Mission 3: Cartel Protection (Las Almas) transitions from rural infiltration to intense, vertical urban combat. You control Soap, accompanying Alejandro and Rodolfo through the cartel-controlled streets of Las Almas to protect a high-value asset. Speed and lethal accuracy are required as you face the Sicarios and corrupt Mexican Special Forces.
Recommended Loadout
- Primary: M4 or Lachmann-556 (Assault Rifles are essential for mid-range street engagements).
- Secondary: Fennec 45 or Bryson 800 (Crucial for tight interior room-clearing).
- Tactical: Flashbangs (Essential for clearing the "kill houses" during the house-to-house search).
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
1. The Street Sweep
The mission begins with a push through narrow alleyways. Enemies will appear on rooftops and behind market stalls. Stay crouched and follow Alejandro's lead. When the first major firefight erupts near the parked cars, prioritize the snipers on the balconies above the blue building. Use the cars as cover, but be ready to move if they take too much damage and begin to smoke.
2. Clearing the Houses
You will be tasked with searching several residences. This is the most dangerous part of the mission due to "corner campers." Always "pie the door"—stand to the side of doorways, throw a Flashbang, and enter only after the detonation. In the second house, watch for an enemy hiding behind a couch in the main living room; he is scripted to ambush you as you cross the threshold.
3. The Mountain Path & Bridge Ambush
After leaving the residential area, you'll move toward the hills. This section introduces long-range threats. Switch your weapon to semi-auto or use your optic to pick off cartel members near the bridge. Do not rush forward; stay behind the rocky outcroppings. Once you reach the bridge, a technical (truck with a mounted gun) will appear. Aim for the driver immediately to stop the vehicle, then take out the gunner.
4. The Final Stand at the Café
The mission culminates in a defensive hold-out. You must protect the HVI while waves of enemies converge on your position. Tactical Tip: Move to the second floor of the café. It provides superior lines of sight and prevents you from being flanked through the side windows. Use your remaining Frag grenades on the clusters of enemies dropping from the helicopters in the courtyard.
Key Objectives & Enemy Types
- Objective: Infiltrate the safe house and secure Hassan and the Cartel Lead.
- Enemies: Standard Hitmen (low health, high numbers) and Armored Sicarios (require headshots or sustained fire to break plates).
- Difficult Encounter: The balcony assault. When moving through the narrow stairwell, enemies will frequently toss grenades down; listen for the "clink" sound and be prepared to throw them back or retreat instantly.