Like the games in the series before it, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain features a ranking system that gauges how well you play based on your performance throughout the mission.
With that in mind, PowerPyx has put together a video guide on attaining the S-Rank in every mission in the game. You can watch the playlist below.
Here's a couple of rules for attaining the elusive S-rank:
- Don't attempt it on your first playthrough. You'll unlock better gear as you progress through the game and many strategies only work when you replay missions.
- Skip all cutscenes, because they add to the playtime.
The following are some tips on how to get the S-rank, paraphrased, also by PowerPyx, whose channel you can subscribe to here.
The highest attainable rank is the S-rank, which you'll be able to get by accumulating at least 130,000 points in a mission.
Keep in mind that side-ops don't contain any rankings, only story missions do. The main missions 02, 22, and 43 are exceptions as they do not have any ranks. There are a total of 50 missions.
It's generally possible to attain S-rank by completing missions as quickly as you can. Skip the bonus objectives and just beat the mission fast.
If you equip the Stealth-Suit, Parasite-Suit, Chicken-Hat, Bandana, the D-Walkers Fulton Extraction, or call in air strikes or helicopter support, you will void the S-rank. So don't use them if you want it.
In your first playthrough of any mission, it's a good idea to take out any enemy radar stations. This will provide you with a tactical advantage by allowing you to call the extraction helicopter directly into the enemy base, or even start the mission there.
Attaining S-rank will get you a lot more money and heroism than lower ranks.
