Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Walkthrough – Mission 50: [Extreme] Sahelanthropus

The final mission of the game is a serious challenge. Before attempting it, make sure you have fully upgraded your Launchers, Grenade Launchers, and any other explosive equipment you can get your hands on. For the mission loadout, bring your most powerful Launcher, the strongest Grenade Launcher available, and consider deploying with D-Walker equipped with the rocket package for additional firepower. Taking a Tank into the fight can also help, but don't rely on it too much—Sahelanthropus can destroy it quickly.

Given the nature of this mission, it may take multiple attempts just to learn Sahelanthropus's attack patterns. Understanding which attacks leave him vulnerable and which ones require you to stay on the move is essential for success. Practice is key here, as mastering the timing for dodging and countering his attacks will significantly improve your chances in the fight.

When you’re ready to pursue the S-Rank, start the mission with your Tank or D-Walker and unleash a barrage of shots for as long as the vehicles remain operational. Once your vehicle is destroyed, switch to your launcher and focus on hitting the glowing pods on Sahelanthropus’s back and sides as they illuminate. Finally, when your launcher runs out of ammo, switch to your grenade launcher until more ammunition becomes available.

From this point on, continue to bombard Sahelanthropus with rockets until you run out of ammo, then wait for a refill to do it again. Keep an eye out for when he’s nearly defeated; he will begin lunging at you, and time will slow down as the boy appears in front of him. When you notice this happening, switch to your sidearm—preferably a pistol or SMG—and shoot the boy. This will stun both him and the machine, giving you valuable seconds to unleash several free shots. Where you aim will significantly impact the pace of the battle. Targeting the various pods on Sahelanthropus's body, especially the ones on his back, will deal extra damage. Additionally, destroying his legs and other components will help you inflict even more damage, leading to a quicker fight overall.