Hiding Spots & Cover
Effective use of the environment is paramount in the Metal Gear Solid series, and this includes mastering the art of using hiding spots and cover. These elements are not merely decorative; they are your primary tools for breaking line of sight, evading patrols, and setting up ambushes. Learning to identify and use these tactical advantages will significantly improve your stealth capabilities.
From the obvious to the subtle, the game world is filled with opportunities to conceal yourself. Whether you're ducking behind a cardboard box, squeezing into a narrow alcove, or simply lying prone in tall grass, each hiding spot offers a unique advantage. Understanding when and how to use each type of cover is a fundamental skill that separates novice players from seasoned infiltrators.
Types of Cover
- Solid Cover: Objects like crates, walls, and vehicles provide complete visual obstruction. Enemies cannot see you if you are fully behind them.
- Partial Cover: Objects like low walls or desks may only partially obscure you, requiring you to be mindful of your posture and movement.
- Environmental Cover: Tall grass, bushes, and shadows offer natural concealment. While not as secure as solid cover, they can be very effective when combined with low stances.
Hiding Spots
- Cardboard Boxes: A classic Metal Gear staple. Boxes can be used to hide in plain sight, or even to move around undetected by pretending to be a moving object.
- Lockers and Cabinets: These provide secure, enclosed hiding spaces, ideal for waiting out patrols or for a quick escape.
- Under Tables/Desks: Similar to low cover, these can obscure your lower body and make you harder to spot.
- Ventilation Shafts: Often provide alternative routes and hidden passages.
Using Cover Tactically
Peeking: Many games allow you to lean out from cover to observe enemy positions without fully exposing yourself. This is crucial for planning your next move.
Moving Between Cover: Plan your routes between cover points carefully. Identify enemy patrol patterns and move only when the path is clear or when you can use other distractions.
Ambush Points: Use cover to your advantage by setting up ambushes. Wait for an enemy to approach your position before striking.
Body Concealment: If you incapacitate an enemy non-lethally, use hiding spots to conceal their body and prevent other guards from discovering them, which could trigger an alert.