In Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, one of the most memorable and challenging boss battles you will face is against The End, a member of the Cobra Unit known for his exceptional sniping skills and patience. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to the battle, along with some tips and tricks to help you defeat him more easily.
The End’s primary weapon is his Mosin-Nagant sniper rifle, which he uses to shoot tranquillizer darts at Snake. The battle takes place across three large, forested areas, providing ample cover and hiding spots for both Snake and The End. Your goal is to locate and defeat The End before he depletes Snake’s stamina.
The End Boss Fight Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare for the Battle
Before engaging in the boss fight, make sure you have the following items equipped:
- SVD sniper rifle or another long-range weapon (for dealing damage)
- Mk22 tranquilizer gun (for non-lethal takedowns)
- Thermal goggles or the AP sensor (to detect The End)
- Rations and other food items (to maintain stamina)
- Cure items (to treat injuries and tranquilizer darts)
Step 2: Equip Thermal Goggles or the AP Sensor
As soon as the battle begins, equip your thermal goggles or the AP sensor to help you locate The End, who will be hiding and taking cover in various spots throughout the forested areas.
Step 3: Stay Low and Move Slowly
To avoid being spotted by The End, stay low by crawling or crouching and move slowly through the environment. Use trees, rocks, and bushes as cover while navigating the area.
Step 4: Locate The End
Use your thermal goggles or the AP sensor to spot The End as he moves between hiding spots. Listen for his distinctive breathing and footsteps to help pinpoint his location.
Step 5: Engage in a Sniper Duel
Once you have located The End, engage him in a sniper duel using your SVD sniper rifle or another long-range weapon. Aim for his head for maximum damage, and be prepared to relocate if he spots you.
Step 6: Track The End’s Movements
If The End manages to escape or relocate, track his movements by looking for signs such as disturbed vegetation, footprints, or the glint of his scope. Use your thermal goggles or the AP sensor to help locate him again.
Step 7: Maintain Stamina and Health
Keep Snake’s stamina up during the battle by eating food and using rations. Also, be sure to use cure items to treat any injuries or tranquilizer darts from The End’s attacks.
Step 8: Repeat and Adapt
Continue to follow steps 2-7, adapting your strategy as needed based on The End’s movements and actions. Patience and observation are key in this battle; take your time and wait for the right opportunities to strike.
Tips, Tricks, and Known Glitches
- Capture The End early: It is possible to capture The End before the boss fight by shooting him with the SVD sniper rifle while he is being wheeled out during an earlier cutscene. This will bypass the entire boss battle.
- Use the directional microphone: Equipping the directional microphone can help you locate The End by picking up the sound of his breathing or his rifle’s bolt action.
- Hold up The End: If you manage to sneak up on The End, you can hold him up by aiming your weapon at him. This will cause him to drop his Mosin-Nagant, which you can then collect and use in future battles.
- Wait for The End to die of old age: As a unique and humorous feature, if you save your game during the boss fight and wait a week (or set your console’s internal clock forward by a week), The End will die of old age, and you will win the battle without having to fight him.
By following this step-by-step guide and utilizing the tips, tricks, and known glitches provided, you should be able to defeat The End in Metal Gear Solid 3 with relative ease. Remember to stay patient, observant, and make use of the environment to your advantage. Good luck, and happy gaming!
