The Grimy Truth: What Happens When You Don’t Shower in Metal Gear Solid V?

So, you’re playing Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, and you’re deep into a mission. You’re crawling through the Afghan desert, infiltrating a Soviet outpost, or perhaps rescuing a captive from a heavily guarded compound. Showers? The last thing on your mind, right? But neglecting hygiene in MGSV has consequences, both comedic and surprisingly impactful on gameplay.

The short answer is this: Prolonged periods without showering lead to a gradual decline in Big Boss’s appearance and affect how NPCs interact with him. Flies begin to swarm around him, and eventually, his comrades at Mother Base will refuse to stand near him due to the overpowering stench. Ocelot, ever the pragmatic one, might even take matters into his own hands with a bucket of cold water. While it might seem like a trivial detail, the shower mechanic adds a layer of realism and strategic consideration to your gameplay, forcing you to balance mission priorities with the need to maintain cleanliness and troop morale.

The Stinky Details: Gradual Stages of Filth

It’s not an immediate plummet into foulness. The consequences of forsaking soap and water manifest gradually:

• The Fly Zone: Initially, after a few missions without a shower, you’ll notice flies buzzing annoyingly around Big Boss. These aren’t just cosmetic; they’re a visual cue that your hygiene is slipping. The longer you go without cleaning up, the bigger and more persistent the swarm becomes.
• The Stink Eye: As the flies intensify, your Diamond Dogs comrades at Mother Base will start reacting to your stench. They’ll hold their noses, keep their distance, and generally look disgusted in your presence. This impacts morale, although not in a directly quantifiable way. Imagine being the support staff trying to build weapons and develop resources while enduring Big Boss’s unwashed aura.
• The Bucket Bath (Ocelot Intervention): The final stage is the most… direct. If you push your filthiness to the extreme, Ocelot, known for his meticulousness, will simply decide he’s had enough. A cutscene will trigger where he ambushes you with a bucket of water, effectively forcing a rudimentary shower upon you. It’s a humorous moment that highlights the extent of your neglect.

More Than Just a Gag: Why the Shower Matters

While primarily a comedic element, the shower mechanic serves several purposes:

• Immersion: It adds a layer of realism to the game. The world reacts to Big Boss’s actions (or lack thereof), making him feel more like a character embedded within a living, breathing environment.
• Strategic Consideration: It forces you to think about your actions and prioritize maintaining a positive relationship with your troops. Neglecting your personal hygiene might seem insignificant, but it can affect morale and the overall atmosphere at Mother Base.
• Hidden Benefits: While not explicitly stated, some players speculate that being clean can subtly improve your stealth. Enemies might be less likely to detect your scent, although this is difficult to confirm empirically.

Showering: The Path to Redemption (and Cleanliness)

Thankfully, the solution is simple: shower. Mother Base has shower facilities available, and taking a shower resets the “stench” meter, removing the flies and restoring your comrades’ good graces. It’s a quick and easy process that allows you to get back to your missions with a fresh start (and a less offensive aroma).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Showers in MGSV

Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you understand how showers work in MGSV and the consequences of neglecting them:

1. How often should I shower in MGSV?

There’s no hard and fast rule, but showering after every 2-3 missions is a good practice to avoid the negative effects. Pay attention to the visual cues (flies) and the reactions of your staff.

2. Does showering affect my Demon Points?

No, showering does not directly affect your Demon Points. Demon Points are accumulated through morally questionable actions, such as killing enemies excessively or harming animals. Showering only addresses your hygiene level.

3. Does rain wash away the dirt and flies?

Yes, rain does provide a temporary reprieve from the dirt and flies, but it’s not as effective as a proper shower. The effects are usually short-lived, and the flies will return eventually. Rain only mitigates the dirt not the cause.

4. Can I shower while on a mission?

No, showering is only available at Mother Base. You’ll need to return to your base of operations to access the shower facilities.

5. Does wearing a specific uniform help me stay cleaner longer?

No, the uniform you wear does not affect how quickly you get dirty. The rate at which you accumulate filth depends on the amount of time you spend on missions and the types of environments you traverse.

6. Does using the cardboard box to hide affect how dirty I get?

No, there is no evidence the cardboard box or any other hiding strategies will affect how quickly you get dirty.

7. What happens if I ignore Ocelot’s bucket of water?

You can’t really ignore it. The cutscene will play, and you’ll be forcibly “cleaned.” It’s a scripted event that triggers when your stench reaches a certain level.

8. Is there an achievement or trophy for not showering in MGSV?

No, there isn’t a specific achievement or trophy related to not showering. However, experiencing Ocelot’s intervention can be a humorous goal in itself.

9. Does showering restore my health?

No, showering does not restore health. It only affects your hygiene level and the reactions of NPCs.

10. Does Quiet react to my smell if I don’t shower?

While Quiet doesn’t explicitly comment on your smell, it’s safe to assume she’s aware of it. Whether it affects her performance or her overall opinion of Big Boss is debatable but unlikely.

11. Can female soldiers shower in MGSV?

Yes, if you’re playing as a female soldier, you can also shower at Mother Base and experience the same benefits (and consequences) as Big Boss.

12. Is there any mod to remove the shower mechanic?

Yes, mods exist on PC for MGSV that can remove the shower mechanic, however, mods are not available for console versions of the game.

13. Does the shower scene change if I have the Demon Snake appearance?

No, showering won’t remove the bloodstains or the horn associated with the Demon Snake appearance. Those are permanent visual indicators tied to your Demon Points.

14. Does the shower effect the ending of the game?

No, how often or little you shower will have no affect on the ending of the game.

15. What does this teach me about games in general?

The shower mechanic in MGSV, while seemingly minor, exemplifies how games can incorporate elements of realism and consequence to enhance immersion and strategic decision-making. It demonstrates that even seemingly trivial actions can have ripple effects within the game world, prompting players to consider the broader context of their choices. This design philosophy highlights the potential of games as not just entertainment, but also as spaces for exploration, experimentation, and learning. The Games Learning Society explores these themes in depth, investigating how games can be used as powerful tools for education and skill development. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Final Thoughts: Stay Fresh, Stay Stealthy

The shower mechanic in MGSV is a small but significant detail that adds depth and humor to the game. While it might seem like a trivial concern, neglecting your hygiene can have tangible consequences, affecting your relationship with your troops and potentially impacting your overall experience. So, remember to prioritize cleanliness amidst the chaos of war – Big Boss (and your comrades) will thank you for it. A clean Snake is a happy Snake, and a happy Snake is a more effective Snake!