Where Can I Find Quiet in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain? A Veteran’s Guide

Finding Quiet, the enigmatic sniper companion in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (MGSV), is a key objective for many players. She’s not just a powerful asset; she’s a compelling character whose backstory and abilities significantly impact gameplay. The key to unlocking her lies in completing specific missions and adhering to certain in-game conditions. Let’s delve into the precise steps to secure Quiet’s allegiance and enjoy her unique contributions to your Mother Base team.

Unlocking Quiet: The Road to Companionship

You’ll encounter Quiet during Mission 11: Cloaked in Silence. This mission becomes available after completing Mission 10: Angel With Broken Wings. During Mission 11, you must confront Quiet in a sniper duel. To recruit her, you must defeat her non-lethally. The game provides several non-lethal options, but the easiest is often using the tranquilizer sniper rifle (like the Wu S. Pistol, or the upgraded version of the AM MRS-4).

Here’s the crucial part: after depleting her stamina bar completely, do not kill her. Instead, when prompted with the option to “Eliminate Quiet” or “Spare Quiet”, choose “Spare Quiet”. If you accidentally kill her (which is easy to do!), you’ll need to replay the mission.

After sparing Quiet, you’ll return to Mother Base. Subsequently, Mission 14: Lingua Franca must be completed. Following that, Mission 15: Footsteps of Phantoms unlocks. Once you complete Mission 15, you can use Quiet as a buddy.

It’s important to note that simply completing these missions doesn’t guarantee Quiet’s permanent availability. To ensure she remains a valued member of your team, you need to strengthen your bond with her through continued use in the field. This is achieved by taking her on missions, issuing her commands, and generally relying on her skills.

Keeping Quiet: Building and Maintaining Your Bond

Once Quiet is a buddy, you can select her for deployment on missions via the iDroid. As you use her, her bond level will increase. A higher bond level unlocks new abilities and commands for her, making her even more effective. However, there’s a critical turning point later in the game that can lead to Quiet’s departure.

Beware of the “Quiet’s Departure” side mission chain. These missions become available as you progress through the main story and involve a specific parasite outbreak. Completing these missions in a particular way (i.e., developing a certain item) triggers a cutscene that ultimately results in Quiet leaving Mother Base. To avoid this, refrain from developing the weapon that cures the parasite as long as you want to keep her.

The key to keeping Quiet is to delay the progression of the story related to the parasite outbreak. You can indefinitely postpone her departure by avoiding certain research and development activities and carefully selecting which side missions to undertake. This allows you to enjoy her companionship for as long as possible.

Quiet’s Abilities and Usage

Quiet is an incredibly versatile buddy with several unique abilities. Her primary function is as a sniper, providing overwatch and eliminating targets from a distance. You can issue her commands to scout ahead, mark enemies, and engage in direct combat. She can also provide covering fire, allowing you to maneuver safely through enemy territory.

• Scouting: Quiet can scout ahead and mark enemies, providing valuable intel before you engage.
• Covering Fire: She can provide covering fire, suppressing enemies and allowing you to advance.
• Sniping: Quiet is an exceptional sniper, capable of eliminating targets with pinpoint accuracy.
• Support: She can provide support by distracting enemies, allowing you to flank or escape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Quiet in MGSV

1. What happens if I accidentally kill Quiet during Mission 11?

If you accidentally eliminate Quiet during Mission 11: Cloaked in Silence, you will have to replay the mission from the beginning. There’s no way to bring her back in that playthrough if you make the wrong choice. The game is very specific about needing to spare her.

2. Can I recruit Quiet later if I initially chose to eliminate her?

No. If you choose to eliminate Quiet during Mission 11, you will not be able to recruit her later in that particular playthrough of the game. You must start a new game or reload an earlier save.

3. How do I increase my bond level with Quiet?

To increase your bond level with Quiet, take her on missions frequently. Use her abilities, issue her commands, and ensure she contributes to the success of your operations. The more you use her, the stronger your bond becomes.

4. What are the benefits of having a higher bond level with Quiet?

A higher bond level with Quiet unlocks new abilities and commands, making her even more effective in combat. She’ll be able to scout further, target more enemies, and provide even more reliable support.

5. Can Quiet be used in all missions?

While Quiet is a valuable asset, she cannot be used in every mission. Some missions take place in environments that are unsuitable for her, such as indoor facilities or locations where her presence would compromise stealth.

6. What gear can Quiet equip?

Quiet’s gear primarily consists of different sniper rifles and combat uniforms. You can research and develop new weapons and outfits for her at Mother Base, enhancing her capabilities and altering her appearance.

7. How does Quiet’s stealth camouflage work?

Quiet’s stealth camouflage is based on parasitic abilities. She can manipulate light to blend seamlessly with her surroundings, making her nearly invisible to enemies.

8. What is the significance of Quiet’s humming?

Quiet’s humming is a subtle form of communication. It can alert you to nearby enemies or indicate her current status. Pay close attention to her humming, as it can provide valuable intel.

9. What is the parasite outbreak storyline and how does it relate to Quiet?

The parasite outbreak storyline involves a new strain of parasites that threatens Mother Base. As this storyline progresses, you’ll encounter missions related to containing the outbreak. A specific weapon developed to combat the parasites will cause Quiet’s departure, so delay that development if you want to keep her.

10. How can I prevent Quiet from leaving Mother Base?

To prevent Quiet from leaving Mother Base, avoid developing the weapon needed to cure the parasite affecting her. This will delay the events that trigger her departure, allowing you to continue using her as a buddy.

11. Is there a way to bring Quiet back after she leaves?

Unfortunately, in the original game, there is no way to permanently bring Quiet back after she departs in the main storyline. Once the event is triggered, she’s gone for that playthrough. Some mods may allow you to bring her back on PC.

12. Does Quiet’s absence affect the story significantly?

Quiet’s absence does impact the story to a degree. There are unique cutscenes and interactions that you will miss, but the main plot can still be completed without her.

13. Are there any Easter eggs related to Quiet?

Yes, there are several Easter eggs related to Quiet. Some involve specific actions you can take with her during missions, while others are hidden references to her backstory. These often involve getting her wet somehow.

14. Does using Quiet impact my Demon Points?

Using Quiet itself does not directly impact your Demon Points. Demon Points are primarily affected by actions such as killing enemies, developing nuclear weapons, and other morally questionable decisions.

15. How does Quiet’s bond level affect her combat effectiveness?

A higher bond level significantly enhances Quiet’s combat effectiveness. She’ll become more accurate, react faster, and be able to scout further, making her an invaluable asset on the battlefield. You should check out resources, such as those provided at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org), to better your skills as well.

In conclusion, finding and keeping Quiet in MGSV requires careful planning and execution. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that this skilled sniper remains a loyal companion throughout your adventures in Afghanistan and Africa.