The 10 Greatest Bosses in Metal Gear Solid History, and How to Beat Them

With Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes set to hit stores tomorrow, fans are eager to hop back into Hideo Kojima’s franchise that gave us so many incredible moments. This is especially true with boss fights. We’ve squared off against a variety of twisted bad guys over the years, and we pulled the 10 most memorable encounters in MGS history. Even better, here are tips for beating these characters. 

Afterwards, check out the 15 greatest moments in the MGS series.

10.) Sniper Wolf (Metal Gear Solid)

The battle between Solid Snake and Sniper Wolf pits sniper vs. sniper. You’ll learn Sniper Wolf’s intentions up front, as she shoots Meryl in an attempt to get Snake out in the open. 

How do I beat Sniper Wolf? Your best bet is to use camouflage and be patient. This is the sort of battle that really tests your skills, so don’t be in a hurry to rush to her position. Look for open shots, and take them.

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9.) Raiden vs. the Metal Gear Rays (Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty)

This is one of the tougher fights in the game, where Raiden picks up a rocket launcher and lays down suppressing fire on waves of incoming Metal Gear drones. It’s furious battle to the finish – and a lot of fun.

How do I beat the Metal Gear Rays? Technically you can’t. Thankfully, you can take a bunch of Rays with you in the process. Just watch your targeting and time your shots.

8.) Vulcan Raven (Metal Gear Solid)

We’re still not sure how this turret-carrying behemoth gets around with a huge gun and canister in his hands, but he poses one of the biggest threats to Snake in the original Metal Gear Solid.

How do I beat Vulcan Raven? Cover is your ally in this fight. If you’re out in the open, Vulcan will lay waste to you very quickly. Watch for openings and take advantage, but stay hidden otherwise.

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7.) Metal Gear Rex (Metal Gear Solid)

The first time you’re introduced to Metal Gear Rex, it appears to be an immediate mismatch, with this big, hulking robot grabbing a huge advantage over Solid Snake. However, it’s just a matter of time before you bring him down.

How do I beat Metal Gear Rex? Watch for its attacks and damage it in specific areas. Chip away at Rex – and don’t get hurt!

6.) Gray Fox (Metal Gear Solid)

This cyborg ninja is a pain in Snake’s butt if you’re not careful, using invisibility and quick attacks. This is easily one of the best fights in the game. Tense, furious and lots of fun.

How do I beat Gray Fox? Try using chaff grenades to stun him and give away his position, and rather than using a weapon, attempt to beat him with hand-to-hand combat. You’d be surprised how well it works.

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5.) The End (Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater)

Why did Sniper Wolf’s sniper-on-sniper battle get bumped down the list? Mainly due to The End, an awesome old-timer who makes Big Boss’ life a living hell in Snake Eater. This battle can take hours.

How do I beat The End? There are two ways. The first is to use night vision goggles and take shots whenever he pops out into the open – which isn’t often. The second is to leave the game alone for a few days, or speed up the date and time on your PS2 console. He’ll die of old age!

4.) Metal Gear Rex vs. Metal Gear Ray (Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots)

Where most boss fights are serious-minded affairs, this battle of the bots feels like a nice loosening up for the series. Rex and Ray will fight with missiles and other weapons, bringing down buildings and other structures like a Godzilla movie – which it may as well be.

How do I beat Metal Gear Ray? Avoid attacks and target your missiles to hit Ray right in its weak spots. Eventually it’ll crumble and you’ll be king of the Gears.

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3.) Snake vs. Liquid Ocelot (Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots)

Eventually, you’ll end up butting heads with Liquid Ocelot the old-fashioned way – through one mother of a fistfight. This guy takes a lot to go down, but if anyone can put him in his place, it’s Snake.

How do I beat Liquid Ocelot? Avoid getting caught in Liquid’s offensive tactics – particularly the headlock, although Snake’s response is humorous – and keep chipping away at him. On top of that, don’t forget to use items in the environment, such as a pole that you can bang his head against.

2.) The Boss (Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater)

This boss from Snake Eater is one of the toughest in the game. Not only is she incredibly difficult to beat, but she also drops bombs that you’ll have to deal with, along with a 10-minute timer. Still, it’s a breathtaking fight, and its finale is quite memorable.

How do I beat The Boss? Keep moving and find openings to strike. She means business.

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1.) Psycho Mantis (Metal Gear Solid)

Psycho Mantis is without question the coolest boss in the MGS franchise. Not only does his holographic technology screw with your TV settings, but he can read your memory card as well. Regardless, once you find his weakness, you can bring him down.

How do I beat Psycho Mantis? Keeping the controller plugged into the main port is a bad move, as he can read what’s coming from a mile away. However, you can move the controller to the second port, then take him down with ease.

Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes arrives tomorrow for Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3.