Unveiling a Classic: How to Eliminate The End Early in Metal Gear Solid Delta

The highly-anticipated release of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater has brought with it a fresh wave of players eager to experience one of gaming’s most iconic stealth-action titles. While the game faithfully recreates the gripping narrative and challenging gameplay of the original, it also maintains the infamous and fan-favorite secrets that made the 2004 classic a legend. Among these is the ability to bypass one of the most memorable boss encounters in the series: the battle against The End, the centenarian sniper of the Cobra Unit.

For veterans and newcomers alike, the protracted sniper duel with The End is a test of patience, cunning, and environmental awareness. However, Metal Gear Solid Delta provides a unique opportunity for players to skip this lengthy confrontation entirely, a classic “easter egg” that has been fully restored and updated for this new generation of consoles. This guide will detail the two primary methods for an early victory over The End, allowing you to proceed with your mission and earn a special trophy/achievement in the process.

Method 1: The Pre-emptive Strike

This method allows you to take down The End before his official boss fight even begins. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy that requires careful preparation and quick reflexes. To successfully execute this plan, you must obtain a sniper rifle before triggering a key cutscene in the game’s story.

• Acquire the Sniper Rifle: After your encounter with The Pain, you will navigate through the caves and reach the Ponizovje swamp. Instead of proceeding directly to the main exit, take a detour to the left. This path leads to an optional area known as Ponizovje West, which houses an armory guarded by a few soldiers. Inside this building, you will find the SVD sniper rifle.
• Timing is Everything: Once you have the SVD, return to the main path and head towards the Ponizovje Warehouse: Exterior. Be prepared, as a lengthy cutscene will automatically trigger upon entering this area. It’s a pivotal moment in the game’s narrative, featuring appearances from various characters, including The End, who is rolled out in a wheelchair.
• The Final Shot: As soon as the cutscene concludes and you regain control of Snake, immediately equip your newly acquired SVD. The End will be in a vulnerable position on the dock. Aim quickly and land a few shots to his head or body. You’ll know you’ve succeeded when his wheelchair explodes and he is eliminated from the game.

Successfully completing this sequence will grant you the “The Early End” trophy/achievement. It’s an iconic moment for fans of the original and a testament to the meticulous detail that Konami has put into this remake.

Method 2: The Old-Age Bypass

For those who prefer a less direct, and arguably more humorous, approach, Metal Gear Solid Delta has also brought back another well-known trick from the original. This method involves using the game’s internal clock to your advantage, allowing the elderly sniper to meet his fate naturally.

• Start the Boss Fight: First, you must initiate the official boss fight against The End in the Sokrovenno region. A cutscene will play as you enter the area.
• Save and Exit: After the cutscene and before engaging in combat, save your game. It is crucial to fully close the game application and not just put your console or PC into a rest mode.
• Manipulate the Clock: Go into your system’s date and time settings and manually set the clock forward by at least one week. Some players have found that setting it ahead by eight days or more is a safer bet.
• Reload and Witness the Result: Restart the game and load the save file you just created. Upon loading, a new, brief cutscene will play, revealing that The End has passed away peacefully due to old age, a fitting end for a man who has lived a long and storied life.

This method also awards a trophy/achievement for your efforts. However, a significant drawback is that you will miss out on the valuable rewards for defeating him in a traditional battle, such as his photosynthetic Moss Camo and his Mosin Nagant tranquilizer sniper rifle.

Considerations for Your Playthrough

While these methods provide a clever way to bypass one of the game’s most challenging segments, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. The early kill provides a satisfying, and quick, resolution to the threat posed by The End. However, the traditional boss fight is widely considered one of the best in gaming history, offering a deep and rewarding test of stealth and survival. Additionally, defeating The End non-lethally (by draining his stamina with tranquilizer rounds) is the only way to obtain his unique rewards. For a full-completion run or a stealth-focused playthrough, engaging in the full boss battle might be the more appealing option. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and Metal Gear Solid Delta gives you the freedom to choose your own path to victory.