Should You Knock Out or Kill Bosses in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty?

You know you’re living well when you have the privilege of deciding whether or not you should tranq or kill a boss. Well, in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, both are definitely on the table, but is it worth it?

As the game that introduces many new mechanics, Metal Gear Solid 2 is pretty basic when it comes to execution. Everything, from controls to melee combat and even stealth elements, is fun but lacking overall. This is a huge step up from the first Metal Gear game, which was pretty much the skeleton of what was to come. Still, having an option is always great, but how does it work? Here is what you need to know about if you should knock out or kill bosses in Metal Gear Solid: Sons of Liberty.

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Should You Knock Out Bosses in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

There is really no difference, at least gameplay-wise if you knock out or kill bosses in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. We felt it was important to get this out of the way, just in case anyone was wondering. It does present a unique challenge, as there are fewer ways to tranquilize bosses than outright killing them, but outside of that, there isn’t much there. There is, however, an achievement for doing a pacifist run in Metal Gear Solid 2, meaning no kills, that includes both bosses and regular enemies.

How To Knockout Enemies in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Luckily, there are plenty of situations where you get the opportunity to knock out enemies in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. During the tanker mission, Snake starts off with an M9, which is the game’s signature tranquilizer gun. Our second hero, Raiden – who appears in the second mission of the game – gets the gun eventually as well. For the most part, you’ll be using this as your main “damage dealer” throughout the game, along with creative options like stun grenades.

A little later into the second mission, you’ll have a chance to get a tranquilizer sniper rifle called the PSG1T. You can find it hidden in an air duct in the same room as the regular lethal PSG1. Towards the end of the game, you’ll get a sword with a nonlethal mode automatically, as you’ll need it in the final boss battle. Remember, you need to take advantage of each non-lethal option as they are presented, but when fighting machinery-based foes, it’s not required; as a matter of fact, it’s not even possible.