metal_gear_solid_4:mgs4_faq

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metal_gear_solid_4:mgs4_faq [2020/06/23 21:59] – srgtsilentmetal_gear_solid_4:mgs4_faq [2023/11/16 10:15] (current) – srgtsilent
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 [[:metal_gear_solid_4:guns_of_the_patriots|Return to Metal Gear Solid 4]] [[:metal_gear_solid_4:guns_of_the_patriots|Return to Metal Gear Solid 4]]
 +
 +[[:metal_gear_solid_4:mgs4_saves|For Save Data related questions & content]]
 +
 +[[metal_gear_solid_4:mgs4_knowledge_dump|More info in the dump]]
  
 =====Gameplay Mechanics===== =====Gameplay Mechanics=====
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-**Q: Can I check my stats & boss non-lethals before finishing an act to see if I messed something up?**+**Q: Can I check my stats & boss dolls before finishing an act to see if I messed something up?**
  
 **A:** Yes. Simply load up a mission briefing using the file in question (I suggest Act 3) and all stats will be shown during the M.G. Mk II cutscene section on the scrolling middle bar. In addition to this, you can check the counter by Sunny to see which Boss Dolls you have/need. **A:** Yes. Simply load up a mission briefing using the file in question (I suggest Act 3) and all stats will be shown during the M.G. Mk II cutscene section on the scrolling middle bar. In addition to this, you can check the counter by Sunny to see which Boss Dolls you have/need.
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 **Q: I want to earn the highest rank possible during my playthrough, what is it and how do I earn it?** **Q: I want to earn the highest rank possible during my playthrough, what is it and how do I earn it?**
  
-**A:** The four different "max" ranks are earned based off of a number of factors. Any emblem that can only be earned on a higher difficulty also awards the previous emblems when applicable. The typical ending Emblems are:\\ +**A:** The eight different "max" rank emblems are earned based off of a number of factors. Any emblem that can only be earned on a higher difficulty also awards the previous difficulties emblems, as well as any emblems that also would be met by the conditions of the higher emblem. The max rank ending Emblems, in order of rank, are:\\ 
-**Big Boss:** The Boss Extreme, 0 Kills, 0 Alerts, 0 Continues, 0 Recovery Items, 0 Special Items, <5 Hours\\ + 
-**Foxhound:** Big Boss Hard, 0 Kills, <3 Alerts, 0 Continues, 0 Recovery Items, 0 Special Items, <5.5 Hours\\ +^ Rank ^ Min. Difficulty ^ Kills ^ Alerts ^ Continues ^ Recovery Items ^ Special Items ^ Time Limit ^ 
-**Fox:** Solid Normal, 0 Kills, <5 Alerts, 0 Continues, 0 Recovery Items, 0 Special Items, <6 Hours\\ +| **Big Boss** | The Boss Extreme | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | None | <5 Hours | 
-**Hound:** Other, 0 Kills, <3 Alerts, 0 Continues, 0 Recovery Items, 0 Special Items, <6.5 Hours\\ +| **Foxhound** | Big Boss Hard | 0 | <3 | 0 | 0 | None | <5.5 Hours | 
-**Mantis:** Any, 0 Alerts, 0 Continues, 0 Recovery Items, <5 Hours\\ +| **Fox** | Solid Normal | 0 | <5 | 0 | 0 | None | <6 Hours | 
-**Wolf:** Any, 0 Continues, 0 Recovery Items\\ +| **Hound** || 0 | <3 | 0 | 0 | None | <6.5 Hours | 
-**Raven:** Any, <5 Hours+| **Mantis** ||| 0 | 0 | 0 || <5 Hours | 
 +| **Wolf** |||| 0 | 0 ||| 
 +| **Raven** ||||||| <5 Hours | 
 +| **Octopus** ||| 0 ||||| 
 + 
 + 
 +**Q: Which items are Recovery/Special Items?** 
 + 
 +**A:** Rations, Regains, & Noodles are recovery items. The Syringe & Compress are not. Only the Infinity Bandanna & Stealth Camouflage are special items. Scanning Plug S, Tenigashima, Big Boss Mask, etc. are not.
  
