Avoid Triggering Voidouts?
Prevention is absolutely crucial when it comes to voidouts. Here are my tried-and-tested strategies for avoiding these catastrophic events:
1. Master Stealth Movement
"Avoiding the Catcher BT is obviously" the first line of defense. Use your Odradek scanner religiously, crouch-walk through BT areas, and hold your breath when necessary.
2. Escape the Tar Ring
If you do get caught, "You can simply escape the tar ring where you found the BT and avoid it coming in contact with you". Sprint towards the edge of the black tar pool – once you're out, the Catcher BT can't pursue you.
3. Proper Corpse Management
"Dispose of a human enemy corpse when you come across one. This will ensure that it does not come in contact with a BT". Always carry bodies to incinerators or tar pits for proper disposal – check out our complete guide to gaming for more Death Stranding 2 tips.
4. Strategic Saving
"Save the game just before you enter a BT-infested area". This simple precaution allows you to reload if things go catastrophically wrong.
5. Combat Alternatives
Remember, "Catcher BTs are challenging foes. You do not need to eliminate them if they give you a hard time". Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor.
Can You Deliberately Cause a Voidout?
For the curious (or destructive) among you, yes – you can intentionally trigger a voidout. If you want to see the devastation firsthand:
- Find a BT-infested area
- Allow yourself to be detected and dragged by regular BTs
- When the Catcher BT appears, don't fight back
- Let it consume you completely
The result? A massive crater that serves as a permanent reminder of your "experiment." Just remember – "you will be greeted with a massive crater that has evaporated everything within it".
Changes from Death Stranding 1
Death Stranding 2 has evolved the voidout system in several key ways:
- Non-lethal Combat: The introduction of rubber bullets means accidental voidouts from human combat are no longer a concern
- Enhanced Visual Effects: The craters and explosions are more detailed and impactful than ever
- Persistent World Changes: Voidout craters remain in your game world for extended periods
- Multiplayer Implications: Your voidouts only affect your world, not other players'
The Lore Behind Voidouts
The Death Stranding universe has rich lore surrounding voidouts. "The first known voidout occurred at an unspecified time before the Death Stranding when a doctor attempted to deliver a baby from a brain-dead mother". This event set off a chain reaction that would eventually lead to the apocalyptic world we navigate as Sam.
Historical voidouts have been responsible for:
- "The complete annihilation of Manhattan"
- "The destruction of multiple cities, including Central Knot City"
- The death of a U.S. president and the rise of Bridget Strand to power
Advanced Strategies for BT Encounters
Based on my extensive playtime, here are some pro tips for handling BT situations:
Equipment Preparation
- Always carry hematic grenades for emergency situations
- Keep your BB happy – a stressed BB makes detection harder
- Upgrade your boots before entering dangerous territory
Environmental Awareness
- Rain means BTs – always be extra cautious during timefall
- Use vehicles to quickly escape tar pools
- Build safe houses near BT-heavy areas for quick saves
Combat Tactics
If you must fight a Catcher BT:
- Stock up on blood bags before the encounter
- Use the environment to your advantage
- Focus on mobility over damage output
Technical Aspects and Game Design
From a game design perspective, voidouts serve multiple purposes:
- Narrative Integration: They're not just a gameplay mechanic but a core part of the story
- Risk/Reward Balance: The threat of voidouts makes every delivery feel meaningful
- World Persistence: Unlike many games, your mistakes leave lasting marks
- Player Agency: You can choose to avoid or deliberately trigger them
Community Discoveries and Theories
The Death Stranding community has uncovered some interesting details about voidouts:
- "If Sam has triggered a voidout in a given area, and there are no areas suitable for a catcher confrontation, normal black gazers will be replaced with golden ones, which will instantly kill him if he is caught"
- Voidout craters can last for weeks of real-time gameplay
- "Voidouts cannot be triggered in plot-critical locations to prevent players from being locked out of story progression"
Future Implications for Death Stranding 2
Looking ahead, there's speculation that Death Stranding 2 might expand the voidout system even further. "Perhaps players could explore the craters left behind by voidouts. They could be populated by BTs or other hazards, making them a richer part of the gameplay experience". This would add another layer of depth to an already complex system.
Tips for New Players
If you're just starting your journey in Death Stranding 2:
- Don't Panic: Your first BT encounter will be terrifying, but remember – you have options
- Learn from Mistakes: If you trigger a voidout, treat it as a learning experience
- Use the Multiplayer Features: Other players' structures can help you avoid dangerous areas
- Experiment Safely: Save before trying risky strategies
For more beginner tips, explore our best multiplayer PS5 games guide to enhance your gaming experience!
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Survival
Voidouts in Death Stranding 2 represent one of gaming's most unique and consequential mechanics. They're not just another death penalty – they're a fundamental part of what makes this game so memorable and intense. Every time you hear your BB stress out or see your Odradek spinning wildly, you know you're moments away from potential catastrophe.
Whether you're a completionist trying to maintain a pristine world or someone who enjoys seeing the chaos unfold, understanding voidouts is crucial to your Death Stranding 2 experience. Remember – in this world, death isn't the end, but the scars you leave behind are very, very real.
Stay safe out there, fellow porters. The world is counting on you to keep those packages – and yourself – intact.
FAQs
What happens if I trigger multiple voidouts?
"Now if you die a voidout happens, then if you come back and die again in that same area its game over and forced to reload". Multiple voidouts in the same area can create additional complications with golden BTs appearing.
Do voidout craters ever disappear?
Based on community reports, "It's been a couple weeks in real time (and about 23 hours of play time), and the crater is still there. So it definitely lasts longer than 1 day in real time". They appear to be semi-permanent features of your game world.
Can other players see my voidout craters?
No, voidouts only affect your personal game world. Other players won't see the craters you create, maintaining the collaborative nature of the multiplayer experience.
What's the difference between Death Stranding 1 and 2 voidouts?
The main difference is that Death Stranding 2 introduces non-lethal weapons, reducing accidental voidouts from combat. The visual effects and crater mechanics have also been enhanced.
Is there any benefit to causing a voidout?
Generally, no. Voidouts are meant to be avoided as they permanently damage the game world and make traversal more difficult. They're purely a consequence of failure rather than a strategic tool.