/\\,/\\, /\ /| || || _ ' ( ) || || || _-_ ,._-_ _-_ _-_ \\/\\ < \, ,._-_ \\ _-_ __, // ||=|= || || \\ || || || \\ || || /-|| || || || \\ ||_. // ~|| || || ||/ || || ||/ || || (( || || || ||/ ~ || /( |, \\,\\, \\,/ \\, \\,/ \\,/ \\ \\ \/\\ \\, \\ \\,/ ,-_- {___ _- _ - - /, /, ,, |\ )/ )/ ) || \\ ' )__)__) /'\\ ,._-_ || / \\ \\ \\/\\ ~)__)__) || || || || || || || || || ) ) ) || || || || || || || || || /-_/-_/ \\,/ \\, \\ \\/ \\ \\ \\ _ , ,- - ,, _||_ || _ ' || || < \, \\/\\/\\ _-_ _-_, || || /-|| || || || || \\ ||_. |, || (( || || || || ||/ ~ || _-/ \\ \/\\ \\ \\ \\ \\,/ ,-_- _______________________________________ | Mercenaries 2: World In Flames Guide | | Created by: GloriousLeader | | FAQ and Walkthrough | | Copyright 2008 Jeffrey Walton | |_______________________________________| Version History --------------- Version .20 - 10/04/08 - 10/05/08 Guide started, then quickly cut to a halt. On 10/05/08 my 360 got RRoD. It seems work on the guide has been halted. Version 1.00 - 10/8/08 - 10/13/08 A good friend let me borrow his 360. I've worked on the guide since, finishing up the main storyline walkthrough. More is to come, of course, but I think the guide is ready for submission. Table of Contents ----------------- 1. Introduction ..................................[in00] + The Author + The Guide + The Game 2. Basic Information .............................[bc00] + Controls .......................................[bc01] + Characters .....................................[bc02] + Factions .......................................[bc03] + General Tips ...................................[bc04] 3. Main Storyline Walkthrough ....................[sw00] + Introduction Contracts .........................[ic00] - Rescue Carmona .................................[ic01] - Establish a Base of Operations .................[ic02] - "Universal Petroleum" ..........................[ic03] + Universal Petroleum Contracts ..................[up00] - "The Devastator" ...............................[up01] - "Phone Tag" ....................................[up02] + PMC Recruitment ................................[pr00] - "Doom Patrol" ..................................[pr01] - "Misha Milanich" ...............................[pr02] + P.L.A.V Contracts ..............................[gu00] - "Introduction to the P.L.A.V" ..................[gr01] - "Paint the Town" ...............................[gr02] - "Corporate Headhunting" ........................[gr03] - "Tropical Island Getaway" ......................[gr04] + PMC Contracts 1 ................................[pc10] - "Finding Blanco" ...............................[pc11] - "Get Solano" ...................................[pc12] - "Introduction to Allies and Chinese" ...........[pc13] + Allied Nations Contracts .......................[an00] - "Missile Commando" .............................[an01] - "Lost and Found" ...............................[an02] - "Battle for Caracas vs. China" .................[an03] + Chinese Army Contracts .........................[ca00] - "Exit Strategy" ................................[ca01] - "The Price of Gas" .............................[ca02] - "Battle for Caracas vs. Allies" ................[ca03] + PMC Contracts 2 ................................[pc20] - "Get Solano Pt. 2" .............................[pc21] 4. Side Missions .................................[sm00] + Weapon Challenges ..............................[wc00] + Outpost Takeovers ..............................[op00] - Universal Petroleum Outpost Takeovers ..........[op01] - P.L.A.V Outpost Takeovers ......................[op02] - Allied Nations Outpost Takeovers ...............[op03] - Chinese Army Outpost Takeovers .................[op04] + Minor Contracts ................................[mc00] 6. Misc. .........................................[ms00] + Frequently Asked Questions .....................[ms01] + Credits ........................................[ms02] + Contact Information ............................[ms03] + Legal stuff ....................................[ms04] The Author ---------- I am GloriousLeader. This is my first attempt at a FAQ, so keep that in mind. There isn't much to say about me that pertains to this guide, so let's move on, shall we? The Guide --------- This guide is for the Xbox 360 version of the game. If you're looking for a specific item, utilize the quickjump feature. To the side of each item in the table of contents is a short code. Simply enter this in the data field that appears in response to the Ctrl + f being pressed. The Game --------- Mercenaries 2: World in Flames is the sequel to the successful 2005 title, Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction. Though there have been many changes, players of the original should be able to adjust