Knockouts & Non-Lethal Takedowns
The Metal Gear Solid series offers players the choice between lethal and non-lethal approaches to enemy encounters. Non-lethal takedowns, such as knockouts and tranquilizer shots, are crucial for players aiming for a stealthy playthrough or seeking to achieve specific mission objectives that penalize lethal force. These methods allow you to incapacitate enemies temporarily without ending their lives.
Mastering non-lethal options requires precision and timing. Whether you're using CQC to choke out a guard or a tranquilizer pistol to put them to sleep from a distance, understanding the mechanics behind each method is key. Successfully neutralizing enemies non-lethally allows you to maintain a low profile, avoid raising alarms, and often contributes to higher mission rankings.
CQC Knockouts
When you get close to an enemy, particularly from behind, you can initiate a CQC grapple. From this grapple, you can often perform a non-lethal takedown. This usually involves a quick sequence of button presses that results in the enemy being rendered unconscious. The enemy will remain unconscious for a period, after which they will wake up. It's important to drag unconscious enemies to hiding spots to prevent them from being discovered.
Tranquilizer Weapons
Several weapons in the game are designed for non-lethal incapacitation. The most common is the tranquilizer pistol or rifle. Aiming at an enemy and firing will shoot a tranquilizer dart. Depending on the weapon and the enemy's armor, it may take one or more shots to put them to sleep. The effects of the tranquilizer are temporary.
Stun Grenades
Stun grenades are throwable items that, when detonated, emit a bright flash and a loud noise that temporarily disorients and incapacitates enemies within their radius. They are effective for clearing out small groups of guards or for creating an opening to escape or perform takedowns.
Sleepers and Body Disposal
Once an enemy is incapacitated, they will remain so for a limited time. If they are found by other guards, they will be revived, potentially triggering an alert. Therefore, it is often necessary to drag unconscious bodies to secluded areas, such as lockers, crates, or dark corners, to hide them from view.
Mission Objectives and Rankings
Many missions have objectives that require you to avoid killing any enemies. Furthermore, achieving high mission rankings often depends on minimizing lethal actions and maintaining a low alert status. Non-lethal takedowns are therefore essential for players seeking to achieve perfect scores and unlock all content.