Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is one of the most acclaimed entries in the legendary Metal Gear series, celebrated for its open-world gameplay, intricate storytelling, and captivating characters. However, for players seeking to attain 100% completion, the journey can be a significant commitment. This article explores how long it takes to achieve full completion in MGSV, taking into account various aspects that influence gameplay time.
Understanding 100% Completion in MGSV
Before diving into the specifics of how long it takes to 100% complete Metal Gear Solid V, it’s essential to delineate what constitutes “100% completion.” In MGSV, this encompasses a variety of tasks and achievements, including but not limited to:
- Completing all main story missions
- Finishing all side ops
- Collecting all items and collectibles
- Achieving S-rank on missions
- Developing all weapons and equipment
- Completing the ‘Perfect Stealth’ and ‘Ghost’ playthroughs
This expanded scope of activities requires careful planning, creativity, and skill. Players must also factor in any potential replay value, as MGSV involves various approaches to missions, which can also add to the total time spent in the game.
Average Time to Complete MGSV
When players embark on their journey toward 100% completion, the time it takes can vary significantly based on their playstyle, gaming experience, and whether they utilize guides or walkthroughs. Here’s a rough breakdown of the average times required for different completion levels:
Main Story Missions
The main narrative of MGSV can typically take around 30 to 50 hours to complete. Players focused solely on the story, skipping side missions and additional content, may finish on the lower end of that spectrum. However, many players may find themselves immersed in the game world, resulting in longer playtime.
Side Ops and Additional Tasks
Side Ops significantly expand the game’s experience, offering dozens of missions that can add anywhere from 20 to 60 hours to your overall playtime. This is where players can contribute to their completion percentage, and it encourages exploration as well as tactical gameplay.
Comprehensive Breakdown of Completion Times
Achieving 100% completion in MGSV entails an extensive commitment, layering into its complex design. Below is a detailed breakdown of the estimated times for various components leading to full completion:
Main and Side Missions
- Main Story Missions: 30 to 50 hours
- Side Ops: 20 to 60 hours
Collectibles and Development**
Collectibles—including memory tapes, animals, and precious metals—can add additional hours depending on player commitment to exploring the game’s vast landscapes. Collecting all items, along with weapon enhancements, may take an additional 10 to 20 hours.
Achieving S-Ranks and Special Goals**
If a player aims for S-Rank on all missions, it can add another 15 to 25 hours as players will need to perfect their approach to missions by optimizing stealth and speed. Completing challenges, such as the ‘Perfect Stealth’ missions, can also be time-consuming, especially for players aiming for skilled execution.
Overall Estimated Time for 100% Completion**
Taking the above factors into account, the total time required to achieve 100% completion in MGSV generally ranges between 100 to 200 hours, depending on player skill level, play style, and familiarity with the game mechanics.
| Completion Aspect | Estimated Time (Hours) |
|---|---|
| Main Story Missions | 30 – 50 |
| Side Ops | 20 – 60 |
| Collectibles and Development | 10 – 20 |
| Achieving S-Ranks and Special Goals | 15 – 25 |
| Total Time for 100% Completion | 100 – 200 |
Factors Affecting Completion Time
Several factors can influence the completion time of MGSV, making it either a quick haul or a lengthy saga depending on how players interact with the game. Here are some notable elements to consider:
Player Skill Level and Experience
Novice players may take longer to learn the intricacies of stealth mechanics, enemy patrol patterns, and strategic planning. In contrast, seasoned gamers familiar with the Metal Gear franchise might navigate the content swiftly, often employing advanced techniques for efficiency.
Exploration and Gameplay Style
Players who enjoy thorough exploration and indulging in the game world may stretch their completion time. Engaging in side activities, uncovering secrets, and participating in random encounters can significantly extend one’s playtime. The choice to play stealthily or run-and-gun can also alter the time required, with stealth often yielding a more strategic and time-consuming experience.
Use of Guides and Resources
Utilizing guides or walkthroughs can greatly expedite the completion process. Players that rely on community resources can rapidly understand mission objectives, collectible locations, and optimal strategies, resulting in a more concise gameplay experience.
Game Updates and DLC Content
With post-launch content and updates, players can find additional missions, challenges, and objectives that contribute to overall completion. Keeping up with these updates can add to the time players invest to reach 100%.
Tips for Achieving 100% Completion Efficiently
If you’re determined to achieve that coveted 100% completion status in MGSV, here are some actionable tips to streamline your journey:
Prioritize Side Operations
Completing side ops early on can not only level up your resources and personnel but can also significantly boost your overall completion percentage.
Stay Organized and Make Use of the In-Game Database
Keep track of your collectibles and mission progress through the game’s database. This organization will help you avoid redundancy and ensure no mission goes unattempted.
Experiment with Different Playstyles
Engage in diverse gameplay approaches to hone your skills in stealth and tactical combat. Trying varied methods will help you achieve S-ranks while still making the journey engaging.
