How to Get the Meryl Ending in Metal Gear Solid: A Comprehensive Guide
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The Meryl ending in the original Metal Gear Solid (MGS) is considered the “best” or canon ending by many fans, and it is certainly the most rewarding emotionally. It’s also a matter of choice and skill, where a key moment requires resisting torture. To achieve this desirable outcome where Meryl survives, you must resolutely refuse to submit during the infamous torture sequence. If you give in, Snake will find Meryl dead, resulting in a different ending. So, the crucial element for the Meryl ending is pure, unwavering resistance to the torture.
The Torture Sequence: The Gatekeeper to Meryl’s Fate
Early in the game, you will be captured and subjected to torture. The screen will display a bar showing your current health and the torture’s intensity. Your task is to repeatedly tap the button that appears on the screen during the torture sequence. If you submit, the health bar depletes completely, and you’ll be forced to watch Meryl’s tragic end.
How to Resist the Torture
- Button Mashing: The game will prompt you to press a button (usually the ‘O’ or ‘B’ button on PlayStation controllers) repeatedly to regain your health. The key to survival is to tap this button rapidly and consistently.
- Patience and Perseverance: The torture sequence is designed to be challenging. You need to be persistent, and avoid any long pauses between your presses.
- Consequences of Failure: If the bar depletes entirely, you will fail the torture sequence. The outcome is that Meryl will be killed, and you will see a very different ending.
The Rewarding Outcome
If you succeed, you will endure the entire torture sequence without giving in. The torture will stop, and you will proceed to the next phase of the game. The immediate reward for this action is your escape to the next area. However, the greater reward is when you meet Meryl again later in the game, alive and well. At the end of the game, you’ll be congratulated by Otacon for saving Meryl in the “good” ending. The ending shows a happier conclusion with the possibility of a relationship with her, which is considered the canon ending.
After the Torture: Navigating the Rest of the Game
Resisting the torture is not the only key factor for a full, satisfying experience with the Meryl ending. You’ll also need to be successful in other parts of the game.
Dealing with Psycho Mantis
During your fight with Psycho Mantis, he will control Meryl and make her attack you. To help her during this fight, you should use stun grenades to knock her out. Failing this, a combination of punches will eventually stun her.
Final Steps
Later in the game, it’s essential to make the right choices. You should also be aware that the Meryl ending is not just about saving her; it’s about the overarching narrative of Metal Gear Solid. It is the canon ending and therefore fits the narrative for the most part. Successfully saving Meryl will lead to a much better conclusion of the game with an optimistic tone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to getting the Meryl ending in Metal Gear Solid:
1. What happens if I submit to the torture in MGS1?
If you submit to the torture, Meryl dies. Snake will find her dead, and Otacon will comfort him, leading to a different ending.
2. Can I get the Meryl ending if I fail the torture sequence?
No, if you fail the torture sequence, you cannot get the Meryl ending. It is essential to resist the torture to achieve it.
3. How do I know I’m on the right track for the Meryl ending?
If you’ve successfully resisted the torture, you’ll be able to proceed to the next part of the story. Otacon will congratulate you at the end for saving her.
4. Does Meryl survive in all Metal Gear Solid games?
No. While Meryl survives in MGS1 (if you get the correct ending) and returns in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, her fate varies depending on your actions in MGS1.
5. How old is Meryl in Metal Gear Solid 1?
Meryl is 18 years old at the time of the Shadow Moses Incident in Metal Gear Solid 1.
6. What is the code to call Meryl in Metal Gear Solid 1?
The code is 140.15 on the codec. This is how you contact Meryl to open the cargo bay doors.
7. Is Psycho Mantis a bad guy?
Yes, Psycho Mantis is an antagonist and a misanthropic member of FOXHOUND with powerful psychic abilities.
8. How do I defeat Psycho Mantis?
To defeat Psycho Mantis, you must switch your controller to the second port. He is resistant to most of your other moves.
9. What happens if I kill Meryl during the Psycho Mantis fight?
If you kill Meryl during the Psycho Mantis fight, you will have a game over and you will have to retry the fight. Try to use stun grenades.
10. Is the Meryl ending the canon ending of MGS1?
Yes, the Meryl ending is widely considered the canon ending of Metal Gear Solid.
11. What is the significance of the Bandana in Metal Gear Solid?
In the “Meryl” ending, Meryl gives Snake the Bandana, which gives you infinite ammunition. It serves as a reward for getting the better ending.
12. What is the best weapon to use against enemies in MGS1?
The SOCOM pistol is considered the best all-around weapon in MGS1, and the best for stealthy combat.
13. Is it possible to finish MGS1 without killing anyone?
It is impossible to finish MGS1 without killing anyone, as there are story-mandated encounters where kills are unavoidable.
14. What is Venom Snake’s role in the Metal Gear Solid narrative?
Venom Snake is a character in Metal Gear Solid V who acts as a phantom of Big Boss. He is revealed to be the one that Solid Snake kills in the original game, Metal Gear.
15. Does Snake love Meryl in MGS1?
Yes, there is a strong romantic connection established between Snake and Meryl throughout the game, leading to an emotional climax in the Meryl ending. Snake even reveals his name to her.
By understanding the steps required to resist the torture and making the right decisions throughout the game, you will be able to achieve the Meryl ending in Metal Gear Solid, experiencing the most satisfying conclusion to this beloved game.