Episode 4: C2W
This mission focuses on destroying communications equipment to disrupt enemy operations. Speed and stealth are key to achieving a high rank, especially an S-Rank. You'll be heading to the Eastern Communications Post.
Recommended Gear & Buddy
- Weapons: Suppressed tranquilizer pistol (WU S. PISTOL) is essential for stealth. A suppressed assault rifle (AM MRS-4) can be useful for emergencies, but try to avoid direct combat.
- Items: Cardboard Box (always useful!), Night Vision Goggles (if attempting at night), Fulton Recovery System (for extra GMP and recruits).
- Buddy: D-Dog is highly recommended. His ability to mark enemies and resources makes stealth significantly easier. Alternatively, D-Horse can provide a fast approach and escape.
Mission Walkthrough: Eastern Communications Post
Approach and Infiltration
- Initial Deployment: You'll deploy south of the Eastern Communications Post. Immediately call in D-Dog if you haven't already.
- Scouting the Perimeter:
- Head north-northeast from your deployment zone. D-Dog will start marking enemies and resources.
- There's a small outpost with a guard post and a few soldiers on the path leading to the main base. You can bypass this by going around the left (west) side, or neutralize the guards for easier access.
- Use your binoculars to tag all visible enemies and the communications equipment. The primary target is the large satellite dish and its associated control units.
- Entering the Base:
- The most direct and stealthy approach is often from the west side. There's a small gap in the fence or a less-guarded entrance.
- Alternatively, you can approach from the south, but this usually involves more guards and potential patrols.
Neutralizing Communications
There are two main ways to complete the objective: destroying the equipment or extracting it via Fulton.
Option 1: Destruction (Faster for S-Rank)
This is generally the quickest method and highly recommended for S-Rank attempts.
- Locate the Equipment:
- The main target is the large satellite dish. There are also smaller communications devices (often green boxes) located near it or within the main building.
- There are typically three key pieces of equipment to destroy: the large satellite dish itself, and two smaller communications units usually located at the base of the dish or inside the nearby building.
- Method of Destruction:
- C4: Plant C4 charges on each piece of equipment. You can plant all three and detonate them simultaneously for maximum efficiency. This is the fastest method.
- Grenades: A well-placed grenade can destroy the smaller units. The large dish might require more than one or a direct hit.
- Gunfire: Shooting the equipment with any weapon will eventually destroy it, but this is noisy and time-consuming. Only use as a last resort.
- Execution:
- Sneak to each piece of equipment. If guards are nearby, tranquilize them or distract them with a thrown magazine.
- Plant the C4. Once all charges are placed, retreat to a safe distance and detonate.
- The mission will complete immediately upon destruction of all required equipment.
Option 2: Extraction (For GMP and Recruits)
This method is slower but yields more GMP and potential recruits if you Fulton the equipment.
- Fulton the Equipment:
- Approach each piece of communications equipment.
- Use the Fulton Recovery System on each one. Be aware that Fultoning is noisy and can alert nearby guards.
- Ensure you have enough Fulton balloons.
- Dealing with Guards: Since Fultoning is loud, be prepared to neutralize any guards who investigate the noise.
Exfiltration
Once the objective is complete, you need to extract from the hot zone.
- On Foot: Run out of the mission area. The fastest way is often to backtrack the way you came in or find the nearest clear path.
- Call in a Helicopter: If you prefer, call in a chopper to an available LZ. Be mindful of enemy patrols and potential anti-air defenses if you've caused a lot of commotion.
- D-Horse: If you brought D-Horse, use him for a quick escape.
S-Rank Strategy Tips
- Speed: The primary factor for an S-Rank is completing the mission quickly. Aim for under 5 minutes.
- Stealth Bonus: Avoid being detected. If you are spotted, restart from a checkpoint or quickly neutralize the threat.
- No Kills: While not strictly required for S-Rank, avoiding kills (using tranquilizers) will give you a "No Kills" bonus, contributing to your score.
- No Retries: Completing the mission without using "Continue" or restarting from a checkpoint helps your score.
- Destroy, Don't Fulton: For speed, destroy the equipment with C4. Fultoning takes too long.
- D-Dog is Your Best Friend: His marking ability saves valuable time by revealing enemy positions and the exact location of the communications equipment.