Mission 4: Bank
Welcome to the Bank mission, a classic Splinter Cell infiltration challenge. This guide will help you navigate the high-security environment, disable surveillance, and extract crucial data with minimal fuss. Stealth and precision are paramount here; aggressive tactics will quickly lead to mission failure.
Initial Infiltration & Surveillance Disruption
- Starting Point: You begin outside the bank. Immediately move to the left and climb over the wall.
- First Guard: A lone guard patrols this initial area. Wait for him to turn his back, then use a non-lethal takedown (e.g., grab and knock out, or a simple chokehold from behind). Hide his body in the shadows or a nearby dumpster to avoid detection.
- Security Camera: Ahead, you'll spot a security camera. Use your Optic Cable to peek under the door to the right. You'll see a guard patrolling inside.
- Door Bypass: Pick the lock on the door. Once inside, immediately move to the right and hide behind the counter.
- Camera Disablement: Wait for the patrolling guard to move away from the camera's view. Equip your SC-20K with an EMP Grenade or use your O'Malley's EMP Device if you prefer a non-projectile option, and disable the camera. Alternatively, if you're feeling bold, you can shoot it out with a silenced weapon, but this risks alerting nearby personnel if not done precisely.
Navigating the Main Lobby & Server Room
- Lobby Guard: The guard you saw earlier will be patrolling the main lobby. Observe his pattern and move stealthily behind him. Perform a non-lethal takedown and hide his body.
- Access Card Acquisition: Look for a desk in the main lobby. On or near this desk, you'll find an Access Card. This is crucial for accessing restricted areas.
- Server Room Entrance: Locate the door leading to the server room. It will require the Access Card you just acquired.
- Server Room Security: The server room is often monitored by a single camera and sometimes a patrolling technician. Disable the camera first using an EMP or by shooting it out. If there's a technician, wait for him to be isolated, then perform a non-lethal takedown and hide his body.
- Data Download: Interact with the main server rack to initiate the data download. This will take a few moments, so ensure the area is clear of threats.
Vault Access and Escape
- Vault Door: After downloading the data, your next objective is the vault. Head back towards the main lobby and look for the heavily reinforced vault door.
- Vault Code/Mechanism: The vault typically requires a numerical code or a specific interaction with a panel. The code can often be found on a sticky note in a nearby office, or by interrogating a guard in the lobby area. If you interrogate a guard, do so in a secluded spot.
- Inside the Vault: The vault itself may contain additional items or simply serve as an exit point. Be wary of laser grids or pressure plates inside. Use your Thermal Goggles to detect lasers.
- Extraction Point: Once you've completed all objectives, follow the on-screen markers to your extraction point. This usually involves backtracking through the bank or finding a new exit route. Be mindful of any new guard patrols or activated alarms.
Key Items and Strategies
- EMP Grenades/Device: Invaluable for temporarily disabling cameras and other electronic devices without causing a permanent alert.
- Optic Cable: Essential for scouting rooms and identifying guard patrols or camera positions before entering.
- Non-Lethal Takedowns: Prioritize these to maintain a low profile and achieve a higher score. Hide all bodies.
- Thermal Goggles: Use these to spot enemies through thin walls, detect laser grids, and navigate dark areas.
- Sticky Camera: Can be used to scout ahead or distract guards.
- Light and Sound: Always be aware of your visibility and noise meters. Stay in the shadows and move slowly.