  
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   * The amount of Frogs that spawn in the Medical Facility   * The amount of Frogs that spawn in the Medical Facility
   * The aggressiveness of octopus and her tendency to enter ball form   * The aggressiveness of octopus and her tendency to enter ball form
 +  * The amount of Gekko that must be killed during Drebin Escape
   * The amount of damage the gate must take to be destroyed while riding Drebin's APC   * The amount of damage the gate must take to be destroyed while riding Drebin's APC
   * The amount of PMC Soldiers that are encountered while escorting the Resistance   * The amount of PMC Soldiers that are encountered while escorting the Resistance
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   * An extra Frog in Act 2 while chasing Naomi   * An extra Frog in Act 2 while chasing Naomi
   * The shotgun guard is moved in Act 2 while chasing Naomi   * The shotgun guard is moved in Act 2 while chasing Naomi
-  * The two Gekkos in the minefield are already active+  * The two Gekkos in the Canyon are already active
   * Vamp can no longer be locked onto   * Vamp can no longer be locked onto
  
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 **Q: What is the fastest console?** **Q: What is the fastest console?**
  
-**A:** The Slim PS3 models, CECH-20xxA & CECH-21xxA, are marginally faster then the B variant, which in turn is also faster then the CECH-25xxA & CECH-30xxA and B lines. While Super Slim testing is limited, it behaves roughly the same as the Cech-25xxB. These are all much faster then the OG large PS3 models in general, but MGS4 testing is limited.+**A:** The Slim PS3 models, CECH-20xxA & CECH-21xxA, are marginally faster then the B variant, which in turn is also faster then the CECH-25xxA & CECH-30xxA and B lines. While Super Slim testing is limited, it behaves roughly the same as a slim for disks. These are all much faster then the Original large PS3 models (A-O series). MGS4 testing is limited and not fully explored at this time. 
  
  
 **Q: What is the fastest version?** **Q: What is the fastest version?**
  
-**A:** Game wise, the version that comes with the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid:_The_Legacy_Collection | Legacy Edition]] comes loaded with 2.0 on the disk and saves a few seconds on IGT. For PAL, this version is the same as the  [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/metalgear/images/d/d6/10650061-1352291151-833499.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20121107145935 | 25th Anniversary Edition]]. All other versions of the game are 1.0, optionally need updated, and are the exact same in terms of speed, for physical hardware. Digital copies save very little on RTA/IGT.+**A:** Game wise, the version that comes with the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid:_The_Legacy_Collection | Legacy Collection]] comes loaded with 2.0 on the disk and saves a few seconds on IGT for currently unknown reasons. For PAL, this version is the same as the  [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/metalgear/images/d/d6/10650061-1352291151-833499.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20121107145935 | 25th Anniversary Edition]]. Most other physical versions of the game (BLUS-30109, BLUS-30109P, BLUS-30148, etc) are 1.0, optionally need updated, and are the exact same in terms of speed in relation to one another, for physical hardware. Digital copies save very little, if any, on IGT, but will save more time on RTA then using a disc. 
  
  
 **Q: Should I update to 2.0 if I have to original version? What do I gain by doing so?** **Q: Should I update to 2.0 if I have to original version? What do I gain by doing so?**
  
-**A:** The 2.0 game data comes with three things, the ability to gain trophies, the removal of the ability to select both DLC and MGO assets from the main menu screen, and the ability to install all five acts at once. The fastest times can only be gotten by installing all acts, either at once or as they come up in game.+**A:** The 2.0 game data comes with three things, the ability to gain trophies, the removal of the ability to select both DLC and MGO assets from the main menu screen, and the ability to install all five acts at once cumulatively. It is suggested to update, but not required.
  
  
-**Q: Can/Should I use an SSD? How much time does it save?**+**Q: Should I install the game cumulatively or Individually?**
  
-**A:** Use of an SSD is allowed for MGS4 speedrunning. When it comes to the Legacy Collection version of MGS4 on disk, time saved is anywhere from 4-15 minutes RTA (depending on PS3 model) and up potentially to 45 seconds IGT, but this is highly variable. SSD testing is still being investigated but it will save you real time overall. +**A:** It's up to your preference and available time. "Individually" installs as you get to each act and only stays installed as long as you play the act, whereas cumulatively installs all at once, forever.
  