quickly. The game still boasts extremely destructable environments, and unlike the original, trees are now just as vulnerable as anything else. No longer shall your reign of terror from the safety of a tank come to a swift end when you hit a bush! Though Mercs 2 has its flaws, mostly found in the large amount of glitches, it's an enjoyable game that is well worth checking out for fans of the original and newcomers to the franchise alike. [+]------------[+] | Basics bc00 | [+]------------[+] This section covers the most basic aspects of Mercenaries 2: World in Flames. Controls, character profiles, etc. Controls [bc01] -------- This guide is for the Xbox 360 version of Mercenaries 2: World in Flames. Thus this section will cover controls on the Xbox 360 controller. + On Foot + Left Thumbstick - Character Movement / Press down on thumbstick for sprint Right Thumbstick - Camera/aiming reticule movement / Press down on thumbstick for binoculars D-pad Up/Down - Opens supply drop/airstrike menu / Navigates menu D-pad Left - Switch between grenades/C4/C4 detonator D-pad Right - Switch weapons A button - Jump / Confirm / Pick up weapon X button - Reload Y button - Enter/hijack vehicle/building / Mark target for pickup B button - Melee strike Start - Brings up pause menu Select - Brings up PDA menu Left Bumper - Throw Grenade/C4 / Use C4 detonator Right Bumper - Switch weapons Left Trigger - Crouch & enter precise aiming mode Right Trigger - Fire weapon + In Boat/Land Vehicle + Left Thumbstick - Steering / Acceleration in heavy vehicles Right Thumbstick - Camera/aiming reticule movement / Recenter camera when pressed down, reverse camera when held down D-pad Up/Down/Left - No function D-pad Right - Switch between first & third person view A button - Accelerate X button - Brake / Reverse Y button - Exit vehicle B button - Horn / Deactivate disguise Start - Brings up pause menu Select - Brings up select menu Left Bumper - No function Right Bumper - Switch weapon Left Trigger - Handbrake Right Trigger - Fire weapon + In Helicopter + Left Thumbstick - Movement of helicopter Right Thumbstick - Changes direction helicopter is facing / Aiming reticule movement D-pad Up/Down/Right - No Function D-pad Left - Drop/raise winch A button - Ascend X button - Descend Y button - Exit helicopter B button - Horn / Deactivate disguise Start - Brings up pause menu Select - Brings up select menu Left Bumper - No function Right Bumper - Switch weapon Left Trigger - Descend Right Trigger - Fire weapon Characters [bc02] ---------- The three playable mercenaries are the same from the first game. However, their abilities have been changed, as have their appearances. Also, the feature where each character spoke a different secondary language has been removed, so you won't miss out on any dialogue due to character selection. + Mattias Nilsson + Special Ability: Regenerates Health Faster Mattias Nilsson, the character who was the fastest runner in the original Mercenaries, now has the ability Jacobs originally had. As the fastest to heal, Mattias is recommended for new players. Also recommended for those who fall under the metalhead following. I'm sure you'll appreciate the Viking jokes. :) + Chris Jacobs + Special Ability: Carries More Ammo Chris Jacobs carries more ammo than the other mercs in World in Flames. This is fitting, seeing as he gets a Rambo inspired costume. His ability shines the most when using explosive weaponry, which often cannot carry more than a couple of shots. + Jennifer Mui + Special Ability: Runs Faster Jennifer Mui seems to have the least noticable ability of the three mercs, but this is not always the case. Her speed makes it easier to hijack tanks and escape gunfire. However, the abilities of the other two mercs still seem more practical than Mui's, thus it's best to select this merc out of personal preference, or because of the massive amount of cleavage her catsuit costume reveals. ;) Factions [bc03] ---------------- There are seven factions in Mercs 2, five of which you can ally yourself with. Here I'll list them all, along with some basic information. The primary opposing faction is NOT the only faction they will attack on sight, it's the faction that you can kill to raise your relationship with them. + Private Military Corporation + Location: Solano's Mansion Primary Opposing Faction: N/A This is your faction. Its enemies and allies are dependant on your decisions. Unlike other factions, it doesn't have footsoldiers that walk the streets. However, many of the vehicles you can unlock in Eva's garage 'disguise' you as a member of the PMC. It's a pretty useless disguise, since that disguise has the same relationship with each faction that your merc has when their identity isn't hidden. The members of this