Mission 5: Desperate Measures - KGB Headquarters Walkthrough
In "Desperate Measures," you step into the shoes of double agent Belikov inside the Lubyanka Building. This mission shifts the gameplay from frantic shooting to high-stakes social engineering and stealth. Your objective is simple but dangerous: secure a bunker key for Adler and Bell.
Phase 1: The Briefing and Social Engineering
The mission begins with a meeting involving Kravchenko and Zakhaev. Your dialogue choices here are critical for flavor, but your primary goal is to avoid suspicion.
- The Meeting: When questioned by Zakhaev, maintain your composure. If you have gathered evidence in previous missions, you can use specific dialogue options to deflect blame onto others.
- Disabling Surveillance: After the meeting, head to the security room. You must disable the cameras to allow your infiltrators access. Social engineer your way past the guards by asserting your rank.
Phase 2: Obtaining the Bunker Key (Multiple Paths)
There are four primary ways to acquire the bunker key. You only need to complete one, but some are stealthier than others:
- The Poisoning: Go to the infirmary to obtain Nova 6 gas. Sneak into General Charkov’s office and spike his tea. Ensure no guards see you handling the vial.
- The Framing: Use the computer in the server room to forge evidence that Charkov is a traitor. You will need to solve a brief sequence puzzle to bypass the encryption.
- The Bribe: Locate the prisoner in the holding cells. If you can convince him to help or find the necessary documents in the armory to blackmail the guard, he will assassinate Charkov for you.
- The Reprogramming: Steal a blank keycard from the armory and use the computer in the communications room to program it for bunker access. This requires navigating a heavy enemy patrol route in the basement.
Phase 3: Stealth and Enemy Patrols
While in the restricted areas (marked by red outlines on your mini-map), getting spotted results in an immediate alarm. Use these tips to navigate:
- Maintenance Tunnels: Use the crawlspaces and lockers to hide from guards. Enemy patrols follow a fixed "loop" pattern; wait for them to turn their backs before moving.
- Non-Lethal Takedowns: If you must eliminate a guard, hide the body in a nearby crate immediately. If a body is discovered, the building goes into lockdown, making your escape significantly harder.
Phase 4: Infiltration and Extraction
Once you have the key, head to the boiler room to let Adler and Bell in. At this point, the mission transitions into traditional combat.
- Uniform Change: You will provide Adler and Bell with guard uniforms. Walk with them through the checkpoints—do not run or draw your weapon until the scripted ambush begins.
- The Escape: After the elevator sequence, use the high-powered weapons in the lobby. Aim for the fire extinguishers located near the pillars to create smoke cover against the heavy APC fire outside.
Consequences: Your performance here determines the survival of certain side characters. Taking the "Stealthy" approach (poisoning or framing) yields more intel for the "Operation Chaos" side mission.