The story of Beyond: Two Souls follows the life of Jodie, a young girl with a special ability to see beyond this world. The game's narrative is presented in a non-linear fashion, jumping back and forth through her lifetime to provide a better understanding of who she is and what she can do. Since childhood, Jodie has been connected to an entity she calls Aiden, which she cannot control but with whom she shares a deep bond.
The player's choices throughout the game have significant effects on the story, leading to multiple possible endings. One of the unique aspects of the gameplay is the ability to switch between Jodie and Aiden at will. While controlling Jodie, players can explore environments, interact with objects, engage in conversation, or fight. In contrast, while controlling Aiden, the player's options are more limited, allowing for some movement and interaction with specific objects. As the story unfolds, Aiden's abilities become increasingly powerful, enabling it to possess or even kill certain characters.