faction, with the exception of Fiona, are earned through missions. When all possible members are recruited, the PMC's headcount will be at five, including your merc. + Universal Petroleum + Location: Maracaibo Primary Opposing Faction: People's Liberation Army of Venezuela Universal Petroleum is present in the beginning of the game, thus their equipment is somewhat lacking once the Allied Nations and Chinese Army appear on the map. However, for the opening of the game, they'll be the strongest faction. They also give you your first contracts in the game, so it's best to stay on their good side. In the event that you piss them off, killing some PLAV will make amends. + People's Liberation Army of Venezuela + Location: Amazonas Primary Opposing Faction: Universal Petroleum The PLAV is a communist guerilla faction, operating in forested regions and using makeshift equipment. They are present in the beginning of the game, and like the UP, don't have any exceptionally powerful equipment or vehicles. However, they will seem weaker than the UP in general. To increase your relationship with them without bribing them, kill UP soldiers. + Pirates + Location: Islands on the upper part of the map Primary Opposing Faction: None The pirates are opposed to all factions, but there is no single faction you can kill to make your diplomacy bar for them raise. They are on the map from the beginning, but some of their targets can only be accessed when the whole map is opened up. Unlike the other factions they give no storyline missions. They still give outpost takeover missions, and they give some of the most annoying side missions from those outposts, butno story missions. Oh, and they REALLY like satellites. + Chinese Army + Location: Primary Opposing Faction: Allied Nations The Chinese make a return, and our old friend from the original Mercenaries, General Peng, is their leader. These guys appear half way through the game, along with the Allied Nations. Their missions deal with making life harder for the Allied Nations, as both factions have their eyes on the oil in Venezuela. Killing Allied Nations soldiers gives you a diplomacy bonus with the Chinese Army. Also worth noting is that their equipment is much more powerful than that of the factions present on the map in the beginning of the game. + Allied Nations + Location: Primary Opposing Faction: Chinese Army This faction, also returning from the previous game, appear on the map with the Chinese Army, and their missions are composed of bucking heads with the Chinese, who you can kill for diplomacy bonuses. Though their faction is called the Allied Nations, they stand for America, as character dialogue and their leader make obvious. They, along with the Chinese, have very powerful equipment. + Venezuelan Army + Location: Everywhere Primary Opposing Faction: N/A These guys are the antagonists of the game. They will fire on you unless you are disguised as one of their own, or a civilian. At the beginning of the game they will be all over the map, but as you seize outposts and destroy their bases their grip on Venezuela will deteriorate. You are always hostile with them, thus they have no primary opposing faction. And of course, they are present from the beginning to the end of the game. General Tips [bc04] ------------ This is just some advice to help in many general situations. If you have any suggestions for this section, feel free to send them to me and I will credit you for the tip. + Vehicles are armor in Mercs 2. You take no damage when you're inside a vehicle that explodes, so even a weak bucket of bolts can be used as temporary cover. + Keep an eye out for enemies with backpacks. They often drop boxes of ammo that will give you several clips for any weapon outside of explosive weapons. + If you're hostile with a faction and want to make peace without paying an outrageous bribe, just kill members of their opposing faction. + Melee hits are instant kills on enemies. Remember this, as it's often faster than shooting down a nearby enemy. [+]--------------------------[+] | Main Storyline Walkthrough | [sw00] [+]--------------------------[+] The main storyline walkthrough segment of this faq is intended for guiding you through the main missions of the game. It will leave out HVTs, destruction targets, outpost takeovers, outpost missions, and anything else not related to the main storyline. All of the extras will be covered later on in the guide. The storyline missions are always given from the main HQ of a faction or from the PMC. ---------------------- Introduction Contracts [ic00] ---------------------- These are the contracts that introduce you to the game and don't have a real contact. They'll introduce you to the gameplay of Mercs 2. =============================================== Introduction