Chapter 1: The Phantom Pain of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker sets the stage for Big Boss's burgeoning MSF and their first major independent operation. Following the events of MGS3, Big Boss and Kazuhira Miller have established Militaires Sans Frontières, a mercenary group operating from a floating Mother Base in the Caribbean. Their operations are initially focused on fulfilling contracts, but they soon find themselves drawn into a larger conflict when a mysterious armed force, known as "The Militant's Party," emerges in Colombia, threatening to destabilize the region.
This chapter introduces the core gameplay loop of Peace Walker, including the recruitment of new soldiers through the Fulton Recovery System, the development of Mother Base facilities, and the execution of various mission types. Players will learn the intricacies of combat, stealth, and resource management as they navigate the early stages of Big Boss's journey to create his own nation. The missions in this chapter are designed to familiarize players with the game's mechanics and introduce the overarching narrative that will unfold throughout the game.