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Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Walkthrough – Mission 42: [Extreme] Metallic Archaea

When facing the Skulls, sustained fire is key, as they require continuous damage rather than bursts from a launcher. Additionally, the D-Walker is an excellent asset for this mission. Equip it with a Gatling Gun, and you’ll be able to unleash a barrage of firepower on the Skulls, significantly improving your chances of success. Gear up and prepare for an intense battle!



There are several effective strategies for taking out the Skulls in this mission. As soon as the mission begins, it’s crucial to find cover quickly to avoid getting shredded in the open. So, where should you seek cover? The fence surrounding the base has several holes, providing a strategic advantage. Since the map ends just outside this area, it becomes quite challenging for the Skulls to teleport behind you. Additionally, the zombies typically won't approach, making the fence an excellent barrier against most of the Skulls' attacks. To reach this cover, look to your right immediately after spawning and proceed past the red-and-white tower toward the perimeter. Once you're in position, you’ll be better equipped to engage the Skulls and defend yourself effectively.



If you intend to confront the Skulls head-on, either directly or with the assistance of D-Walker, it’s time to get your weapons ready and engage in combat. The key to success in this battle is to remain mobile. Make sure to duck in and out of cover while staying aware of the Skulls’ movements. Pay close attention to whether they are charging toward you for a lunge attack or preparing to throw rocks. Maintaining your mobility will help you evade their attacks while allowing you to retaliate effectively. Keep your eyes on the battlefield and adapt your position as needed to gain the upper hand against these formidable foes.



There are two crucial openings you should watch for when fighting the Skulls, allowing you to unleash a barrage of damage. The first opportunity arises when they release a cloud around themselves. During this moment, you can inflict significant damage, but be careful not to get too close, as their attacks can be devastating. The second opening occurs after a lunge attack. If you successfully counter it by stabbing them with their own sword, they will be momentarily stunned and stand still for up to five seconds. This gives you a prime opportunity to unleash a flurry of bullets, maximizing your damage output while they are vulnerable. Keep an eye out for these moments to turn the tide of the battle in your favor.



Engaging the Skulls directly can be challenging, but it's also highly rewarding when executed correctly. Timing your counterattacks effectively and using rapid-fire weapons can help you break down their armor before calling in air support for bombardment. It's essential to focus on only one or two Skulls at a time to manage the chaos. If possible, try to separate them from each other. Typically, two Skulls will stay in the back, throwing rocks, while the other two engage you in close combat. By putting enough distance between them, you can isolate the enemies and reduce the number of Skulls you have to contend with at once, making the fight significantly more manageable. This strategy allows you to maintain control of the battle and increase your chances of success.



Taking down even a single Skull can significantly ease the challenge of the fight, and once you've eliminated a second one, the overall difficulty will diminish considerably. It’s crucial to remember to duck and take cover for a few seconds whenever you sustain damage, as this will help you regain your composure and avoid being overwhelmed. Always stay alert for any Skulls preparing to lunge at you, as successfully countering their attacks can create openings for your own offensive moves. Once you've defeated all the Skulls, your objective becomes straightforward: pick up the fallen enemy and carry him to the helicopter to complete the mission. Staying focused and maintaining your strategy throughout the battle will lead you to victory.

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