Alright, gamers, let's talk about Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. You've probably spent countless hours sneaking, strategizing, and taking down incredible bosses in this massive open-world stealth masterpiece. But have you ever wondered what it takes to truly say you've conquered it all? We're talking about hitting that coveted 100% completion mark. It's not for the faint of heart, guys, but the satisfaction of seeing that percentage climb to the top is unparalleled. In this deep dive, we're going to break down exactly what you need to do to achieve this monumental feat, from side ops to collectibles and everything in between. So, grab your cardboard box, load up your tranq pistol, and let's get ready to dive deep into the world of MGSV.

Unpacking the 100% Completion Requirements

So, what exactly does hitting 100% in Metal Gear Solid V entail? It's a multi-faceted challenge that goes far beyond just finishing the main story missions. You'll need to achieve a perfect score on all story missions, which means completing them with high ranks, completing all mission objectives, and often doing so under specific conditions. Then there are the side operations – a staggering number of them! These range from simple reconnaissance missions to full-blown assaults, and you'll need to clear all of them. But wait, there's more! Collectibles are a huge part of the puzzle. We're talking about finding every single cassette tape, blueprint, and even those elusive 'Commemorative' items scattered across Afghanistan and the African wilderness. Each collectible adds a piece to the lore and a tick towards your completion percentage. And let's not forget about the development and upgrades. You'll need to research and develop every single item in the R&D department, which means extracting an insane amount of resources and personnel from the field. This ties directly into building up your Mother Base, which also has its own set of requirements to fully upgrade and optimize. Finally, there are the achievements and trophies. While some are tied to story progression and side ops, many require specific actions, like performing certain stealth takedowns or using particular weapons in combat. It’s a true test of your skills, patience, and dedication to the Kojima-verse. This isn't just about beating the game; it's about mastering its every mechanic and uncovering every secret it holds. So, buckle up, because this journey to 100% is going to be epic!

Mastering the Mission Ranks

Let's start with the missions themselves, because getting those high ranks is absolutely crucial for 100% completion in MGSV. Each main story mission, and even many of the side ops, has a ranking system that usually goes from C all the way up to S. To get the highest ranks, you need to be efficient, stealthy, and thorough. This means avoiding unnecessary combat, completing all optional objectives, and finishing the mission quickly without raising any alarms. For instance, completing a mission without being detected, taking out all key targets non-lethally, and achieving a time under a certain threshold will often land you an S-rank. It sounds simple, but putting it into practice, especially on later missions with tougher enemy patrols and reinforcements, can be a real challenge. You'll need to learn enemy patrol routes like the back of your hand, utilize your Fulton extraction system to remove threats without resorting to lethal force whenever possible, and strategically use your equipment, like decoys and smoke grenades, to control enemy awareness. Don't underestimate the power of planning. Before diving into a mission you're aiming to S-rank, check the optional objectives and plan your approach accordingly. Sometimes, a specific entry point or a particular loadout can make all the difference. If you're struggling with a particular mission, don't be afraid to experiment with different strategies or even consult online guides for tips. The goal is to play smart, not just hard. Remember, a low rank means you might have to replay the mission multiple times, so optimizing your approach from the get-go will save you a ton of time and frustration in the long run. It’s all about precision and perfect execution, the hallmarks of a true Phantom.

Conquering the Side Operations

Now, let's talk about the backbone of MGSV's 100% completion: the Side Operations. Guys, there are a lot of them. Like, seriously, a lot. You can't just breeze through the main story and expect to hit that magic number. These optional missions are spread across both Afghanistan and Africa, and they serve a multitude of purposes, from unlocking new gear and intel to recruiting crucial staff for your Mother Base. To achieve 100%, you must complete every single one of them. This means clearing them, and often, you'll need to fulfill specific objectives within them to mark them as fully completed. Some side ops are straightforward, like rescuing prisoners or intercepting communications. Others, however, are more involved, requiring you to take down heavily guarded targets or sabotage enemy operations. The sheer volume can be daunting, and some players might find certain types of missions more challenging than others. For example, escorting VIPs without them taking damage, or planting sensors in heavily fortified areas, can require a lot of patience and strategic thinking. The good news is that many side ops are repeatable, and you can even select specific types of operations from the mission select screen once you've unlocked them. This allows you to grind out certain objectives or focus on gathering specific resources or staff members needed for your Mother Base development. Don't get discouraged if some seem repetitive; think of them as opportunities to hone your skills and further develop your arsenal and team. Each completed side op not only brings you closer to that 100% mark but also significantly contributes to the overall growth and power of your Diamond Dogs.

