Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain guide and walkthrough

Our guide to Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain will walk you through this enormous stealth action blockbuster.

metal_gear_solid_5_the_phantom_pain_guide_walkthrough

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain guide and walkthrough

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is a truly enormous game. If you take into account all the side missions, the customisation of Mother Base, the optional online Forward Operating Base mode, and eventually the multiplayer suite Metal Gear Online, it's a truly staggering amount of content.

We're here to help you through. One of the great things about The Phantom Pain is that you have so many options, and so much flexibility, so the guidance we offer in these pages is designed to make sure you get through efficiently, see what you need to see and collect a decent amount of resources - not tell you how to play.

In many cases, how you execute is up to you, but be warned: every action has consequences. Rely too much on sniping, and enemies will start armouring up against you. Depend too much on the cover of darkness, and they'll pop night vision goggles. You're best bet is to mix it up, keep experimenting, and where possible, ghost it. But don't forget, if it all goes to pieces, Snake has the skill needed to fight his way out. Big Boss is, after all, the ultimate soldier.

Getting started

15 beginner’s tips for playing Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

How to master close quarters combat

The 11 best tactics you’re not using right now

Collectibles, Blueprints and more

There's a lot to explore, see and do across Metal Gear Solid 5's maps. Here you'll find locations for collectibles and Side Ops in one handy list.

Blueprint locations for all weapons and gear

Where to find all 10 Memento Photos

Where to find all music cassette tapes

How to unlock all story cassette tapes

How to get all 12 acquired cassette tapes

How to make GMP quickly

Mother Base

Mother Base is a great management sim-style task in Metal Gear Solid that can help you develop better weapons and gear for the main game, as well as improve the effectiveness of your troops. Here's how to micromanage and automate some of its best features.

Build the best Mother Base without spending money on your FOB

Easter eggs & secrets

Hideo Kojima is a master of hiding secrets and little surprises in Metal Gear games and The Phantom Pain is no exception. We'll add more as we find them.