  
-**Q: Should I install the game cumulatively or in chunks?**+**Q: How big is the install?**
  
-**A:** It's up to your preference and available time. Chunks installs as you get to each act, whereas cumulatively installs all at once. In addition, installing by chunks will always ask you to install that chunk when you revisit it.+**A:** The game data install is ~9438 MB for disk 1.0, ~9953 MB for disk 2.0, & ~25 GB for Digital. Once you have installed it, it will stay on your system until you delete it. There is about ~531 MB of DLC that can be downloaded and installed as well.
  
  
-**Q: How big is the install?**+**Q: Can/Should I use an SSD? How much time does it save?**
  
-**A:** The install is 9438 MB for disk & 25 GB for Digital. Once you have installed it, it will stay on your system until you delete it.+**A:** Use of an SSD is allowed for MGS4 speedrunning. When it comes to the disk versions of MGS4, time saved is anywhere from 4-15 minutes RTA (depending on PS3 model) and up potentially to 45 seconds IGT, but this IGT time saves is highly untested and only theoretical. SSD testing is still being investigated but saves real time overall. 
 + 
 + 
 +**Q: Can I use a DualShock 4 with MGS4?** 
 + 
 +**A:** Yes, but you will be at a significant disadvantage. There are reports of analog dead-zones, in addition to the loss of Six-Axis control, meaning you must use the Analog Stick to kill Mantis, and the loss of trigger sensitivity based grenade throwing. 
  
  
 =====Speedrun Mechanics===== =====Speedrun Mechanics=====
  
-**Q: How much RNG is in the run?**+**Q: How much RNG (Randomness) is in the run?**
  
-**A:** There are a few instances of RNG throughout the run. As with any shooter, bullet spray is typically random, leading to some PMC/Rebel troops sometimes being dead and other times alive in Vista Manor and other firefights. In Act 2, where octopus hides is mostly random, though is able to be manipulated, how fast the "zombies" climb onto the APC is random, and the Gekko behavior is random. In Act 4, Wolf's spawn location begins to randomize starting on Solid Normal. In Act 5, Liquid Phase 2 can escape from the loop at random.+**A:** There are a few instances of RNG throughout the run. As with any shooter, bullet spray is typically random, leading to some PMC/Rebel troops sometimes being dead and other times alive in Vista Manor and other firefights. In Act 2, where octopus hides is mostly random, though is able to be manipulated, how fast the "zombies" climb onto the APC is random, and the Gekko behavior is random. In both prior acts, "Stray Bullets" can snipe Snake and cause damage. In Act 4, Wolf's spawn location begins to randomize starting on Solid Normal. In Act 5, Liquid Phase 2 can escape from the loop at random.
  
  
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 **A:** Depends on how you define a glitch. MS runs do abuse the IGT by taking advantage of the way MGS4 saves data in order to cause the IGT of the run to not reflect the time spent escorting the resistance member. Additionally, there are several out of bounds known, but none are used in speedruns of MGS4 as of current, with the only useful one being too risky to perform. Act 5 contains a trick called "Frog Skip", which could be considered a glitch, and allows for the skipping of what would be 10 additional Haven Troopers during Frogs-5. **A:** Depends on how you define a glitch. MS runs do abuse the IGT by taking advantage of the way MGS4 saves data in order to cause the IGT of the run to not reflect the time spent escorting the resistance member. Additionally, there are several out of bounds known, but none are used in speedruns of MGS4 as of current, with the only useful one being too risky to perform. Act 5 contains a trick called "Frog Skip", which could be considered a glitch, and allows for the skipping of what would be 10 additional Haven Troopers during Frogs-5.
 +
  
 **Q: Does the speedrun have any tech similar to other MGS games?** **Q: Does the speedrun have any tech similar to other MGS games?**
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 **Q: What is IGT & How does it work?** **Q: What is IGT & How does it work?**
  
