How Many Missions Are In Mgs5

How Many Missions Are in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain? A Comprehensive Guide

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is renowned for its vast open world and sprawling gameplay. But just how many missions are there to tackle in this sprawling stealth-action masterpiece? This article will break down the different mission types, clarifying the total number and providing context for their significance within the game's narrative and gameplay.

The answer isn't as simple as a single number, as the game presents a complex structure beyond just a linear progression of numbered missions. The total number of missions depends on how you define "mission." Let's delve into the specifics.

Main Missions (Story Missions):

The core narrative of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain unfolds through a series of Main Missions, also sometimes referred to as Story Missions. These missions directly advance the plot and are essential to experiencing the main storyline. There are approximately 31 Main Missions in the game. Completing these missions is key to understanding Big Boss's journey and the overarching narrative.

Side Ops:

Beyond the main story, Metal Gear Solid V boasts a massive number of Side Ops. These are optional missions that offer diverse gameplay experiences, often involving rescuing prisoners of war, eliminating targets, or recovering resources. These side ops significantly impact the development of your Mother Base and provide valuable resources and experience. There are a substantial number of Side Ops, usually ranging from 150 to 160, depending on platform and updates.

Extra Missions and Events:

Adding another layer of complexity, the game features Extra Missions, often tied to specific conditions or events. These are not always clearly defined as distinct missions but rather gameplay scenarios that emerge during the course of playing. Some examples might include the rescue of specific soldiers or unexpected enemy encounters. This category is difficult to quantify with a precise number.

The Importance of Open-World Exploration and Replayability:

It's crucial to note that Metal Gear Solid V's brilliance isn't just about the quantity of missions, but also their quality and the way they integrate within a dynamic open world. The game rewards exploration and offers multiple approaches to each mission, encouraging replayability. You can experiment with different strategies, weapons, and equipment, vastly increasing the number of potential gameplay scenarios.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Number

While a precise number for all "missions" is challenging to provide (given the varying definitions and the open-world nature), it's safe to say that Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain offers hundreds of hours of gameplay. The combination of approximately 31 Main Missions, 150-160 Side Ops, and countless emergent scenarios ensures an incredibly extensive and rewarding experience. The real value lies not just in the sheer number but in the depth and variety of gameplay options available. The game offers unparalleled freedom, allowing players to shape their experience and develop their own unique strategies, making the "total number of missions" a less important measure than the overall scope and replayability of the game.