Fulton Recovery System

The Fulton Recovery System is your primary method for extracting valuable resources and personnel from the treacherous Dust. Mastering its nuances is crucial for base development and survival. Unlike previous iterations, Metal Gear Survive's Fulton is a more strategic, often high-risk, high-reward endeavor.

Fulton Mechanics Explained

The Fulton device in Metal Gear Survive is not an instant extraction tool. Instead, it deploys a balloon that slowly ascends, carrying its cargo. This ascent time makes the Fulton target vulnerable to attack from Wanderers and other threats. Understanding this vulnerability is key to successful extractions.

Types of Fulton Devices

Standard Fulton Recovery Device: Your basic, early-game Fulton. It has a moderate ascent speed and can recover most common resources and incapacitated enemies.
Heavy Fulton Recovery Device: Unlocked later through Base Development, this device offers increased lift capacity and slightly faster ascent, ideal for larger containers or multiple targets.
Medical Fulton Recovery Device: Specifically designed for extracting critically injured or unconscious survivors. It prioritizes a gentler ascent to minimize further harm.

Strategic Fulton Deployment

Effective Fulton use requires careful planning and execution. Simply attaching a Fulton and running away is a recipe for disaster.

Pre-Deployment Checklist

Clear the Immediate Area: Before deploying, eliminate any nearby Wanderers or other hostile creatures. A clear zone around your target is paramount.
Scout for Patrols: Observe enemy patrol routes. Deploying a Fulton directly in a patrol path guarantees an interception.
Identify Cover: Plan your defensive position. You'll need cover to protect the ascending Fulton from ranged attacks.
Resource Management: Ensure you have enough Fulton devices. Running out mid-extraction can be costly.

During Ascent Tactics

Defensive Perimeter: Establish a defensive perimeter around the ascending Fulton. Use fences, sandbags, and turrets if available.
Aggro Management: Draw enemy attention away from the Fulton. Use decoys or your own body as a distraction.
Prioritize Threats: Focus fire on enemies that pose the most immediate threat to the Fulton balloon. Mortar Wanderers, for example, can quickly destroy it.
Repair Kits: Keep "Fulton Repair Kits" (crafted at your Base Camp) handy. A damaged Fulton can be repaired mid-ascent, but it's a risky maneuver.

What to Fulton

Not everything is worth the risk of a Fulton extraction. Prioritize items based on your current needs and the difficulty of the extraction.

High-Priority Targets

Large Resource Containers: These often contain significant amounts of "Kuban Energy," "Scrap Metal," or "Medical Supplies." Look for the large, glowing containers.
Incapacitated Survivors: Crucial for expanding your Base Camp and unlocking new facilities and crafting recipes. These are often found in "Distress Signal" side missions.
Unique Materials: Rare crafting components like "Hardened Polymer" or "Advanced Circuits" found in specific zones or from defeated elite Wanderers.
Heavy Weaponry: Occasionally, you'll find deployable turrets or heavy machine guns that can be Fultoned for use at your Base Camp.

Low-Priority Targets

Small Resource Piles: Often not worth the Fulton device, as you can carry these manually.
Common Wanderers: While you can Fulton incapacitated Wanderers for a small amount of Kuban, it's generally more efficient to simply defeat them.

Fulton Upgrades and Development

As you progress and develop your Base Camp, you'll unlock improvements to your Fulton capabilities.

Fulton Capacity Upgrade: Research this at the "R&D Platform" to increase the number of Fulton devices you can carry.
Fulton Speed Upgrade: Also available at the "R&D Platform," this reduces the ascent time of your Fulton balloons, making extractions safer.
Heavy Fulton Blueprint: Acquired from specific main missions or side quests, allowing you to craft the more robust Heavy Fulton.

Remember, the Fulton Recovery System is a dynamic tool. Adapt your strategy to the environment, the enemies present, and the value of your target. A well-executed Fulton can turn the tide of your survival efforts in the Dust.