Contract #1: Rescue Carmona [ic01] Reward: N/A Bonus: None Prerequisite: N/A =============================================== In the beginning of the game you'll find yourself in a boat with a massive island in front of you. You'll have a radar with a waypoint on it. To get to the waypoint you'll have to go through the rock formations to your left and drive towards the center of the island. You'll find a beach where you are to make landfall. Get out of your boat and follow Fiona's instructions. Once you're ready, start heading up the path ahead and you'll find yourself in a gunfight with a handful of soldiers. You'll notice that even with the precision aiming mode, your accuracy is very bad. Your best bet is to run towards your target while firing at their head with the carbine. Melee attacks work well too. So keep in mind that running and gunning is often your most reliable strategy. Once the enemies are dispatched you can consider switching your carbine out for one of their assault rifles if it suits your fancy. I personally find the assault rifle to be even more inaccurate than the carbine, but it never hurts to try it out. Once you're ready to move on, approach the giant gate blocking your path to receive a short tutorial on how to use airstrikes. Remember to get back after you call the strike in. Once the gate lays in ruins continue on your path, dispatching any enemies in your way. Shortly after the gate you'll encounter a soldier on a gun emplacement behind some sandbags. This is the ideal place to use your grenade launcher. After the destruction of the emplaced gun, you'll dispatch 3 waypointed soldiers. They should give you no trouble. After getting rid of them, a Iguana, a basic jeep, will be dropped off for you. Follow the road that goes in the general direction of the waypoint. You'll encounter several roadblocks, but your iguana is more than powerful enough to smash through them. So pay them no mind and keep heading towards the waypoint. When you reach it, you'll come around a corner to find another giant gate, only with a soldier equipped with a rocket launcher on top and two emplaced gunners on the bottom. The best course of action would be to take cover behind a rock and call in the airstrike on top of the gate. All three hostiles will be taken out by the blast. After dealing with the second gate, a tank will be dropped off for you. Now the fun begins. Proceed to the waypoint, but you can ignore the path this time. Your tank is more than capable of taking down trees and fences. Once you reach the top of the incline, you'll see that the waypoint moves to your left, past a small village of shanty shacks. Smash through these, taking out the enemies on top of the shacks if you please, but they really can't hurt you. At the bottom of the incline you'll see a river with a large estate on the other side. DO NOT drive into the water, as your tank wil explode before you can reach the other side of the river. Your best bet is to destroy the wooden path that goes half way across the river before the RPG armed soldier on it can fire at you. After this, fire on the two trucks to blow them up, taking several soldiers with them. Your next target is the front of the estate. Keep firing on it until you see it collapse. Now you're free to get out of your tank and go to the waypoint, where you'll rescue Carmona. Contract Complete. =============================================================== Introduction Contract #2: Establish a Base of Operations [ic02] Reward: Solano's Mansion Bonus: None Prerequisite: Rescue Carmona =============================================================== After the cutscene, you'll find yourself outside a bar with several junkers parked in front of you, along with a motorcycle. Though the motorcycle may look appealing when compared to the other vehicles, I would advise against taking it, as the motorcycle's turning physics make it difficult to control. The junkers will be preferable here, so take whichever one you please. Once you've picked a vehicle, start heading down the road in the direction of the waypoint on your map. You'll encounter some light resistance as you make your way to Solano's mansion, but just ignore it and keep driving. Eventually you'll see two large banners on either side of the road with sandbags and an enemy gun emplacement in the center. Go left when you reach this point and you will find yourself on a path that leads to the main gates of Solano's mansion. If you took my advice and went with a junker you're in luck, as that bucket of bolts will now become a battering ram. Go straight down the path as fast as possible and you will smash right through the gates. Proceed over the small bridge and you should see a soldier right ahead