Metal Gear Solid Delta: How to Beat the Pain Guide
The Pain is the second major boss fight in Metal Gear Solid Delta, faced inside the Chyornaya Peschera Cave. He never leaves his central rock platform but uses swarms of hornets for both offense and defense. To win, you must manage his insect shield, use the environment, and attack in safe openings.
Phase One Strategy
The Pain begins covered in hornets, which makes him immune to damage.
Do not throw grenades while he is shielded. The hornets will catch them and throw them back.
Use the M37 shotgun to scatter his hornets when he attacks. This creates your first opening.
Once vulnerable, either:
Use the M37 for lethal damage
Or use the MK22 tranquilizer for a non-lethal takedown, unlocking a special uniform
Dive into the water to avoid incoming hornets. If you surface behind cover, The Pain loses track of you and you can line up free shots.
His Attacks in Phase One
Poison Hornets – He throws hornets into the water to track your position.
Hornet Tommy Gun – Summons a weapon made of hornets and sprays like a machine gun.
Swarm Shield – Prevents you from dealing any damage until scattered.
Phase Two Strategy
At half health, a cutscene triggers. The Pain removes his mask and gains new attacks.
He can now throw Hornet Grenades. If one forms while you’re on land, shoot it with the M37 to destroy it.
Continue using water as cover. Resurface outside his vision to safely attack.
Damage him whenever he is walking with hornets hovering nearby but not attached as a shield.
Repeat this cycle until his health is depleted.
Lethal vs Non-Lethal Reward
Lethal: Standard victory and progression.
Non-lethal (MK22 tranquilizer): Unlocks a new uniform reward.
Final Blurb
To defeat The Pain in Metal Gear Solid Delta, scatter his hornet shield with the M37, hide underwater to reset his tracking, and punish him whenever he is exposed. Use the MK22 if you want the non-lethal uniform reward. Stay patient, manage his hornet grenades in phase two, and this fight becomes very manageable.
FAQ
Where do you fight The Pain?
Inside the Chyornaya Peschera Cave, on his central rock platform.
What weapon is best for this fight?
The M37 shotgun is ideal for scattering hornets. The MK22 is best for a non-lethal takedown.
How do you avoid hornet swarms?
Dive underwater. Resurface away from his line of sight for safety.
What happens if I beat The Pain non-lethally?
You unlock a special uniform reward.
What is the main strategy in phase two?
Destroy hornet grenades with the M37, stay in the water for cover, and attack when his swarm is not shielding him.
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