Death Stranding 2: Higgs Returns as Anti-Hero, Not Villain

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The upcoming installment in Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding series, titled “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach,” is expected soon, leaving fans guessing about its story based on the mysterious trailers released so far. Despite the length of these trailers, the Death Stranding community remains clueless regarding the sequel’s plot, and this enigma particularly surrounds one of its main characters – Higgs.

In essence, Higgs primarily acted as the villain throughout the narrative of Death Stranding. However, it was Sam Porter Bridges who ultimately prevailed over him in a critical, multi-stage showdown at Amelie’s Beach. Following his defeat, Fragile appeared and administered a punch that left him unconscious. She then presented him with two options: suicide or exile on the Beach, which he opted for the latter. Now, it appears Higgs will reappear in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, potentially becoming more significant to Sam and the others than he ever was before due to his resurgence.

Death Stranding 2 May Make Higgs an Anti-Hero

Bringing Higgs Back as a Straightforward Villain Could Be Anticlimactic

Higgs was a standout character in the original Death Stranding, his charisma making him an unforgettable and intriguing antagonist. Reintroducing him as the villain in Death Stranding 2 might seem like a smart move initially, but it could potentially lead to problems down the line. Additionally, given Hideo Kojima’s reputation for creating elaborate, complex narratives rather than straightforward ones, this decision doesn’t align with his typical style.

As I eagerly anticipate my next adventure in the enigmatic world of Death Stranding 2, the pre-order trailer unveils a new character, none other than Neil. But here’s the twist – he seems to embody an antagonistic force, yet somehow, even that hint feels too simplistic for Kojima’s intricate storytelling.

It could be less engaging and somewhat redundant to bring back Higgs as the villain in Death Stranding 2, considering he held that role previously and was vanquished. Repeatedly using him as an adversary might diminish his significance within the narrative, making him appear more of a nuisance than a substantial antagonist. This would be particularly problematic if he turns out to be merely an obstacle on the path to Death Stranding 2’s primary villain.

Higgs Is Likely to Be More on the Right Side of the Aisle in Death Stranding 2

In the context of Kojima’s penchant for unconventional narratives and Higgs’ potential return in a simple villain role for Death Stranding 2, it seems unlikely that Higgs will continue to play a strictly antagonistic part. A more fitting portrayal might be that of a complex character who serves as an anti-hero, given the recent revelations about his persona in Death Stranding 2’s trailers. Alternatively, he could initially appear as a villain, but eventually align himself with Sam and others when they need his help for specific reasons, shifting from the wrong side to a more sympathetic position over the course of the story.

It could potentially seem underwhelming or diminish Higgs’ significance within the narrative of Death Stranding 2, if he were to return solely as a villain, given that another major antagonist might already be present.

The trailer for Death Stranding 2 hints at the character of Higgs, who appears troubled or fatigued, potentially depicting a side story of his character alongside the main plot. His emotional exchanges with Tomorrow in Death Stranding 2 suggest a man grappling with moral dilemmas: what is right, what is good, and what serves him best. This internal conflict could propel Higgs towards heroism or anti-heroism. It seems that a conventional villain role may not suffice to explain his return, implying Kojima has thought deeply about this character development.

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2025-05-10 13:29