with a rocket launcher. Take him down with your makeshift battering ram and ditch your car, making sure to pick up his RPG and ammo. Now the fun begins. You'll notice you have several waypoints on your map. These are all machine pistol weilding enemies that you must eliminate to proceed with the mission. I tend to take them out in clockwise order, so you'll first want to proceed through the maze to the southwest. Any encounters in the maze will be extremely close range, so go ahead and melee anyone in your path. One of your targets should be close to the center of the maze. Either navigate to him and kill him in a typical fashion or toss a grenade over the hedges in his direction. Both are effective. Either way, I highly recommend switching out your assault rifle for the machine pistol. It's an excellent weapon. Also, there is a fountain in the center of the maze with several stacks of cash worth picking up. Your next target is either next to the garages to the north, or is already heading towards you to try to take you out. He's just as easy to take out as the last, just use your machine pistol. As for the enemies at the garage, be careful when taking them out. The people in the construction worker clothing are civilians, and killing them costs you money. Also of note are the gas containers that look like large white tubes scattered around the garage. These are obviously explosive, and can do serious damage to you, as well as destroying the garage itself. After taking out the target that spawns near the garage, make your way behind the mansion to take out your next target. You'll start encountering more rpg weilding enemies here, so be cautious. You'll also encounter some enemies on a balcony you cannot get to who are using emplaced machine guns. If you wish to take them out, grenades and your rocket launcher are effective. In the back yard area, you'll see a couple of shotguns being dropped or laying on tables. I personally prefer the machine pistol, but if you want the shotgun, that's your call. But I still strongly recommend, and will assume in this guide that you keep a rpg on you at all times. Also on the tables you'll find cash, which is always nice. Finish off the last of the marked targets and make your way to the front of the mansion again. You'll notice that the front doors are now open. Proceed inside and immediately head to the door a bit ahead of you and to the left. It will shatter and a tank will be revealed behind it. Run towards the tank as quickly as possible and attempt to hijack it. If you mess up the button sequence, just run to the front of the tank and try again. After taking the tank, enemies will start rushing towards you. Simply make short work of them with your cannon, dodging any rockets fired at you. Once you've taken out ten enemy soldiers, it's... Contract Complete. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- After finishing the previous contract, you'll find yourself in your newly acquired mansion. You'll want to talk to Fiona, which will bring up a menu with an offer from Universal Petroleum and the Emplaced Weapons Challenge. For help with the weapons challenges, see the "Weapons Challenges" section of the FAQ. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ======================================================== Introduction Contract #3: "Universal Petroleum" [ic03] Reward: Maximum of $9,500. $500 lost for each lost gun. Bonus: None Prerequisite: Establish a Base of Operations ======================================================== When you accept this contract you'll appear outside the mansion. Grab the pink car to your right, but be careful. As will be made clear to you when you get in, this car is Fiona's. Thus, if you destroy it, it will cost you ten grand. To make things worse, it's very easy to destroy. I recommend switching it out for another car when you reach the main road. Around the time you reach the main road, Fiona will give you a short tutorial on using the PDA to set a waypoint. Just follow her instructions, then follow the path on your map. When you arrive at your destination, you'll see a blue pickup truck and many enemies. Keep your distance from this truck. If any enemies toss a grenade at you while you happen to be near that truck, it's game over, or a serious loss of profit. So you want to take the enemies out while keeping your distance from that car. Don't miss the guy on the boat. When everyone is dead, get in the truck and begin driving down the road VERY CAUTIOUSLY. The objective of the mission is to get the weapons in the bed of the truck to the destination without too many falling out. Being hit by another car, or a powerslide, can be an instant game over. Drive like you would in real life. Brake gradually, make sure the road