The first Death Stranding was distinct for its lonely atmosphere and sense of isolation. You’d only interact with specific characters in person at set points in the story (with the exception of Sam’s BB Lou), but that has changed withDeath Stranding 2: On The Beach.
Now, Sam is part of the crew of the DHV Magellan, with each member having their own role to fulfill. With each of these characters contributing something different to the team, it’s interesting to consider who would do the best job at replacing Sam if he went M.I.A., and who would struggle (spoilers: most of them).
7Charlie
0/10 - Magellen Bound
The mysterious benefactor of the DHV Magellan will make his presence known regularly throughout the game, and the further you get in, the more you realize this disembodied mannequin/bust/punching-bag (???) is a real member of the team.
However, if Charlie was tasked with replacing Sam at any point during the story of Death Stranding 2, it’s clear he would struggle. Not only is Charlie’s physical presence without any limbs, but he can’t move outside his central spot in the bridge. Sure he can change his expression and talk, maybe he could send nice messages to different depots, but he couldn’t do much in the way of actually making deliveries.
6Dollman
1/10 - Just Not Fair
Unlike Charlie, Dollman isn’t bound to just one spot, but thanks to his spirit being trapped inside a doll, there’s not really much he can do about getting around independently. Seemingly content with being strapped to wires to get around easily, Dollman would struggle out in the world alone.
Attached to Sam’s waist, he thrives as a charming companion and occasional airborne scout, but if he had to make the deliveries by himself? He’d likely fail at the first sizable rock, muddy puddle, or gust of wind. If Sam’s out of commission, Dollman might as well be too.
5Rainy
4/10 - Cursed Run
Rainy is one of the more charming members of the DHV Magellan, joining in Episode 4. One thing we quickly learn is that, in spite of her loveable personality, she’s been cursed with Timefall-inducing rain following her wherever she goes.
This makes her helpful in certain circumstances seen throughout the game, but when just aboutevery physical objectin the game is susceptible to quick damage from the rain, she would likely struggle to have her deliveries arrive intact. Maybe with a vehicle she could have some of the goods survive, but even then the vehicle itself would then be subject to damage instead.
4Heartman
6/10 - Just One Problem
The charming Beach researcher Heartman is the last core member to join the crew of the DHV Magellan after his reintroduction about halfway through the story, and it’s clear that he’s made some upgrades to overcome the 21-minute syndrome that continues to plague him.
Now when he drops dead for three minutes, every 21 minutes, he has a robotic exoskeleton similar to Sam’s to stop him from falling and completely support his body, so this would at least save him from some unsavory falls. However, his condition would require careful planning to ensure he doesn’t go under in enemy territory. Aside from this major weakness though, we’re sure Heartman could work out how to fill Sam’s well-worn boots.
3Tarman
7/10 - With Some Feline Assitance
Just because we very rarely see Tarman up and out of his seat, doesn’t mean that he isn’t more than capable of getting around independently. In truth, his capability as a porter really depends on if he has access to the DHV Magellan.
If Sam moves cargo using the Magellan, the rating of the delivery is immediately tanked to a unique ‘Magellan’ ranking (to discourage shortcuts), but for transporting raw materials the Magellan is much more effective. Perhaps, as a raw material-specific porter, Tarman would thrive, and having his own cat-creature mascot who may or may not be the reincarnation of his dead son surely helps too.
2Tomorrow
8/10 - Wild Card
As she’s introduced throughout the course of Death Stranding 2’s story, it’s clear that Tomorrow doesn’t have complete control of her tar-based powers, with her occasionally unable to stop herself from destroying and rapidly aging objects she touches.
However, as she grows to have better control over the powers, she also grows to be a hypothetically more capable porter to replace Sam if needs be. She’s incredibly agile, and seems to be battle-hardened enough to stand against any Ghost Mechs or Survivalists that might give her trouble - likely a more capable fighter than Sam. So, it’s really just a case of keeping all that tar off the deliveries.
1Fragile
9/10 - The Return Of Fragile Express
While her previous work experience isn’t referenced too often throughout the sequel after its opening hours, it’s worth remembering that the leader of the DHV Magellen, Fragile, was once the sole employee of Fragile Express, using her eccentric transportation methods to get around even more efficiently than Sam.
Of course, Fragile doesn’t use her teleporting abilities as often throughout Death Stranding 2 thanks to her Jump-Shock, but her experience is invaluable. Still capable in most other areas, Fragile could easily take a break from her captain duties to fill in for Sam if he was out of the picture.
