A Collector's Guide: Unlocking the Arsenal in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Welcome, Snake. You've stepped into a world of sand and sorrow, where your greatest allies are your wits and your weapons. But in the vast expanses of Afghanistan and the Angolan-Zaire border region, a standard-issue rifle just won't cut it. To truly dominate the battlefield, you need an edge. You need the best gear Mother Base can produce. And that, my friend, is where weapon blueprints come in.
Scattered across the globe, these precious pieces of paper are the key to unlocking the vast arsenal of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. From silent tranquilizer pistols to game-changing rocket launchers and everything in between, finding these weapon blueprint locations is a mission in itself. This comprehensive guide is designed to be your one-stop resource, your own personal weapon blueprint guide, to ensure you never miss an opportunity to upgrade your loadout. We'll cover the essential strategies, break down the finds by region, and help you build the ultimate arsenal.
The Art of the Find: How to Hunt for Blueprints
Before we dive into the specific locations, let's talk methodology. Finding MGSV weapon blueprints isn't just about running from point A to point B. It requires a keen eye and a strategic approach.
First and foremost, your most valuable tool is your binoculars. Get into the habit of constantly scanning your environment. Mark every soldier, container, and structure you see. Blueprints are often found in specific, fixed locations, usually inside weapon blueprint containers or on desks in outposts and bases. These containers are typically grey or green ammo crates. When you spot one, use your Int-Scope or binoculars to identify its contents from a distance; it will be labeled as a "Weapon Blueprint."
Secondly, listen to your enemies. Soldiers often gossip about valuable items in the area. Eavesdropping on these conversations can sometimes reveal the location of a blueprint you might have otherwise missed. This is a classic Metal Gear Solid tactic that remains incredibly useful.
Finally, don't neglect your buddy, D-Dog. Once he's fully grown, he can be an invaluable asset for finding collectibles in MGSV. He will automatically mark blueprints, along with other important items and enemies, on your map, making the process of unlocking all weapons in MGSV significantly easier.
Now, let's get to the main event: the locations. We'll focus on some of the most sought-after and powerful blueprints to get you started on your path to becoming a fully-equipped legend.
Afghanistan: The Early Game Arsenal
Your journey begins here, in the dusty mountains and outposts of Afghanistan. Securing key blueprints early will make your missions far more manageable.
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WU S.PISTOL (Grade 1): This is your first and most reliable silenced tranquilizer pistol. You can't afford to miss it. It's located at the Da Wialo Kallai outpost. Infiltrate the large, central building with the communication dish on its roof. Inside, on the ground floor, you'll find the blueprint on a desk in one of the side rooms. This is arguably one of the most important early game weapon blueprints you can acquire.
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BURKOV PISTOL: For when stealth isn't an option, this high-powered handgun is a lifesaver. Head to the Yakho Oboo Supply Depot. The blueprint is found inside the main warehouse, sitting on a shelf. Be cautious, as this area is often well-guarded.
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BRENNAN LRS-46: This is your first serious sniper rifle. To get it, you must infiltrate the Spugmay Keep fortress in the western part of the map. The blueprint is located in the central building of the fortress, on the upper floor. It's heavily guarded, so a night-time infiltration is highly recommended. This is a crucial find for any MGSV sniper rifle location hunt.
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CGM 25 (Grade 1): Sometimes, you just need to make a big boom. The CGM 25 rocket launcher is your answer. You'll find its blueprint at the Aabe Shifap Ruins. Look for a small, ruined building on the eastern side of the area. The blueprint is inside, waiting on the floor. This is a game-changer for taking down armored vehicles and how to get all weapons in Phantom Pain for anti-material purposes.
Central Africa: Expanding Your Lethal Options
The African region introduces more complex environments and tougher enemies, demanding an even more sophisticated arsenal.
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AM MRS-4 RIFLE (Grade 2): An upgrade to your starting assault rifle. This blueprint is found at the Kiziba Camp. Navigate to the building that serves as the camp's command center. The blueprint is on a desk inside. It's a straightforward grab but requires careful navigation through a dense urban environment.
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SERVAL AMR-7: This anti-material rifle is an absolute beast. It can penetrate armor and take down targets with a single shot. To acquire it, you must venture to the Mfinda Oilfield. The blueprint is located in the central platform area, inside a small shack. This area is a hotspot for enemy activity, so plan your approach meticulously. Finding this is a top priority for any best weapon blueprints MGSV list.
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HAIL MGR-4 (Grade 1): A powerful grenade launcher that can clear out groups of enemies or destroy emplacements. Its blueprint is hidden in the Nova Braga Airport. Infiltrate the main hangar, and you'll find the blueprint on a table near some aircraft. This is a high-security zone, so use all your stealth skills.
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STUN ARM (Blueprint): While not a traditional firearm, the Stun Arm is an incredibly versatile tool for non-lethal playthroughs. Its blueprint is located in the Lufwa Valley, specifically at the small outpost near the river. It's inside one of the tents. This is a unique and fun tool to add to your MGSV weapon development repertoire.
Advanced Tips and Final Thoughts
Remember, simply finding the blueprint is only half the battle. To actually use the weapon, you must develop it at Mother Base. This requires GMP and resources, so always be on the lookout for weapon crate locations to Fulton extract. Some of the highest-grade blueprints are only available by completing specific mission tasks or by confronting the legendary Skulls unit. The "Traitor's Caravan" mission, for instance, is a prime opportunity to snag a powerful blueprint from the Skulls.
The pursuit of every last weapon blueprint location is what gives The Phantom Pain its incredible longevity. It encourages exploration, rewards careful observation, and ultimately makes you a more effective and versatile soldier. With this guide in hand, you are now equipped with the knowledge to seek out these vital resources. So get out there, mark your targets, and build the arsenal worthy of a legend. The world won't liberate itself.
