BB

A premature child acting as the only sensor for invisible creatures in a fractured America.

In the apocalyptic United States following the Death Stranding event, Bridge Babies (BBs) serve as critical tools for Porters working for Bridges. These premature children exist in a state between life and death, reflecting a condition that allows them to sense the presence of invisible creatures known as Beached Things (BTs). While the company treats them strictly as equipment, the narrative highlights how Sam Porter Bridges defies these orders by forming an emotional bond with his specific BB, whom he nicknames 'Lou'. This connection is vital for survival, as without a BB's assistance, Porters cannot detect BTs and risk voidouts that can devastate entire regions.

Quick Facts

First appears: Death Stranding (2019)
Key trait: Ability to sense Beached Things via a mental connection

Lore & Background

BBs are born from 'stillmothers' and stored in pods simulating a womb. Their existence is defined by their ability to facilitate a mental connection that allows Porters to perceive BTs, which originate from the 'Beach,' a unique afterlife realm visited during near-death experiences. The phenomenon known as DOOMS can grant individuals similar abilities naturally, but BBs provide a reliable method for standard Porters. While Bridges instructs personnel to treat these infants as mere pieces of equipment, the story centers on Sam rejecting this protocol. He adopts his specific BB, resisting UCA orders to incinerate it after a voidout at the incinerator site. This emotional bond allows Sam to navigate safely through areas filled with BTs and timefall, which rapidly ages whatever it touches.

Reader's Guide

To survive as a Porter, you must maintain a connection with your BB. The BB is stored in a chest rig or pod that mimics a stillmother's womb. Its primary function is to sense nearby BTs, which are normally invisible to the human eye. When a BB detects a threat, it reacts physically—often crying or moving—which alerts the Porter to scan the area with their odradek sensor to reveal and avoid the creature. Failure to maintain this connection can lead to being consumed by a BT, resulting in a voidout that permanently damages the location with an untraversable crater. While Bridges enforces strict rules treating BBs as disposable equipment, players can choose to form emotional bonds, influencing gameplay through Sam's ability to repatriate and survive encounters.