Survival Guide to Every Battle in Metal Gear Solid V

2 April 2025

Metal Gear Solid V is more than just a game; it’s a strategic playground where every decision you make on the battlefield can mean the difference between victory and failure. Whether you're a stealth enthusiast or someone who likes to run in guns blazing (hey, no judgment here), surviving the trials of every mission is no cakewalk. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back. This guide will walk you through practical, battle-tested strategies to conquer every fight.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of staying alive and thriving in the world of MGSV. From sneaky infiltrations to full-blown firefights, we’ll cover everything!

1. Preparation is Everything: Gear Up Like a Pro

Before you even think about jumping into a mission, take a minute… breathe… and plan. Think of it this way: you'd never head into a snowstorm with flip-flops, would you? Well, the same goes for Metal Gear Solid V. Proper preparation can save you a world of headaches.

Customize Your Loadout

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. Each mission has its quirks, terrain, and enemy setups. Here’s what you should always consider:
- Primary Weapons: Choose silenced weapons, like a suppressed assault rifle or pistol, if stealth is your thing. Otherwise, pack something heavy if you anticipate chaos.
- Secondary Gadgets: Equip things like C4, Fulton devices, and cardboard boxes (yes, the box is a lifesaver).
- Support Buddy: D-Dog is great for detecting enemies, D-Horse helps you travel swiftly, and Quiet can be a lethal sharpshooter. Pick your sidekick wisely!

Intel is King

Scout the mission area beforehand. Use your Intel Team to mark important assets on your map. The early bird catches the worm—or, in MGSV’s case, avoids walking into a heavily armed outpost blind.

2. Stealth: Your Best Friend or a Missed Opportunity?

There’s a reason why stealth is the heart and soul of the Metal Gear series. Let’s face it—not every fight needs to turn into a fireworks display.

Think Like a Shadow

The key to mastering stealth? Patience. It’s like playing hide-and-seek but on steroids. If you rush in, you'll alert the enemy, and then… well, you’re in for a bad time. Stick to the shadows, use the environment to your advantage, and don’t forget to crouch or go prone when sneaking through tight areas.

The Art of Distraction

Enemies in MGSV are curious, and boy, can you use that against them. Toss an Empty Magazine to lure guards away or use Decoys to trick them into thinking reinforcements have arrived. It’s all about playing mind games.

Neutralize Without Killing

You don’t always have to go for lethal methods. Non-lethal weapons like the Tranq Gun or stun grenades are your go-to tools if you’re trying to keep things low-profile.

3. When Things Go South: Surviving Open Combat

Okay, so stealth isn’t going as planned. Alarms are blaring, the sky is filled with bullets, and all hell has broken loose. At this point, it’s time to embrace your inner action hero.

Stay Mobile

Standing still is practically a death sentence. Always keep moving, use cover wisely, and flank your enemies. Remember, the battlefield is like a game of chess—always think two moves ahead.

Headshots Are Key

Ammo is limited, but a well-placed headshot can save you a ton of trouble. Take your time to aim, especially if you’re using weapons like the sniper rifle or assault rifle.

Call for Backup

When overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to call in for airstrikes, supply drops, or additional buddies like Quiet for some extra firepower. Sometimes, it’s okay to admit you need a little help.

4. Adapting to Enemy AI: They’re Smarter Than You Think

One of MGSV’s standout features is how adaptive its enemies are. If you keep relying on the same tactics, they’ll catch on faster than you’d like.

Change Your Tactics

Been overusing Tranq Guns? Soon, enemies will start wearing helmets. Relying on headshots? Expect more face shields. To counter this, you’ve got to stay one step ahead. Mix up your approaches and keep the enemy guessing.

Study Their Behavior

The guards often follow predictable patterns. Observe their routes and execute your moves when they're least expecting it. If you’re feeling cheeky, set a trap along their patrol line using Claymores or C4.

5. Boss Battles: David vs. Goliath

The boss battles in Metal Gear Solid V are… unique. Whether it’s squaring off against The Skulls or taking down an armored vehicle, these fights will test your mettle.

Against The Skulls

The Skulls are, quite frankly, terrifying. My advice? Don’t engage unless you absolutely have to. If a mission lets you avoid them, run like your life depends on it—because it probably does.

If a fight is unavoidable:
- Use heavy weaponry like rocket launchers.
- Stay mobile and avoid their attacks at all costs.
- Bring a buddy like Quiet for covering fire.

Armored Vehicles and Helicopters

When dealing with tanks or choppers, high-powered weapons like grenade launchers and anti-air missile launchers are your best bet. These battles are like trying to swat a fly with a spoon—frustrating but doable with the right tools.

6. Managing Resources and Mother Base

Your Mother Base is more than just HQ—it’s your lifeline. Managing it well can give you the edge on the battlefield.

Fulton Everything

See an enemy soldier with impressive stats? Fulton them back to base. Notice a Jeep you like? Yep, Fulton that too. Treat your Fulton Device like a shopping cart at a supermarket—grab everything that’s not bolted down.

Develop Gear

As your staff levels up, you’ll unlock better gear. Don’t just stick with the basic stuff—invest in upgrades to make your missions easier.

7. The Mental Game: Stay Calm Under Pressure

MGSV doesn’t just test your in-game skills—it also tests your patience. There will be times when something goes wrong, and you’ll want to throw your controller at the wall (been there). But here’s the thing: panicking won’t help.

Take a deep breath, reassess the situation, and remember: you’re Big Boss. You’ve got this.

8. Tips and Tricks for Long-Term Survival

- Save Often: MGSV has a generous autosave system, but manual saves will save you a lot of frustration if things go south.
- Take Breaks: Seriously, this game can consume hours before you realize it. Don’t neglect your health (or your sanity).
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different strategies. Part of the fun is discovering what works for you.

Final Thoughts

Metal Gear Solid V is a masterpiece that rewards creativity, patience, and persistence. Whether you prefer to stay in the shadows like a ghost or take the Rambo approach, there’s no wrong way to play. Just remember: every mission is a story waiting to unfold, and you're the one writing it. So go out there, make mistakes, adapt, and show the battlefield who’s boss!

Good luck out there, soldier. You’ve got this.