Collectibles Checklist

Collectibles Checklist

Welcome, operative, to the definitive guide for tracking down every hidden gem and essential item in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. This section is designed to ensure you don't miss a single crucial piece of equipment, from vital weapons and health upgrades to the elusive dog tags. Mastering your inventory is key to survival, and this checklist will provide specific locations and strategies to make your collection efforts efficient and thorough.

Dog Tags

Collecting Dog Tags is a primary collectible objective in MGS2, offering significant rewards upon completion. Each enemy soldier carries a unique tag, which can be acquired by holding them up at gunpoint. Aim your weapon at an enemy from behind, then move in front of them while maintaining your aim. They will often raise their hands; if not, fire a warning shot near their feet. Once they surrender, aim at their head or crotch to make them drop their Dog Tag. Be aware that some enemies require more persuasion (e.g., shooting near their extremities) to drop their tags. The number of tags varies by difficulty setting, with higher difficulties featuring more unique tags to collect.

• Tanker Chapter: There are a total of 60 Dog Tags to collect on the Tanker. These are spread across the various decks, engine room, and bridge. Pay close attention to patrolling guards and those stationed in less obvious locations.
• Plant Chapter: The Plant Chapter boasts a massive 120 Dog Tags. This will require extensive exploration of every strut, connecting bridge, and underwater section. Remember to revisit areas after significant plot events, as enemy patrols can change.

Weapons & Ammunition

While many weapons are acquired through story progression, several are hidden or require specific actions to obtain. Ammunition is often found in lockers, crates, or dropped by enemies. Always keep an eye out for these resources.

• M9 Tranquilizer Pistol: Your primary non-lethal weapon.
  • Tanker: Found in the Aft Deck, near the start of the chapter, often in a small storage area or locker.
  • Plant: Acquired early in the chapter, typically in the Strut A Deep Sea Dock or Connecting Bridge.
• USP .45: A standard lethal pistol.
  • Tanker: Located in the Bridge, usually on a table or shelf after the initial encounter.
• SOCOM: Another lethal pistol, often found with a suppressor.
  • Plant: Can be found in Strut A Deep Sea Dock, often in a submerged area or a nearby locker.
• AK-74u: An assault rifle.
  • Plant: Frequently carried by enemy soldiers; can be picked up from fallen foes. Also found in weapon caches within various struts, such as Strut F Warehouse.
• PSG1: A sniper rifle.
  • Plant: Essential for certain boss encounters. Located in Strut E Heliport, often in a small office or storage room accessible via a vent.
• Stinger Missile Launcher: Crucial for anti-air and certain boss fights.
  • Plant: Acquired in Strut F Warehouse, typically after a significant event or puzzle.

Items & Equipment

Beyond weapons, several items provide tactical advantages, health regeneration, or access to new areas.

• Ration: Restores a portion of your health. Found almost everywhere – check lockers, crates, and enemy drops.
• Bandage: Stops bleeding. Often found alongside Rations.
• Cardboard Box: Essential for stealth and quick travel.
  • Tanker: Box A is found on the Navigational Deck, Wing. Box B is in the Bridge.
  • Plant: Multiple boxes are scattered throughout the struts, often in storage rooms or near cargo.
• Thermal Goggles: Allows you to see heat signatures, useful for detecting lasers and hidden enemies.
  • Tanker: Found in the Engine Room, often on a catwalk or in a small alcove.
  • Plant: Located in Strut A Deep Sea Dock, sometimes in a locker or submerged area.
• Night Vision Goggles: Enhances visibility in dark areas.
  • Plant: Found in Strut B Transformer Room, often in a dark corner or behind machinery.
• Body Armor: Reduces damage taken.
  • Plant: Located in Strut F Warehouse, often on an upper level or hidden behind crates.
• Digital Camera: Used for specific photo objectives.
  • Tanker: Found in the Hold 2, after a specific event.
• Sensor A & B: Detects mines and other hidden objects.
  • Plant: Sensor A is typically found in Shell 1 Core, 1F. Sensor B is in Shell 2 Core, 1F.

Hidden & Special Items

Some items are particularly well-hidden or require specific conditions to obtain.

• Stealth Camo: Renders you almost invisible.
  • Acquisition: Complete the game with all 180 Dog Tags on any difficulty. This is a post-game reward.
• Infinite Ammo Bandana: Grants unlimited ammunition for all weapons.
  • Acquisition: Complete the game with a specific rank (often Fox or Big Boss) on any difficulty, or by collecting a certain number of Dog Tags.
• Wetland Camo: A unique camouflage pattern.
  • Plant: Found in the Floodgate area, often submerged or in a hard-to-reach spot. Requires careful exploration.

Remember to use your radar and codec frequently. Otacon and Rose can often provide hints about item locations or environmental puzzles that lead to collectibles. Good luck, Snake/Raiden!