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

Episode 9: Backup, Back Down

Ace Episode 9: Backup, Back Down in Metal Gear Solid V. Employ stealth and precision to extract the combat engineer and achieve S-rank potential.

·Multi-source verified (49/49)

Episode 9: Backup, Back Down

This mission tasks you with extracting a highly skilled combat engineer from the Afghanistan region. Stealth and precision are key to achieving a high rank, especially an S-rank. Be prepared for a dynamic environment and potential enemy reinforcements.

Recommended Loadout & Buddy

  • Weapons: Suppressed tranquilizer pistol (WU S.Pistol + .45 ACP), suppressed assault rifle (AM MRS-4R or equivalent), and a non-lethal sniper rifle (M2000-D or Renov-ICKX TP).
  • Items: Fulton Recovery Device (upgraded for vehicles if possible), Night Vision Goggles (if attempting at night), Cardboard Box, Decoys.
  • Buddy: D-Dog is invaluable for marking enemies and resources, making stealth much easier. Quiet can also be useful for long-range enemy suppression, but D-Dog's marking ability is generally more beneficial for this particular mission's objectives.

Walkthrough Strategy

Infiltrating the Area
  1. Initial Approach: Deploy to the northern landing zone (e.g., Aabe Shifap Ruins). Immediately call in D-Dog if you haven't already.
  2. Scout the Outpost: Head south towards the objective marker, which will lead you to the outpost where the engineer is being held. Use D-Dog to mark all enemies and resources within the outpost. Pay close attention to the watchtowers and patrols.
  3. Eliminate Key Threats: Prioritize taking out the snipers in the watchtowers and any heavily armored guards. A suppressed tranquilizer headshot is ideal. If you're going for an S-rank, avoid killing enemies whenever possible.
Locating and Extracting the Engineer

The combat engineer is typically located within one of the buildings in the outpost, often the larger structure in the center or a smaller guard post. D-Dog will mark him as a "Target" once you're close enough.

  1. Secure the Engineer's Location: Clear out the immediate vicinity of the building where the engineer is being held. Use stealth takedowns or tranquilizer rounds.
  2. Interrogate and Extract: Once you've located the engineer, approach him. He will likely be kneeling or tied up. Interrogate him for valuable intel on other soldiers or resources if you wish, then Fulton him out.
Dealing with Reinforcements (The Backup)

Once the engineer is extracted, or if you trigger an alert, enemy reinforcements will be called in. This is where the "Backup, Back Down" part of the mission title comes into play.

  • Identify Reinforcement Route: The reinforcements usually arrive from the south or southwest in a vehicle (often an armored personnel carrier or jeep) accompanied by additional soldiers. D-Dog will often bark and point in their direction.
  • Strategic Interception: You have a few options to deal with the backup:
    • Ambush Point: Find a good vantage point overlooking the road they'll travel. Use your non-lethal sniper rifle to tranquilize the driver and any exposed soldiers. Then, Fulton the vehicle and any remaining soldiers.
    • Roadblock: Place C4 or mines on the road to disable their vehicle. Be careful not to kill the soldiers if aiming for a non-lethal run.
    • Evasion: If you're low on supplies or prefer to avoid confrontation, use the terrain to your advantage and escape the area once the engineer is extracted. However, neutralizing the backup contributes to your mission score.
  • Fulton the Vehicle: Extracting the enemy vehicle (e.g., an APC or jeep) will significantly boost your mission score and provide valuable resources for Mother Base. Ensure your Fulton device is upgraded for vehicles.

S-Rank Considerations

  • Speed: Complete the mission as quickly as possible. Under 10 minutes is a good target.
  • No Kills: Avoid killing any enemies. Use tranquilizers and CQC.
  • No Alerts: Remain undetected throughout the mission. If an alert is triggered, restart from a checkpoint or restart the mission.
  • Fulton All Enemies/Vehicles: Extracting all soldiers and the reinforcement vehicle will maximize your score.
  • Headshots: Aim for headshots with tranquilizer rounds for quick and efficient incapacitation.

Important Collectibles & Side Objectives

  • Rough Diamonds: Keep an eye out for rough diamonds scattered around the outpost and along your infiltration route. D-Dog will often bark to indicate their presence.
  • Intel Files: Sometimes, intel files can be found in the main buildings of the outpost, providing details on other missions or enemy locations.
  • Posters: Look for posters inside buildings or on walls; destroying them can sometimes contribute to mission tasks.