Recruiting soldiers is a core mechanic in Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, allowing you to build a diverse and powerful team. You can recruit soldiers in several ways:
- Knock Out and Drag: The most common method. Incapacitate an enemy (non-lethally, e.g., CQC choke, tranquilizer gun) and then drag their unconscious body to the back of your truck. Once the mission is complete, they will be added to your recruitment pool.
- Hold-Up: Sneak up behind an enemy and hold them up with a weapon. They may surrender and join your team immediately, or drop items.
- Wi-Fi Scan: Use the Wi-Fi scan feature in the main menu to find nearby PSPs or access points. This can yield unique or high-stat soldiers.
- Trade: Exchange soldiers with other players via local wireless connection.
Each soldier has unique stats (e.g., Combat, Medical, Technical, Spy) and skills. Prioritize recruiting soldiers with high stats in areas you need to bolster your team. For example, high Medical stats improve recovery time, while high Technical stats speed up weapon development. Remember, you can only recruit a limited number of soldiers per mission, so choose wisely.