The Treasure Hunt: Collectibles Galore

Alright, let's shift gears to the part that might make some of you groan: collectibles. For 100% Metal Gear Solid V, you're going to be hunting down a significant number of items scattered across the vast maps. We're talking about cassette tapes, which unlock new music tracks and lore entries, blueprints that are essential for researching new weapons and equipment, and the more obscure Commemorative Items. These latter ones are often hidden in challenging locations or require specific actions to obtain. Finding all of them is a monumental task. Each cassette tape might be tucked away in a guardhouse, a destroyed building, or even on an enemy soldier. Blueprints are often found in specific research facilities or outpost buildings. The Commemorative Items can be particularly tricky, sometimes requiring you to interact with specific environmental objects or complete certain conditions in missions. My advice? Don't try to get them all in one go. As you play through the main missions and side ops, keep an eye out for any item icons on your radar. Utilize your binoculars to scan environments from a distance – you can often spot collectibles that way. For those really tough ones, especially the Commemorative Items, you might need to look up specific guides that detail their exact locations and how to acquire them. The game's world is massive, and these items are designed to encourage exploration. Think of it as an extended treasure hunt. Each discovery not only contributes to your overall percentage but also enriches your understanding of the game's world and narrative. Plus, unlocking all the music tracks is a pretty sweet bonus for your chopper rides!

Building an Empire: Mother Base and Development

Part of achieving 100% in Metal Gear Solid V involves the strategic development and expansion of your Mother Base. This isn't just a hub; it's a living, breathing entity that grows and evolves based on your actions in the field. You need to capture soldiers with high stats and specific skills using your Fulton system and assign them to different departments like R&D, Intel, Medical, and Combat. The key here is to research and develop every single item available. This means constantly extracting personnel and resources – fuel resources, common metal, and rare metals – from enemy bases and outposts. The R&D department is your lifeline; new weapons, prosthetics, support items, and even base upgrades are unlocked through this tree. Completing the development of all items requires a significant investment of both time and resources. You'll be undertaking numerous side ops specifically to gather these resources and recruiting specialists to speed up the development process. Furthermore, upgrading each section of your Mother Base itself is also part of the requirement. This involves building new platforms, expanding existing ones, and ensuring each department is running at maximum efficiency. A well-developed Mother Base not only unlocks powerful gear but also provides crucial support during missions and contributes to your overall combat readiness. It’s a constant cycle of extraction, development, and expansion that underpins your entire operation as Venom Snake. Get ready to become a master quartermaster as well as a legendary soldier!

The Final Frontier: Achievements and Trophies

Finally, to truly cement your 100% completion in Metal Gear Solid V, you'll need to tackle the achievements and trophies. These digital accolades are designed to reward players for exploring every facet of the game, from impressive combat feats to meticulous exploration and resource management. While many achievements are naturally unlocked by progressing through the main story and completing side operations, a significant number require specific, often challenging, actions. Think about achievements like 'Weapon Master', which requires you to develop and use a certain number of weapons, or 'Defender of the Motherland', which involves successfully defending your base from an S-rank invasion. There are also more niche achievements, such as 'Unidentified'', which involves identifying all types of wildlife, or the notoriously difficult 'Conservation of Resources', which demands you complete missions using minimal resources. Some achievements are tied to specific gameplay mechanics, like performing a certain number of headshots with a particular weapon or executing a specific number of stealth takedowns. Others might require you to reach certain milestones in your Mother Base development or extract a massive number of enemy soldiers. To get them all, you'll likely need to revisit missions, experiment with different playstyles, and really dig into the game's systems. Don't be afraid to use online guides for specific achievement requirements, as some can be quite obscure. Earning every single achievement is the final badge of honor, proving you've truly mastered every aspect of this incredible game, from tactical infiltration to the intricate management of your growing private army. It's the cherry on top of an already monumental achievement.

Tips and Tricks for the Long Haul

Embarking on the journey to 100% Metal Gear Solid V is a marathon, not a sprint. You're going to need patience, strategy, and a few insider tips to keep your sanity intact. Firstly, prioritize your development. Always focus on R&D items that will help you complete missions more efficiently, like improved tranquilizer guns, better Fulton systems, and stealth camouflage. Don't spread your resources too thin too early. Secondly, manage your staff effectively. Regularly sift through your recruited soldiers, dismiss those with low stats or negative traits, and promote those with valuable skills to ensure your Mother Base operates at peak efficiency. High-ranking staff in R&D and Intel are invaluable. Thirdly, don't neglect the Intel team. They provide crucial intel on enemy positions, resource locations, and even unlock new mission opportunities. Keeping them happy and efficient is key. Fourthly, master the Fulton system. It’s not just for soldiers; you can extract vehicles, containers, and even animals, all of which contribute to your resources and development. Upgrade it as much as possible. Fifthly, use the environment to your advantage. Distractions, cover, and elevation are your best friends. Learn enemy patrol patterns and exploit them. Sixthly, save scumming (ethically). If you’re attempting an S-rank on a particularly difficult mission and something goes wrong near the end, consider restarting from the checkpoint. It’s better than replaying the entire mission. Lastly, take breaks. Seriously, guys. This game is massive. Step away when you feel frustrated. Come back with fresh eyes, and you’ll find solutions you couldn’t see before. Remember, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Enjoy the process, and the 100% completion will eventually be yours.