-**A:** In MGS4, IGT is a measure of the time that passes in game during selected segments of gameplay.+**A:** In MGS4, IGT is a measure of the time that passes in game during selected segments of gameplay. [[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/227010477471825921/698045704635154522/image0.jpg|Official Guide's Statement on IGT]]\\
 Simply put, during any cutscene (including while skipping) or moment where you control Snake, the IGT is ticking. Simply put, during any cutscene (including while skipping) or moment where you control Snake, the IGT is ticking.
-  * Points of this include, the intro commercials, in action (gameplay) menus and pausing, Act introduction screens, and almost the entire epilogue.  +  * Points of this include, the intro commercials, in action (gameplay) menus and pausing, Act introduction screens, save screens, and the epilogue.  
-  * Points where IGT is not ticking would be Credits 2, Score Cards, any Black PMC Load Screens, a Save Screen after a loading screen, and the MGS1 segment.  +  * Points where IGT is not ticking are Score Cards and the MGS1 segment.  
-  * Note that using the XMB menu (PS Button) does not pause the IGT, despite pausing the game itself+  * Note that using the XMB menu (PS Button) does not pause the IGT, despite pausing the game itself. 
 +  * The guide claims that when the game is "Loading..." the IGT is not ticking, however, if this is true, it resumes ticking once the "Press Start" prompt displays on screen, such as during the black PMC load screens. 
 +  * It is unknown what parts of the credits count towards IGT due to lack of understanding on the functioning of MGS4's IGT.
  
  
 **Q: What is RTA Then? Is there a Marathon timing if I want to skip Credits?** **Q: What is RTA Then? Is there a Marathon timing if I want to skip Credits?**
  
-**A:** In MGS4, RTA is the time that passes from the moment you load your save file (or select a difficulty) to the moment the act 5 score cars shows up on the screen. Marathon timing ends on Liquid Punch, for a ballpark IGT estimate, add 8 minutes on HDD and 12.5 minutes on SSD.+**A:** In MGS4, RTA is the time that passes from the moment you confirm your save file load (or select a difficulty) to the moment the act 5 score card shows up on the screen. Marathon timing ends on Liquid Punch, for a ballpark IGT estimate, add 8 minutes on HDD and 12.5 minutes on SSD.
  
  
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 **Q: I keep getting an alert in Red Zone, what gives?** **Q: I keep getting an alert in Red Zone, what gives?**
  
-**A:** If you keep getting an alert at the start you need to make sure to put the AK-102 away asap as it slows you down. If you keep getting seen running into the barrel room you need to roll in. If you are in the second room and the guard to the back sees you you need to move your camera around sooner. If the guard to the right sees you adjust your pmovement. If the guard to the left sees you then you need to adjust where you are rolling against the wall and make sure you hear the guard say "huh?" or similar. +**A:** If you keep getting an alert at the start you need to make sure to put the AK-102 away asap as it slows you down. If you keep getting seen running into the barrel room you need to roll in. If you are in the second room and the guard to the back sees you you need to move your camera around sooner. If the guard to the right sees you adjust your movement and time your roll better. If the guard to the back left sees you then you need to adjust when you are alerting the guard walking away from Snake. 
  
  
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 **A:** Hope. Get lucky. Get Skilled. Practice. Use the Solar Gun for NG+. Run MS if you hate resetting Big Boss attempts an hour deep. It sucks, not going to sugar coat it. **A:** Hope. Get lucky. Get Skilled. Practice. Use the Solar Gun for NG+. Run MS if you hate resetting Big Boss attempts an hour deep. It sucks, not going to sugar coat it.
 +
 +As for a real, actually helpful answer; Its highly HIGHLY suggested you learn exactly who can shoot you and who you must to shoot. Only some enemies are actually a threat, and some are just sometimes a threat, because of annoying bullet rng. A good example of this is the PMC on the Humvee turret EVA drives directly towards. He will never, ever, hit you. Or being sure to take out the right Humvee before the left because that is the one blowing up the white van.
 +
 +Its not just who to shoot, but when you shoot and with what. There's a big difference between a stun grenade and a mark 2 round. If you can at least make it to room 2, setting your console ahead 24 hours real time will heal Snake to full. Additionally, when entering room 3, Snake's current weapon, even the solar gun, will gain full ammo and a reload, on top of Snake getting full HP and Psyche.
  
  
  • metal_gear_solid_4/mgs4_faq.1592949555.txt.gz
  • Last modified: 2020/06/23 21:59
  • by srgtsilent