What happens when you eliminate The End early in Metal Gear Solid Delta?

Strategic guide to eliminating The End early in Metal Gear Solid Delta with tactical trade-offs and advanced tips

Understanding The Early Elimination Option

 Killing The End early in Metal Gear Solid Delta explained (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming // KONAMI)
Killing The End early in Metal Gear Solid Delta explained (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming // KONAMI)

 Killing The End early in Metal Gear Solid Delta explained (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming // KONAMI)
Killing The End early in Metal Gear Solid Delta explained (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming // KONAMI)

Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater contains one of gaming’s most ingenious hidden mechanics: the ability to confront The End significantly before his scheduled sniper duel at Sokrovenno. This clever Easter egg, faithfully preserved from the original release, dramatically alters narrative progression while presenting players with meaningful strategic decisions that impact their entire campaign.

The most significant drawback involves forfeiting The End’s Moss Camouflage alongside the 100% Camo Index achievement, exclusively awarded for non-lethal completion of his boss encounter. This specialized camouflage represents one of the game’s most effective stealth tools, substantially improving concealment across diverse environments. Eliminating him prematurely means sacrificing this crucial advantage throughout remaining missions.

Step-by-Step Execution Strategy

The sequence initiates immediately after defeating The Pain. When Snake arrives at Ponizovje South, you’ll encounter a critical path divergence. While the northern route advances the primary narrative, selecting the western path toward Ponizovje West leads to a weapons storage facility containing the essential SVD sniper rifle.

Exercise extreme caution throughout this area, as patrols actively secure the perimeter. Detection triggers immediate hovercraft reinforcement deployment. Secure the SVD efficiently, then return to the docking area for the pivotal encounter.

At Ponizovje Warehouse Docks, a cinematic sequence briefly features The End in his wheelchair. Critical timing begins immediately post-cutscene, where he remains temporarily stationary before evacuation by an attendant. This narrow 5-7 second window constitutes your sole opportunity.

Employing the SVD, you must achieve two consecutive headshots for instant elimination. Body shots inflict reduced stamina and health damage that carries into the formal boss encounter unless completed before he exits visually. Upon death, he detonates identically to other Cobra Unit operatives, necessitating immediate evasive rolling to avoid wheelchair projectile debris.

Advanced Tactical Considerations

Successfully executing this early elimination unlocks the Early End trophy/achievement, acknowledging this concealed game mechanic. For players wanting to experience the Easter egg without permanently sacrificing camouflage or specialized weaponry, simply reloading your most recent save restores standard progression with The End alive.

Removing The End prematurely offers an entertaining variation for repeated playthroughs but involves substantial sacrifices. Beyond forfeiting the Moss Camouflage, you also lose access to the Mosin Nagant tranquilizer sniper rifle, obtainable exclusively through stamina depletion during the standard encounter. This non-lethal weapon proves invaluable for pacifist approaches, particularly against challenging opponents like The Fury or The Boss.

The decision ultimately presents a classic gaming dilemma: bypass one of the franchise’s most celebrated boss engagements or preserve it for both rewards and the iconic experience? Advanced players should consider completing a standard playthrough first to acquire all unique equipment, then implement this strategy during subsequent runs for variety and achievement hunting.

If proceeding with early elimination, narrative progression continues uninterrupted. Upon reaching Sokrovenno later, the area remains devoid of The End’s presence, allowing unimpeded advancement without sniper pressure. The legendary ladder sequence follows shortly thereafter, completely circumventing one of the game’s most protracted engagements.

Achievement and Save Management

That covers comprehensive strategic knowledge regarding early elimination of The End in Metal Gear Solid Delta. For additional gaming content guidance, ensure you follow Sportskeeda’s continuing coverage.

  • What happens to rotten food in Metal Gear Solid Delta?
  • Can you fast travel in Metal Gear Solid Delta?
  • Should you play Metal Gear Solid Delta with controller or keyboard and mouse on PC?
  • How to save in Metal Gear Solid Delta
  • How to heal in Metal Gear Solid Delta
  • No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » What happens when you eliminate The End early in Metal Gear Solid Delta? Strategic guide to eliminating The End early in Metal Gear Solid Delta with tactical trade-offs and advanced tips