Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes offers a deceptively compact experience that goes far beyond the initial main mission. While many players might finish the core operation quickly, the true depth of the game lies in the various side missions and extra ops that can be unlocked. These additional missions add replay value, challenge, and expand the lore of the Metal Gear universe. Unlocking these missions, however, is not always straightforward and requires specific in-game accomplishments. Understanding how to unlock missions in Ground Zeroes will help you fully explore everything the game has to offer and sharpen your stealth gameplay skills.
Overview of Ground Zeroes Mission Structure
Ground Zeroes features a main mission titled Ground Zeroes, along with several Side Ops and two special Extra Ops called Déjà Vu and Jamais Vu. The Side Ops are unlocked through performance and progress, while the Extra Ops are unlocked through collectible items or by playing on specific platforms. Every mission takes place on the same map, but with different objectives, enemy positions, and time-of-day settings.
Main Mission
- Ground Zeroes The core mission focused on rescuing Chico and Paz from the U.S. Naval Prison Facility.
Side Ops
- Eliminate the Renegade Threat
- Intel Operative Rescue
- Classified Intel Acquisition
- Destroy the Anti-Air Emplacements
Extra Ops
- Déjà Vu A nostalgic mission exclusive to PlayStation versions (later available across platforms)
- Jamais Vu A sci-fi-themed mission originally Xbox exclusive (also later available on all platforms)
How to Unlock Side Ops Missions
Each Side Op in Ground Zeroes becomes available once the main mission is completed. However, the unlock sequence can vary slightly depending on your performance and objectives completed during your run. Here’s how each mission can be accessed:
Eliminate the Renegade Threat
This mission becomes available after you complete the Ground Zeroes mission for the first time. You’ll be tasked with eliminating two American traitors disguised as civilians. It’s a stealth-oriented mission that rewards precision and careful observation.
Intel Operative Rescue
Unlocks after completing the first Side Op. In this mission, you must rescue an undercover operative. Unlike the others, this mission is action-heavy and features an on-rails helicopter gunner sequence. Completing this one is essential for unlocking later content.
Classified Intel Acquisition
Unlocked after finishing the Intel Operative Rescue. You must infiltrate the base and retrieve sensitive information without triggering alarms. Stealth and speed are key to success, and collecting the intel provides great insight into the story’s background.
Destroy the Anti-Air Emplacements
This Side Op opens once the previous ones have been completed. In this mission, Snake is instructed to destroy anti-aircraft emplacements around the base. It’s more action-oriented and allows for a more aggressive approach compared to the other missions.
Unlocking Déjà Vu and Jamais Vu
These Extra Ops are among the most unique missions in Ground Zeroes and are packed with Easter eggs and alternate mechanics. Here’s how you unlock each of them:
Déjà Vu Mission
- Platform Requirements: Initially exclusive to PlayStation users, but later made available on other platforms via updates.
- How to Unlock: Collect all the XOF patches scattered throughout the main Ground Zeroes mission. There are 9 total, and they’re hidden in obscure places. Once you collect them all, Déjà Vu will become available from the mission select menu.
The Déjà Vu mission pays homage to the original Metal Gear Solid on the PlayStation 1, with visuals and references tailored for nostalgic fans. Players are tasked with recreating iconic scenes from the original game using current-gen visuals.
Jamais Vu Mission
- Platform Requirements: Originally an Xbox-exclusive, later made available to all platforms via updates.
- How to Unlock: Like Déjà Vu, Jamais Vu is unlocked by collecting all 9 XOF patches in the Ground Zeroes main mission. This mission places you in the role of Raiden instead of Snake, giving the experience a futuristic twist.
In Jamais Vu, the enemies are described as body snatchers, and the gameplay is more action-oriented. It diverges from traditional stealth and injects sci-fi elements into the grounded narrative of Ground Zeroes.
Where to Find XOF Patches
To unlock both Déjà Vu and Jamais Vu, players must find all 9 hidden XOF patches in the main mission. Here are some common locations where patches are found:
- On the road near the starting point, behind Snake’s landing area.
- Near the watchtower close to the heliport.
- Inside the drainage area beneath the admin building.
- On a ledge behind the prison building where Chico is held.
- On the rooftop of the central building.
- Near the gate leading to the admin section.
- In the truck that can be used for infiltration.
- Hidden behind containers near the base perimeter.
- Underwater near the cliffs requires careful positioning to retrieve.
Finding these requires exploration, attention to detail, and sometimes backtracking depending on your route. Use night vision and thermal goggles to assist in your search.
Tips for Completing Missions Efficiently
Once you’ve unlocked all missions, maximizing your performance in each one can be both fun and rewarding. Here are a few tips to help you master every scenario:
- Use non-lethal weaponsto increase your mission score and unlock achievements or ranks.
- Mark enemieswith binoculars before entering high-risk zones to avoid being caught off-guard.
- Replay missionsusing different tactics silent takedowns, all-out action, or speedrunning.
- Explore every areato discover hidden intel, cassette tapes, and collectible patches.
- Avoid raising alertsfor better rankings and additional unlockables tied to perfect stealth runs.
Explore Every Corner of Ground Zeroes
Unlocking all missions in Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes transforms the experience from a short prologue into a complex and rewarding stealth sandbox. Each Side Op offers new mechanics and story developments, while Extra Ops like Déjà Vu and Jamais Vu bring a fresh flavor and homage to the franchise’s past and future. Whether you’re chasing high ranks, experimenting with gear, or unraveling the narrative details, unlocking every mission ensures you get the most out of Ground Zeroes. Make the most of your time in the Cuban base, and push your stealth skills to the limit.