Metal Gear Solid Delta How to Counter The Boss in CQC
The final battle with The Boss in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater puts Snake’s CQC skills to the test. Unlike other enemies, The Boss specializes in grabs, throws, and parries, and the fight teaches you how to counter them. Unfortunately, in the current version, the system can be buggy, so here’s both the intended method and workarounds.
How to Counter the Boss (CQC)
When The Boss initiates a CQC grab, the game is supposed to slow down and show a ! icon.
At that exact moment, press your attack input (Left Click on mouse, or the attack button on controller).
If timed correctly, Snake will counter her grab, throwing her instead of being thrown himself.
Current Issues and Workarounds
Many players report the slow-motion and ! prompt not showing consistently, especially on keyboard and mouse.
Some have found that having a CQC weapon equipped (like the survival knife) makes parries more reliable.
Others note that landing a successful parry once and then reloading your save can “unlock” the proper slow-motion timing afterward.
Without these, counters may feel random or fail completely.
Strategy Tips
Stay patient. Don’t mash inputs, as timing is everything.
If the counter system isn’t triggering, rely more on spacing, quick firearms, or stamina drain tactics until you get a consistent opening.
Remember that The Boss takes stamina damage from non-lethal tools like the tranquilizer or CQC throws if you want her camo reward.
Final Blurb
To counter The Boss’s CQC in Metal Gear Solid Delta, time your attack at the slow-motion cue when she grabs you. Currently, the feature is inconsistent, but equipping a CQC weapon or reloading after a successful parry can make the system work as intended.
FAQ
How do I counter The Boss’s CQC on keyboard and mouse?
Press Left Click at the slow-motion + ! prompt, but note it can be inconsistent without a CQC weapon equipped.
Why doesn’t the counter work for me?
The mechanic is bugged for some players, with prompts not appearing. It’s not always player error.
Does equipping the knife help?
Yes, some players report parries are more consistent with a CQC weapon equipped.
What if I can’t trigger the counter at all?
You can still win the fight using firearms, stamina drains, and throws. CQC counters are optional but cinematic.
Is this how it worked in the original MGS3?
Yes, but in the original, the timing window and prompts worked consistently. Delta’s remake currently has issues.
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