Mission 2-4: Desert

Mission 2-4: Desert

Welcome to the scorching sands of Mission 2-4: Desert! This mission introduces a new environmental challenge with limited cover and long sightlines, making careful positioning and weapon choice crucial. You'll be facing a mix of standard Ganados and the more resilient Armadura, so come prepared.

Recommended Loadout

• Handgun: Essential for headshots and conserving stronger ammo.
• Shotgun: Excellent for crowd control and staggering Armadura at close range.
• Rifle: Your best friend for picking off distant enemies and dealing significant damage to Armadura.
• Grenades: Useful for clearing groups or stunning tougher enemies.
• First Aid Spray: Always carry at least one.

Walkthrough

Starting Area & Initial Engagement

You begin in a relatively open area with some scattered debris for cover. Immediately upon starting:

1. Scan the horizon: Several Ganados will be approaching from the far end of the desert. Prioritize headshots with your Rifle to thin their ranks before they get too close.
2. Collect items:
   • To your immediate left, near a fallen pillar, you'll find Handgun Ammo x30.
   • Straight ahead, behind a large rock formation, is a crate containing Shotgun Shells x10.
3. Advance cautiously: As you move forward, more Ganados will emerge from behind sand dunes. Use the scattered rocks and debris for cover, peeking out to take shots.

The Central Ruins

The middle section of the map features some dilapidated ruins, offering more substantial cover but also tighter choke points.

1. First Armadura encounter: As you approach the ruins, an Armadura will appear from within.
   • Strategy: Aim for the exposed head or the weak point on its back when it turns. A few well-placed Rifle shots to the head will stun it, allowing you to close in for a Shotgun blast or a melee attack.
   • Item: After defeating the Armadura, check the corner of the ruin it emerged from for a Green Herb.
2. Upper level access: A small set of stairs within the ruins leads to an elevated platform.
   • Advantage: This position offers a good vantage point over the surrounding area, making it ideal for picking off Ganados with your Rifle.
   • Item: On the platform, you'll find Rifle Ammo x10.
3. Beware of flanking enemies: While on the upper level, be mindful of Ganados attempting to flank you from the ground level or approaching from the opposite side of the ruins.

The Final Stretch & Time Bonus

The last section of the mission opens up again, leading towards the extraction point. This area often spawns a higher concentration of enemies, including another Armadura.

1. Second Armadura: A second Armadura will likely appear near the end of the mission, often accompanied by several Ganados.
   • Strategy: If you have any Grenades left, this is a good time to use one to stun the Armadura and clear out surrounding Ganados. Focus fire on its weak points.
2. Time Bonus location: The Time Bonus is located on a small, elevated ledge to the far right of the final area, near the boundary of the map. You'll need to quickly dispatch enemies and make a dash for it.
3. Prioritize survival: Don't get overwhelmed. If your health is low, use a First Aid Spray. It's better to finish with less time than to fail the mission.
4. Extraction: Once the required number of enemies are defeated, head to the designated extraction zone to complete the mission.

General Tips for Desert Missions

• Conserve ammo: Headshots are paramount. Make every shot count, especially with your Rifle.
• Utilize cover: The desert offers limited but crucial cover. Always be aware of your surroundings and position yourself behind rocks, debris, or ruins.
• Stay mobile: Don't stand still for too long, especially when facing multiple enemies. Keep moving to avoid being surrounded.
• Listen for audio cues: The distinct grunts and roars of enemies will alert you to their presence, even if they're not yet in sight.