Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain isn’t just another entry in the series — it’s an entirely new beast. Kojima Productions has thrown players into the open-world chaos of Afghanistan without the comfort of iconic tools like the Soliton Radar. You’re vulnerable, exposed, and on your own. But that’s where the brilliance lies: survival is now in your hands. This guide covers nine key strategies to help you navigate the treacherous terrain and become a stealth legend.

1. Binoculars Are Your Best Friend The first and most critical habit you must build is using your binoculars. With the Soliton Radar gone, all intel must now come from your own perception. As soon as you spot the slightest hint of movement, press R1 to bring up your binoculars and tag enemies. Once tagged, enemies are outlined in red — permanently. Even behind walls or when they leave your field of vision, their silhouettes remain visible, both in the world and on your iDroid map. This gives you a tactical advantage that turns the battlefield in your favor.

2. Elevation Equals Intelligence Spotting enemies isn’t just about vigilance — it’s also about positioning. Find high ground: hills, cliffs, rooftops, or even the upper edges of enemy outposts. Gaining just a few extra meters of altitude can reveal hidden patrols and expose potential threats. Overlooking a base from above can change your entire approach, allowing you to move methodically and avoid the surprise encounters that ruin missions.

3. Prioritize the Russian Interpreter Side Op Among the first optional missions is one that seems minor but is absolutely vital — capturing a Russian-English interpreter. Without him, interrogating Russian soldiers is impossible. With him, Big Boss can extract game-changing intel: enemy locations, resources, and hidden weapons. It turns every single patrol into an opportunity for tactical gain.

4. Interrogate, Don’t Annihilate It might be tempting to go full commando, but the smarter route is stealth-based takedowns. Sneak up behind lone soldiers, grab them with R2, and threaten them with your blade. Many will spill useful info — sometimes even critical mission data. Afterwards, you can choose to choke them out or silently eliminate them. The point is: information is power. Gather it by fear, not firepower.

5. Use the Dusk Deployment Wisely Before each mission, you choose when to deploy: dawn, dusk, or ASAP. The best option? Dusk. The cover of darkness drastically reduces enemy visibility. Guards become less alert, and you can sprint across terrain that would otherwise require crawling. It may rob you of some visual spectacle, but dusk tilts the odds heavily in your favor.

6. De-Horse: Stealth on Four Legs Diamond Horse isn’t just transportation — it’s camouflage on hooves. While riding, press X to make Big Boss hang off the side of the horse. From certain angles, this makes you completely invisible to patrolling guards. It’s an elegant way to bypass checkpoints in broad daylight, with your enemies none the wiser.

7. Skip the Roads, Take the Path Less Traveled Going loud in Metal Gear may feel good, but it slows everything down. If you’re struggling or just want a break, skip the main roads. Flank the map using less traveled routes. It may not be glamorous, but it’s safe, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need to survive and progress without friction.

8. Fulton First, Ask Questions Later Headshots are satisfying, sure. But if you want long-term gains, non-lethal methods win. Your Fulton devices — those ridiculous but effective balloon extractions — allow you to send unconscious soldiers straight to Mother Base. Soon, your enemy becomes your workforce. Go to your iDroid > Mother Base > Staff Management to assign them to R&D, Intel, or other divisions. More staff means more gear, more intel, and more success.

9. Master Reflex Mode Eventually, someone will see you. It’s inevitable. But when it happens, don’t panic. Reflex Mode gives you a few slow-motion seconds to react. Stay calm, line up your shot, and take the enemy down with a single well-placed bullet. Rushing or panicking usually leads to chaos, but composure turns an alert into just another quiet takedown.

Conclusion: Stealth Is a State of Mind Surviving in The Phantom Pain isn’t about brute force — it’s about awareness, control, and adaptability. From scoping terrain to extracting soldiers, every action builds your legacy as Big Boss. These nine tips are just the beginning, but if you embrace them, you’ll soon find yourself not just surviving, but thriving. Stay quiet, stay smart, and stay alive.