Fulton Recovery System

The Fulton Recovery System is an indispensable tool in Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, allowing you to extract personnel, vehicles, and even certain resources from the battlefield. Mastering its use is crucial for expanding Mother Base, developing new weapons, and strengthening your combat unit.

Unlocking the Fulton Recovery System

You won't have access to the Fulton Recovery System from the very beginning of the game. It becomes available after completing a specific main operation:

Main Operation: "Chrysalis": Successfully completing this mission will unlock the ability to research and develop the Fulton Recovery System.

Once unlocked, head to the R&D team at Mother Base. You'll need to invest GMP and assign R&D staff with sufficient stats to develop the item. Prioritize this development as soon as it becomes available.

How to Use the Fulton Recovery System

Using the Fulton is straightforward, but timing and positioning are key:

Incapacitate Your Target: The Fulton can only be used on targets that are unconscious or stunned.
- For soldiers: Use CQC slams, tranquilizer rounds (e.g., from the Mk. 22 Hush Puppy or Mosin Nagant), stun grenades, or chokeholds until they are knocked out.
- For vehicles: You'll typically need to reduce their health significantly or disable their crew.
Approach the Target: Once the target is incapacitated, move close to them.
Deploy the Fulton: Equip the Fulton Recovery System from your item menu. Stand over the incapacitated target and press the action button (typically Triangle on PSP) to deploy the balloon.
Wait for Extraction: A balloon will attach to the target and lift them into the sky. A successful extraction will be confirmed with a message.

Important Considerations:

Weather Conditions: The Fulton system is affected by weather. During heavy rain or strong winds, the success rate of Fulton extractions can decrease significantly, or they may fail entirely. Always check the weather forecast before deploying.
Indoor Environments: The Fulton cannot be used indoors or under overhead obstructions. Ensure you are in an open-air environment.
Enemy Awareness: Deploying a Fulton balloon can alert nearby enemies due to the sound and visual cue. Be prepared for a potential engagement or ensure the area is clear.

What to Fulton

The Fulton is your primary method for expanding Mother Base and acquiring valuable resources:

Enemy Soldiers: This is the most common use. Each soldier has unique stats (Combat, R&D, Mess Hall, Medical, Intel) that contribute to your Mother Base units. Prioritize soldiers with high stats in areas you need to improve. Look for "S" or "A" ranked soldiers for significant boosts.
Vehicles: Tanks, APCs, and Helicopters can be extracted once their crews are incapacitated or the vehicle is sufficiently damaged. Recovering vehicles adds them to your Outer Ops roster, allowing you to send them on missions and earn GMP and resources.
Containers: Certain missions feature large cargo containers that can be Fulton extracted. These often contain valuable resources like Ration, Medical Supplies, or Weapon Parts, which are essential for R&D.
Special Items: Occasionally, you might find unique items or even VIPs that can be Fulton extracted for special rewards or story progression.

Advanced Fulton Strategies

Scouting with Binoculars: Before engaging, use your Binoculars to scout enemy soldiers. Zoom in and hold the target to reveal their unit stats. This allows you to prioritize high-value targets for recruitment.
Non-Lethal Approach: To maximize your Fulton opportunities, always opt for non-lethal takedowns. Lethal force will prevent you from recruiting soldiers.
"Fulton Recovery" Skill: Some soldiers possess the "Fulton Recovery" skill. Assigning these soldiers to your R&D team can increase the success rate of your Fulton extractions, especially in adverse weather.
Upgrade the Fulton: As you progress, you'll unlock upgrades for the Fulton Recovery System. These upgrades can increase its success rate, allow it to lift heavier objects, or reduce its deployment time. Prioritize these upgrades through your R&D team.