Every boss in Metal Gear Solid stands out with a well-developed background, a unique storyline, and special abilities, and Psycho Mantis is no different. He wields the power to control minds using music and has the ability to completely manipulate individuals. When players first face Psycho Mantis, he seizes control of Meryl. Snake finds himself grappling with the situation, unsure of how to confront him, particularly because Psycho Mantis can delve into his thoughts and predict his every move.
In this guide, gamers will discover strategies to defeat Psycho Mantis in Metal Gear Solid, along with uncovering some hidden surprises or "Easter eggs" that can be encountered while confronting this formidable telepath in the Metal Gear Solid universe.
How to Beat Psycho Mantis
As players enter the room where Psycho Mantis is, he takes control of Meryl's mind. If the player switches to the first-person view, the game perspective changes to Meryl's point of view with a slight greenish hue. Under Psycho Mantis' influence, Meryl aims a gun at Snake and tries to engage intimately with him. The initial step is to incapacitate her before she fires the weapon, while ensuring she isn't killed. There are two methods to achieve this:
Using a Grenade: The simplest approach involves throwing a grenade. It's essential to toss it far enough away from Meryl to prevent causing her any harm.
Melee Attacks: Alternatively, players can render her unconscious using melee attacks.
Getting Ready for Combat
Psycho Mantis utilizes Otacon's technology, specifically the stealth camouflage, which bends light around a person, rendering them nearly invisible. Consequently, to spot Psycho Mantis, players must utilize a thermal imager. It's important for gamers to be ready, as Psycho Mantis frequently hurls objects at them. The most effective method to evade these objects is by lying on the ground.
At the start of the confrontation, Psycho Mantis breaks the fourth wall. He can access and read the players' memory cards, discerning how frequently they've saved, their style of play, the games they engage with, and their preferred genres. There are two ways for Snake to overcome Psycho Mantis.
The Primary Strategy for Overcoming Psycho Mantis
The first approach is genuine, although it may not be suitable for all gamers. As it's widely known, Psycho Mantis can read Snake's mind, thereby predicting all the player's actions in advance and effortlessly evading attacks.
For PlayStation 1 and 2: Move the controller to the second player port.
For PlayStation 3, 4, and 5: Access controller settings and switch the controller connection to Player 2.
PC: Utilize the keyboard to outsmart Psycho Mantis.
Following this adjustment, Psycho Mantis will no longer be able to predict Snake's moves, enabling gamers to inflict damage without hindrance. Once this is accomplished, players must inflict sufficient damage to defeat Psycho Mantis. Simultaneously, it's crucial to evade the objects he hurls.
An Alternate Strategy for Overcoming Psycho Mantis
It's not widely known, but the developers included a second method to defeat Psycho Mantis. This alternative can be especially useful for players who cannot connect a second controller or prefer using a keyboard. To trigger this method, players must intentionally die several times and subsequently shoot the statues situated in the upper corners on the right and left sides of the room. This action will shatter the leather bands that enwrap these statues.
Because these statues' faces resemble Psycho Mantis' visage, and he detests them, this disruption will confuse him, preventing him from foreseeing Snake's actions. Consequently, players can effectively damage him. Subsequently, players must timely dodge attacks, inflict substantial damage, and incapacitate Meryl when Psycho Mantis seizes control of her once more.
