Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Characters & Allies

Metal Gear Solid 4: Learn about Old Snake and allies. Understand character roles and interaction strategies for success in Guns of the Patriots.

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Characters & Allies

Navigating the complex world of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots requires understanding the key players, both friend and foe. This section details the primary characters you'll encounter, offering insights into their roles, how they might assist you, and specific strategies for interacting with them to maximize your advantage.

Old Snake

As the protagonist, Old Snake's deteriorating body is a central gameplay mechanic. Managing his Psyche and Stress levels is paramount. use the following:

  • Stress Relief:
    • Items: Consume Regain or Noodles to reduce stress. These can often be found in supply crates in Acts One and Two, particularly in civilian areas or abandoned buildings.
    • Environment: Find safe spots to rest, such as inside a Cardboard Box or a Drum Can. Resting in these items for a short period will slowly regenerate Psyche.
    • Emotional Support: Calling Otacon on the Codec, especially after a stressful encounter, can provide a small Psyche boost.
  • Camouflage: Use the OctoCamo effectively. Remember to press Triangle to activate it against surfaces. In areas with high enemy density, like the Middle East in Act One, blending into walls or debris is crucial for stealth.
  • Syringe: The Syringe is vital for temporarily boosting Snake's CQC capabilities and reducing stress during intense combat. Always keep a few on hand, especially before boss encounters.

Otacon (Hal Emmerich)

Your primary support and technical expert, Otacon is invaluable for intel and item delivery.

  • Codec Calls: Regularly contact Otacon for mission updates, enemy information, and environmental analysis. His insights can reveal hidden paths or enemy weaknesses.
  • Supply Drops: In certain areas, Otacon can arrange for supply drops. Look for designated drop zones marked on your map. These drops often contain essential items like Rations, Ammo, or specialized weapons. For example, in Act Two, during the European conflict, a supply drop might include a M4 Custom or XM8 if you're low on assault rifle ammunition.
  • Mk. II/III: The Mk. II and Mk. III are remote-controlled robots deployed by Otacon.
    • Reconnaissance: Use them to scout ahead, especially in tight corridors or heavily guarded areas like the Shadow Moses facility in Act Four.
    • Item Collection: They can pick up small items like Drebin Points, Weapons, or Recovery Items without exposing Snake.
    • Distraction: The Mk. II/III can emit a small noise to distract enemies, allowing Snake to sneak past.

Drebin 893

The arms dealer is your go-to for weapons, ammunition, and customization.

  • Drebin Points (DP): Earn DP by collecting weapons from fallen enemies or selling unwanted gear. Prioritize collecting weapons from PMC soldiers in Act One and Two, as they often carry valuable firearms.
  • Weapon Customization: Regularly visit Drebin's shop (accessible via the pause menu) to customize your weapons.
    • Attachments: Invest in Suppressors for stealth, Laser Sights for improved accuracy, and Grenade Launchers for crowd control.
    • Upgrades: Upgrade your favorite weapons' Firepower, Accuracy, and Capacity. A fully upgraded M4 Custom is a formidable weapon for any situation.
  • ID Lock Removal: Drebin can remove the ID lock from enemy weapons, allowing you to use them. This is crucial for maintaining a steady supply of ammunition, especially in early acts.

Meryl Silverburgh & Rat Patrol 01

Meryl and her squad provide direct combat support in specific missions.

  • Act One - Middle East:
    • Cover Fire: During the initial firefight in the Middle East, Meryl and her team will engage enemy PMC soldiers. Use their presence to flank enemies or advance under cover.
    • Distraction: They can draw enemy attention, allowing Snake to perform stealth takedowns or bypass engagements entirely.
    • Healing: If Meryl or her squad members are injured, they might require assistance. While not a direct gameplay mechanic for Snake, keeping them alive can sometimes influence mission outcomes or dialogue.
  • Act Three - Eastern Europe:
    • Escort Mission: When escorting Meryl, prioritize her safety. Use the Solid Eye to identify threats and eliminate them before they reach her.
    • Coordinated Attacks: Meryl will often provide covering fire or engage specific targets. Coordinate your attacks to maximize efficiency. For instance, use a Stun Grenade to incapacitate a group of enemies, allowing Meryl to finish them off.

Raiden

Raiden's appearances are often pivotal, offering powerful combat assistance.

  • Act Two - South America:
    • Boss Battle Support: During the fight against Vamp, Raiden will engage him directly. Focus on supporting Raiden by distracting Vamp or attacking him from a distance with weapons like the Mosin-Nagant to conserve Raiden's health.
    • Environmental Advantage: use the environment during these encounters. For example, in the South American facility, use cover to avoid Vamp's attacks while Raiden engages him.
  • Act Four - Shadow Moses:
    • Critical Assistance: Raiden's intervention in key moments can save Snake from seemingly insurmountable odds. Focus on your objective while Raiden handles the immediate threats.