Combat Tactics: Combat System

Learn essential combat tactics for Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes. Master CQC, weapon usage, stealth takedowns, and reflex mode to overcome enemy threats.

Alright, so sometimes sneaking around just isn't cutting it in Ground Zeroes, and you need to get your hands dirty. Don't worry, there are a few solid ways to handle those pesky guards when stealth fails or just isn't an option. Let's break down how to deal with them head-on, or, you know, from behind.

Grab & Interrogate

This is your go-to for taking down a guard without raising a fuss. Sneak up behind an unsuspecting enemy, grab 'em, and you've got options. You can go for a quick chokehold or a lethal takedown to neutralize them. But here's the cool part: you can also interrogate them. This is super useful because they might spill the beans on where to find collectibles, the positions of other guards, or even where ammo stashes are. Plus, anything they tell you gets marked on your iDroid map, which is a lifesaver.

Even better, you can make a guard call out to the nearest enemy, luring them away so you can take them down one-on-one. And if things get hairy, you can even use the guard you're holding as a human shield. Just keep holding that grab button!

Close Quarter Combat (CQC)

Snake's fists are just as deadly as his guns. A quick CQC button press will land a punch or two, knocking enemies out cold. Just be careful: if a guard spots you trying to get close, they'll start shooting and sound the alarm. So, always make sure you're sneaking up undetected!

Here's a pro-tip for CQC: find some cover and peek out. Wait for that white exclamation mark to pop up over an enemy's head – that means they're coming to investigate. Stick to the corner, and when they get close enough, a CQC prompt will appear. Hit it, knock 'em out, and get back to cover. Perfect stealth takedown!

Weapons

Your trusty arsenal is key. You can go lethal with live ammo or opt for tranquilizer rounds. The best part? Tranquilizer guns are silenced right out of the box. For your assault rifles, you can attach a suppressor for a silenced effect too. The catch with these suppressors is they have a limited lifespan – you'll see a small white bar under your ammo count. Once it's gone, the silencer breaks, so use them wisely!

Tranquilizers aren't without their downsides either. Enemies you knock out can recover after a while, especially on Hard difficulty. When using firearms, always aim for the head. Looking down your sights boosts accuracy, and headshots mean instant kills or tranquilizations. Body shots are way less efficient and will alert the target, giving them a chance to spot you and raise an alarm.

Hold Up

Want to disarm a guard without a fight? Sneak up behind them, aim your weapon at their back, and they'll usually drop their gear and surrender. From there, you can quickly take them down with CQC, use them as a human shield, or go for a headshot.

Reflex Mode

If you do get spotted, the game throws you a bone with Reflex Mode. Time slows down briefly, giving you a chance to react. If you can nail a headshot on the guard who spotted you during this window, you'll avoid raising an alert. It's a lifesaver when things go south!