Unlocking the Nikita Missile Launcher in Metal Gear Solid 2

In the Plant section of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, there are distinct similarities to the Shadow Moses Incident in Metal Gear Solid. One example of this is the electric floor trap in the Shell-2 Core, which players can only pass after obtaining a new weapon.

To progress in Metal Gear Solid 2, players must find the Nikita. This portable guided missile launcher enables Raiden to target enemies from various angles, including around corners, through vents, and at long distances. Additionally, it can be used as a powerful melee weapon if Raiden needs to incapacitate someone. This guide will provide instructions on acquiring the Nikita and explain its capabilities, although accessing it requires navigating the game's somewhat challenging swimming controls.

How to Find the Nikita

To acquire the Nikita, players must utilize the elevator located in the Shell-2 Core. Proceed southwards and carefully navigate around the exterior of the floor where the President is being held to reach the elevator. Descend to B1 from there. This particular section of the Shell-2 Core is significantly flooded. Players have to familiarize themselves with the swimming controls and strategically utilize various air pockets scattered throughout the area in order to successfully and safely traverse B1.

To begin, go downstairs and enter the water. Dive and swim towards the depths of the map. At the first air pocket on the left side of the map (a right turn from the player's perspective while swimming), continue forward until you reach a hallway on the opposite side. Within this hallway, once again descend towards the bottom of the map and search for an open door on the left side associated with Raiden. Swim through this door while being cautious of a floating mine, then proceed down the hallway visible to the right of the mine. The Nikita weapon can be found floating in the water at the end of this hallway.

Refresh yourself at the nearby air pocket and then return to the first floor to address the electrified floor.

How the Nikita Works

Players can steer the Nikita missile left or right using the left stick after aiming and firing it. The missile's speed will increase if it travels in a straight line for a sufficient amount of time, but it will slow down if its direction is changed. While players cannot control its vertical movement directly, the missile will automatically climb and descend ramps when passing through air vents.

There are two locations where Raiden can launch a missile into the vents to reach the control panel for the electrified floor. The first location is demonstrated during the Colonel's explanation on destroying the control panel, while the second location is disclosed by Mr. X through a phone call after multiple unsuccessful attempts.

The second location is relatively easier to navigate but requires players to eliminate security turrets before it can be safely utilized. These turrets can be easily destroyed using the Stinger from the doorway. The image above indicates the specific spot where players can find this second location. Additionally, it's worth noting that Raiden can unexpectedly employ the Nikita as a melee weapon with surprising effectiveness.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is a video game released on November 13, 2001. It is part of the Metal Gear franchise and is available on various platforms, including PC, PS3, Xbox 360, and PS Vita. Developed and published by Konami, the game falls under the genre of Stealth. It is rated M for Mature 17+ due to animated blood and animated violence. The estimated time to complete the game is 13 hours according to the How Long To Beat database.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the Nikita Missile Launcher in Metal Gear Solid 2. On the one hand, I appreciate the weapon's power and versatility. It is a great tool for taking out enemies from a distance, and it can also be used as a melee weapon in close quarters. On the other hand, I find the Nikita to be somewhat overpowered. It makes the game too easy, and it can be difficult to challenge yourself when you have such a powerful weapon at your disposal.

Overall, I think the Nikita Missile Launcher is a fun and powerful weapon, but it is a bit too overpowered for my taste. I would have preferred it if the game had been more balanced, with a wider variety of weapons that were all equally effective.