What Happened to Quiet in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain?
Quiet’s story in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (MGSV) is one of the most compelling and debated aspects of the game. Her journey is marked by tragedy, redemption, and ultimately, sacrifice. Quiet, formerly an assassin working for XOF, is infected with vocal cord parasites that force her to communicate without speaking English. After several events, the parasite mutates causing a second outbreak on Diamond Dogs’ base, Quiet departs from Mother Base after Mission 45, realizing that her presence endangers everyone. She chooses to disappear into Afghanistan, severing her ties to Venom Snake and Mother Base to protect them.
Quiet’s Origins and Initial Role
Quiet’s past is steeped in pain. Severely burned in a failed assassination attempt on Big Boss, she received an experimental treatment involving vocal cord parasites, granting her superhuman abilities, including enhanced speed, agility, and camouflage. These parasites, however, came with a significant drawback: they forced her to breathe through her skin, necessitating minimal clothing, and carried the risk of triggering an outbreak of a deadly, language-specific disease. Initially, she served as an antagonist, sent to assassinate Venom Snake. After being defeated by Venom Snake, she becomes an invaluable combat buddy, renowned for her sharpshooting skills and stealth abilities.
The Parasite Threat and Quiet’s Silence
A crucial element of Quiet’s character is the vocal cord parasite. There are several strains, each triggered by a specific language. In Quiet’s case, she carries the English strain. Speaking English would activate the parasite, causing a potentially fatal outbreak that could spread to anyone exposed. This is why she remains mostly silent throughout the game, communicating through humming and gestures. Code Talker reveals that Quiet consciously chooses to remain silent to protect those around her, particularly Venom Snake and the Diamond Dogs.
Departure from Mother Base and the Afghanistan Journey
After the Diamond Dogs Mother Base suffers a second outbreak of the vocal cord parasite due to a mutation, Quiet makes the difficult decision to leave. She realizes that her continued presence poses a risk to everyone she cares about. This moment leads to the events of Mission 45. In this final mission, triggered when the bond between Venom Snake and Quiet is at its highest, Quiet intercepts a Soviet armored division headed towards Venom Snake’s location. During this moment, Quiet starts speaking english because she has to radio for help. By speaking English to call for help and protect Venom Snake, she sacrifices herself and activates the English strain of the parasite.
Quiet’s Sacrifice and Disappearance
Quiet disappears into Afghanistan, seeking isolation and accepting her fate. It is implied that she wants to spare Venom Snake the pain of witnessing her death and to ensure that the parasite does not spread further. Her departure is a poignant moment, highlighting her growth from a cold assassin to a selfless protector willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of others. This action solidifies her character arc, showcasing her ultimate act of love and loyalty.
Can Quiet be Brought Back?
After completing Mission 45, Quiet is removed as a buddy from Mother Base. This initially left players devastated and searching for a way to bring her back. In one of the game’s many quirks, it is possible to get her back into the game. The player must replay Mission 11 (“Cloaked in Silence”) until the mission name changes to “Reunion”. Beating the mission will result in Quiet going back to her cell at Motherbase and will once again be available for deployment.
Legacy and Impact
Quiet’s story, and character, adds a layer of emotional depth to MGSV. She represents the complexities of war, the potential for redemption, and the power of human connection amidst chaos. The ability to get her back through persistent gameplay shows how the developers at Kojima Productions recognized the important impact the character had on players. Through research, game design, and critical thinking, organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) seek to explore topics and issues such as this more fully and completely. Her relationship with Venom Snake, her internal struggle with her past, and her ultimate sacrifice have resonated with players, making her one of the most memorable characters in the Metal Gear Solid franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Quiet in MGSV
1. Why does Quiet wear so little clothing?
The vocal cord parasites that Quiet carries allow her to breathe through her skin. Covering her skin would cause her to suffocate. As a result, she must wear as little clothing as possible to survive.
2. Why doesn’t Quiet speak?
Quiet carries the English strain of the vocal cord parasite. Speaking English would activate the parasite, potentially causing a deadly outbreak that would kill her and others. Therefore, she chooses to remain silent.
3. Can you get Quiet back after she leaves in Mission 45?
Yes, it is possible to get Quiet back after Mission 45. You need to replay Mission 11 (“Cloaked in Silence”) multiple times until the mission name changes to “Reunion.” Completing “Reunion” will bring Quiet back to Mother Base.
4. How many times do you have to replay Mission 11 to get Quiet back?
You generally need to replay Mission 11 seven times for the mission name to change to “Reunion,” enabling you to bring Quiet back.
5. What happens if Quiet speaks English?
If Quiet speaks English, the English strain of the vocal cord parasite will activate, potentially causing a deadly outbreak that would kill her and others. This is why she avoids speaking English at all costs.
6. Why does Quiet leave Mother Base?
Quiet leaves Mother Base after the second parasite outbreak due to a mutation. She realizes that her presence endangers everyone and decides to isolate herself in Afghanistan to prevent further outbreaks.
7. What is the significance of Mission 45?
Mission 45 marks Quiet’s final act of sacrifice. She speaks English to protect Venom Snake, knowing it will activate the parasite and lead to her eventual death. It is the end of her journey and the ultimate fulfillment of her bond with Venom Snake.
8. Is Quiet gone forever after completing Mission 45 without bringing her back?
No, Quiet is not gone forever as long as you replay Mission 11 until the mission name changes to “Reunion.” You can then complete “Reunion” to bring her back.
9. Why couldn’t Quiet just write in English instead of speaking?
Code Talker explains that any form of English communication, including writing, could potentially trigger the parasite. Therefore, Quiet avoided all forms of English communication to protect others.
10. How did Quiet get her superhuman abilities?
Quiet received an experimental treatment involving vocal cord parasites after being severely burned. These parasites granted her superhuman abilities, including enhanced speed, agility, and camouflage.
11. What is the relationship between Quiet and Venom Snake?
Quiet and Venom Snake develop a strong bond over the course of the game. Initially, they are enemies, but they eventually become trusted allies and even share a mutual affection. Their relationship is a central theme of the game.
12. Why does Quiet hum?
Quiet hums as a way to communicate without using English. It’s a way for her to provide information and alerts during missions without risking the activation of her parasite. She can also alert to enemy positions.
13. Can Quiet be cured of the vocal cord parasite?
While there are treatments for the vocal cord parasites, Quiet also hosts the English strain, which may be a mutated strain immune to the treatment. Her situation is further complicated by the injuries she sustained before receiving the parasite treatment.
14. Is there a “true” ending to Quiet’s story?
Quiet’s story is left somewhat ambiguous, leaving players to interpret her ultimate fate. Her sacrifice is a powerful ending, but the ability to bring her back through gameplay creates an alternative perspective.
15. Does Quiet appear in any other Metal Gear Solid games?
Quiet only appears in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. There is no further content regarding her in the Metal Gear Solid canon.