Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Episode 8: Occupation Forces

Navigate Episode 8: Occupation Forces in Metal Gear Solid V. Use stealth strategies to eliminate the Viscount and the Major at Lamar Khaate Palace.

·Multi-source verified (49/49)

Episode 8: Occupation Forces

Episode 8, "Occupation Forces," tasks you with eliminating two high-value targets: the Viscount and the Major. This mission can be approached with stealth or aggression, but a methodical, stealth-focused strategy will yield better results and higher ranks. The mission takes place primarily around the Lamar Khaate Palace and the nearby guard post.

Mission Preparation

  • Time of Day: Deploy at 18:00 (6 PM) for optimal nighttime infiltration. This provides excellent cover and reduces enemy visibility.
  • Buddy: D-Dog is highly recommended for his ability to mark enemies, resources, and even the targets themselves. Quiet can also be effective for long-range support, but D-Dog's intel is invaluable for this mission.
  • Loadout:
    • Primary Weapon: Suppressed assault rifle (e.g., AM MRS-4R) or sniper rifle (e.g., M2000-D) for taking out distant threats or cameras.
    • Secondary Weapon: Suppressed tranquilizer pistol (e.g., WU S. PISTOL) for non-lethal takedowns.
    • Support Weapon: Grenades (sleep or stun) for crowd control if things go sideways.
    • Items: Fulton Recovery System (essential for extracting targets and high-value personnel), Night Vision Goggles (NVG) if not deploying at night, Cardboard Box (always useful for quick concealment).
    • Uniform: Sneaking Suit for reduced noise and better camouflage at night.

Infiltration and Initial Reconnaissance

  1. Deployment: Deploy at the northernmost landing zone, "Lamar Khaate Palace (North)." This puts you in a good position to approach the palace from a less heavily guarded direction.
  2. Approach the Palace: From the landing zone, head south towards the palace. Stick to the rocky terrain and avoid the main road. D-Dog will begin marking enemies as you get closer.
  3. Perimeter Scan: Before entering the palace grounds, use your binoculars (and D-Dog's marking) to identify guard patrols, stationary sentries, and any security cameras. There's often a guard post to the northeast of the palace that can be cleared for easier access.
  4. Identify Targets: The Viscount and the Major will be marked by D-Dog. They typically patrol different areas within the palace. The Viscount often stays on the ground floor or the courtyard, while the Major might be found on higher levels or in specific rooms.

Eliminating the Viscount

The Viscount is generally easier to take down first due to his more predictable patrol patterns on the lower levels.

  1. Stealth Entry: Look for an opening in the palace's outer wall, or use a less guarded entrance. There's often a broken section of wall or a low-traffic gate on the northern or eastern side.
  2. Locate the Viscount: Follow D-Dog's markers. The Viscount often patrols the central courtyard or the ground-floor rooms.
  3. Non-Lethal Takedown (Recommended):
    • Wait for the Viscount to separate from other guards or enter a secluded area.
    • Use your tranquilizer pistol to put him to sleep.
    • Once unconscious, Fulton him out immediately. This completes his objective and removes him from the area without alerting other guards.
  4. Lethal Takedown (Alternative): If you prefer a lethal approach, a suppressed headshot from a distance is effective. Be prepared for potential alerts if other guards witness the action or find the body.

Eliminating the Major

The Major can be a bit more challenging as he often patrols higher levels or more secure areas.

  1. Ascend the Palace: After dealing with the Viscount, make your way to the upper levels of the palace. Look for stairwells or ladders. Be wary of additional guards and security cameras.
  2. Locate the Major: D-Dog will pinpoint his location. He might be in a specific office, a balcony, or patrolling a rooftop section.
  3. Non-Lethal Takedown (Recommended):
    • Similar to the Viscount, isolate the Major. Use distractions (e.g., throwing magazines, knocking on walls) to lure him into a favorable position.
    • Tranquilize him and Fulton him out.
  4. Lethal Takedown (Alternative): A suppressed sniper shot from a vantage point can be effective if you have a clear line of sight and are confident in your aim. Be mindful of potential body discovery.

Optional Objectives and Collectibles

  • Resource Containers: Keep an eye out for resource containers (e.g., Fuel Resources, Minor Metal) scattered around the palace grounds and inside the building. Fulton them for extra GMP and Mother Base development.
  • Personnel: Many of the guards at Lamar Khaate Palace have decent stats. Fulton any A or B-ranked personnel you encounter to bolster your Mother Base staff.
  • Intel Files: There may be intel files on tables or desks within the palace that provide additional information about enemy movements or objectives.
  • Weapon Schematics: Occasionally, weapon schematics can be found in these types of high-security locations. Always check offices and command rooms.

Extraction

Once both targets are eliminated (or extracted), you can proceed to an extraction point. The safest option is often to backtrack the way you came, or head to a nearby hot extraction zone if available. Ensure no alerts are active to maximize your mission score.

S-Rank Strategy Tips

  • No Kills, No Alerts: The fastest way to an S-rank is to complete the mission without killing anyone (using tranquilizers and Fulton) and without triggering any alerts.
  • Speed: Complete the mission as quickly as possible. Knowing the targets' general locations and having a plan for their takedown will save valuable time.
  • Fulton Everything: Extracting targets, high-ranking personnel, and containers contributes to your score.
  • Buddy Usage: D-Dog's marking ability significantly speeds up target acquisition and enemy avoidance.