Higgs, the enigmatic antagonist from Death Stranding, is making a grand return in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Troy Baker, the talented actor behind Higgs, joined Hideo Kojima and Norman Reedus at the SXSW panel to discuss how the character has evolved and why fans should be excited about his return.
Why Higgs is Back
Hideo Kojima revealed that fan demand played a crucial role in Higgs’ comeback. “Higgs was so popular last time, I thought I couldn’t kill him,” Kojima stated. However, this time, Higgs isn’t returning as a villain—he’s a “loved character” with a whole new dimension.
A Musical Evolution Inspired by the Pandemic
Kojima shared that during the COVID-19 lockdown, he was inspired by Troy Baker’s live music performances. Seeing Baker play the guitar and uplift audiences worldwide gave Kojima the idea to integrate music into Higgs’ character. “I thought, okay, I’m going to give Higgs a guitar and make him sing,” Kojima explained.
Troy Baker’s Excitement and Trust in Kojima
Baker expressed his excitement about working with Kojima again, emphasizing the deep trust required to bring such a unique vision to life. He praised the collaborative environment and the creative risks taken in Death Stranding 2.
Higgs is ‘100 Times Better’ in DS2
Kojima teased that Higgs’ role in Death Stranding 2 will be even more intense. “For DS2, Higgs is not twice or thrice better—he’s 100 times better! At the end, you’re going to watch Higgs and say, ‘What is this?’ You’ll probably throw the controller—it’s so ridiculous. So I’ll apologize beforehand. Mission accomplished if you do.”
Conclusion
Troy Baker’s return as Higgs is shaping up to be one of the most exciting aspects of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. With a new musical side and an even more dramatic presence, Higgs is set to be a character that players will both love and fear.