Be Patient and Enjoy the Experience
Lastly, remember that MGSV is designed for enjoyment. Take the time to explore its rich narratives, deep character arcs, and stunning environments. Rushing through can diminish your overall experience.
Final Thoughts
Achieving 100% completion in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a daunting yet rewarding endeavor. With a time commitment estimated between 100 to 200 hours, your journey through this complex game will depend heavily on your skill level, exploration habits, and available resources. As you navigate the diverse missions, collectables, and challenges, remember to take moments to appreciate the artfulness of the game crafted by Hideo Kojima and his team.
In conclusion, your journey toward 100% completion in MGSV can be as enriching and memorable as the narrative itself. Embrace the challenges, employ strategic approaches, and immerse yourself in the world of Metal Gear Solid V, where every second spent working towards your ultimate goal is a testament to the gameplay’s brilliance. Happy gaming!
How long does it take to 100% Metal Gear Solid V?
The time it takes to achieve 100% completion in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain varies significantly based on your play style and familiarity with the game. On average, players can expect to invest anywhere from 50 to 120 hours. This range includes completing all main missions, side ops, and achieving full completion on tasks such as collecting all Animal Companions and unlocking every game mechanic.
Players who are experienced with stealth games may find the completion process to be quicker, while newcomers may take longer due to the learning curve associated with the game’s complex mechanics. Additionally, how thoroughly you explore the open world and engage in optional content will affect the total time commitment.
What does it mean to achieve 100% completion in MGSV?
Achieving 100% completion in Metal Gear Solid V entails finishing all main missions, side ops, and tasks, while also completing various collectible objectives. This includes capturing and recruiting soldiers, acquiring all types of resources, and unlocking every gameplay feature. In total, there are a multitude of challenges and missions that can be undertaken.
In addition to accomplishing the game’s primary objectives, players must also engage in secondary activities such as exploring the game’s sprawling maps and completing specific challenges related to each mission. Making sure all in-game achievements and accolades are attained is essential for reaching the coveted 100% mark.
Are there missable achievements in MGSV?
While Metal Gear Solid V is largely designed to allow players multiple opportunities to complete missions and tasks, there are indeed some missable achievements that can complicate the journey to 100%. Several side missions may only trigger based on certain conditions, and failing to complete them before advancing too far can mean you miss out on those achievements.
Moreover, collecting certain items or completing specific objectives may also be time-limited or dependent on the game’s day-night cycle. As a result, it’s crucial for players to be mindful of the various missions and opportunities available to ensure they do not inadvertently miss out on content essential for 100% completion.
Is level grinding necessary to achieve 100%?
Level grinding, while not strictly necessary, is often an important aspect for players looking to attain 100% completion in MGSV. As you progress through the game, you will need to develop your resources and characters, and this may require significant time spent on side ops, which can feel grindy. Engaging in these activities efficiently can help you level up key components of your army and gear.
Additionally, some achievements and challenges require specific skill levels or collectables that make it beneficial to grind to ensure you are prepared for the more challenging missions. Players who take on side tasks can enhance their experience and might even find the grinding aspect to be fulfilling as it adds to their ability to tackle later game content.
What are some tips for efficiently completing MGSV?
To maximize efficiency in completing Metal Gear Solid V, players can employ a variety of strategies. First, focusing on main story missions before delving into side ops can provide a better understanding of the game mechanics and story. It’s also wise to utilize the game’s fast travel feature to save time while navigating between locations rather than traversing the open world repetitively.
Additionally, it’s crucial to keep an eye on mission briefings for intel regarding side ops that may tie into your main objectives. Using gear effectively, gathering intel before missions, and practicing stealth gameplay can lead to quicker completions, emphasizing the importance of strategizing your approach throughout the game.
Are there guides available for 100% completion?
Yes, there are numerous guides available for players aiming for 100% completion in Metal Gear Solid V. Many dedicated gaming websites and video platforms provide detailed walkthroughs that outline each mission, side op, and collectible, helping players understand the complexities of the game. These resources can be invaluable for tracking progress and ensuring that no aspects of the game are overlooked.
Community forums also foster discussions and tips from experienced players who can offer personal insights and optimal strategies for completing various challenges. Whether you prefer written guides or video tutorials, there is a wealth of information available to assist you on your journey to achieving 100% completion in MGSV.
Can you replay missions in MGSV after completing them?
Yes, Metal Gear Solid V offers a flexible mission replay system that allows players to revisit missions after completion. This feature is particularly helpful for those aiming for 100% completion, as you may need to finish multiple bonuses or specific objectives you initially missed. You can replay both main missions and side ops without losing your overall progress in the game.
Replaying missions is also an excellent way to experiment with different approaches or strategies, such as enhancing your stealth skills or trying out different equipment. This flexibility motivates players to refine their gameplay and fully explore the various mechanics of the game, contributing greatly to achieving a comprehensive completion percentage.