The Mimir-Inspired Companion in Death Stranding 2: A Creative Legacy Continues

As I reflect on the upcoming release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach in 2025, one element from the latest trailers has captured my imagination more than any other: Sam's new puppet companion. It's a character that feels both entirely new and wonderfully familiar, especially for someone who has spent countless hours in the company of another legendary companion from a different world. Watching Sam interact with this mysterious figure in the 2024 State of Play trailer, I was immediately struck by a profound sense of déjà vu. The way the puppet is carried, its position on Sam's body, and its promised role as a knowledgeable guide—it all points to a clear and beautiful inspiration drawn from one of my all-time favorite gaming characters: Mimir from God of War and God of War Ragnarok.

The connection isn't subtle, and I don't think it's meant to be. At around the three-minute mark in that trailer, the homage becomes explicit. Sam picks up the puppet and instinctively tries to attach it to the back of his waist. The puppet's response—"Really, Sam? Your buttocks?"—is delivered with a tone that feels like a direct, playful wink to players who remember where Mimir spent his days. For years, the smartest man alive (or at least, his talking head) dangled near Kratos's backside, offering wisdom, battle tactics, and the occasional witty remark. The puppet's objection to this undignified placement and its request for the "driver's seat" is a brilliant subversion. It shows that while Hideo Kojima is clearly paying tribute, he's also putting his own unique spin on the concept. Sam ultimately secures the puppet to the front of his waist, near his left thigh, establishing a new dynamic from the very first interaction.

What excites me most isn't just the visual or situational parallel, but the potential for this puppet to fulfill the same narrative and emotional role that Mimir mastered. In the God of War series, Mimir began as a magical artifact, a useful tool with a vast memory. But across two epic journeys, he evolved into so much more. He became Kratos's confidant, Atreus's mentor, and the heart of the group's camaraderie. His transformation from a plot device to a beloved friend is one of the greatest character arcs in modern gaming. When Fragile says of Sam's new companion, "His knowledge and experience will probably come in handy down the road," she's outlining the same foundational premise. This puppet is being set up as an advisor, a repository of lore for the fractured world of Death Stranding, and a crucial partner for Sam's isolation.

I can't help but speculate on the deeper relationship that might blossom. If Kojima has indeed modeled this character after Mimir, then we're not just getting a walking encyclopedia. We're getting a potential friend for Sam Bridges, a man defined by his loneliness and connection to the dead. Sam's journey has always been a solitary one, punctuated by brief connections through the chiral network. A constant, talking companion could fundamentally change his character. Imagine the conversations during long treks across barren landscapes: 🤖 The puppet explaining the history of a ruined city. 🗣️ Sam, in his gruff way, sharing a rare personal thought. Their bond could grow from utility to genuine loyalty, mirroring the profound growth between Kratos and Mimir.

This inspiration speaks volumes about Kojima's approach as a creator. It shows an appreciation for what works in other narratives and a confidence in adapting those ideas into his own distinct universe. Some might call it borrowing, but I see it as a creative conversation between master storytellers. The God of War reboot series is celebrated for many things:

• Character Depth: Transforming archetypes into complex, flawed individuals.

• Lore Integration: Weaving mythology seamlessly into personal stories.

• Companion Dynamics: Using side characters to reflect and challenge the protagonist.

Kojima seems to be engaging directly with these strengths. The puppet promises to deliver the practical benefits Mimir offered—combat support, puzzle-solving hints, and world-building exposition—but within the eerie, surreal context of the Death Stranding universe. Furthermore, the potential for humor is immense. Mimir's levity was essential for balancing Kratos's solemnity. Similarly, this puppet's personality, already hinted at with its "buttocks" comment, could provide much-needed comic relief against Death Stranding's typically bleak and tense atmosphere.

As 2025 approaches, the mystery of the puppet is one of my most anticipated aspects of Death Stranding 2. We don't yet know its name, its full origin, or the exact nature of its abilities. Is it a new type of BB? A constructed being? A captured entity? The questions are endless. But its purpose seems clear: to walk alongside Sam, both literally and figuratively. In doing so, it carries forward a legacy established by a brilliant, talking head in a different franchise. This isn't a case of imitation; it's an evolution. It's the application of a proven, powerful narrative tool—a companion who is both a guide and a mirror—to a new story that desperately needs it. Sam's world is one of separation, and this Mimir-inspired puppet might just be the key to helping him, and us as players, find a new kind of connection on that lonely beach.