is before turning, don't go too fast, and be aware of your surroundings. Extra caution is required, as the truck's turning isn't too responsive. Follow the waypoint on your map along the road, and eventually Fiona will call you to alert you Solano's reinforcements are on their way to stop you. Don't pay this any mind. Keep driving carefully as you have been. You'll take damage from Solano's men shooting at you, but their attack will be short lived, as Maracaibo should be just up the road, where Universal Petroleum patrols will keep Solano's men occupied. Once in the city, just casually carry on to the destination, parking in the marked area and exiting the vehicle with (hopefully) all of the weapons still in the back. Contract Complete. ----------------------------- Universal Petroleum Contracts [up00] ----------------------------- Universal Petroleum will give contracts from the giant black tower in Maracaibo. UP will be your first contact in the game, so keeping a good relationship with them in the beginning is advisable. ======================================================== Universal Petroleum Contract #1: "The Devastator" [up01] Reward: $25,000 Bonus: None Prerequisite: "Universal Petroleum" ======================================================== When the mission starts, grab a car and head towards the waypoint. You'll be heading through a warzone, but your destination is held by the UP, so you'll be safe there. When you arrive, you'll see that it is not this most righteously bodacious vehicle known as "the devastator" that everyone's talking about that is marked, but rather some random guy. But do not fret, for he knows where the devastator is! When you speak to him a new waypoint will appear on your map. Run towards it. You may get excited when you see the tank, but there are tanks all over this game. It's the alleyway behind the tank that holds the magnificence of "The Devastator". Run into the alleyway and take a moment to bask in the glory of your objective, then mount your most excellent steed and make your way back to the HQ. The rest of the mission is pretty straight-forward. Head to the waypoint while listening to the comments of those who are so lucky as to catch a glimpse of the Devastator. When you arrive at the waypoint, park in the yellow circle and exit the vehicle, and never forget the day that you controlled the most righteous vehicle in all of Venezuela. :) Contract Complete. ============================================================================= Following completion of "The Devastator", spare parts can be found around the map. These parts look like small orange boxes, and collecting them makes more cars available for purchase from Eva's Garage. ============================================================================= =================================================== Universal Petroleum Contract #2: "Phone Tag" [up02] Reward: $500,000, 250 Oil, Ewan Joins PMC Bonus: None Prerequisite: "The Devastator" =================================================== After accepting the mission bring up your PDA and mark the western-most waypoint. This will be our first target. Dodge any roadblocks on your way there, they aren't worth the time it takes to destroy them. Once you arrive at the waypoint, you'll see that there's a SAM on the map. You'll want to take this out, so drive into the base, ignoring the soldiers firing at you, and you'll see two multi-story carparks. The SAM is on top of the northenmost one, so ascend that parking garage. You'll want to be on foot when you get to the top story of it. Just shoot the other soldiers on foot and hijack the SAM, shooting the previous pilot with the vulcan cannon. You'll then want to switch to the SAM's anti-air missiles, and shoot down the chopper patroling around the base. After that, get out of the Scorpion and walk to the southern wall of the carpark. You'll see the listening post delivery become available to you. Select the delivery and attempt to toss it at the car park across from you, where the waypoint is. Even if you don't get the smoke signal on top of the car park where the waypoint is, the post will be dropped off as if you did. Descend the parking garage and hijack a car upon reaching the bottom. Now look at your map. You should see a runway to the west. Go to this runway to find a Kestrel helicopter. Take it and head to the northeastern waypoint. In front of this base you'll see a tank patrolling. Blow it up with the Kestrel's missiles, but use them sparingly. After the tank, shoot the gas container with the helicopter's machine guns to take out several of the foot soldiers, then use your missiles on the small stone building across from the yellow circle in which rpg soldiers are respawning. Once you've done this and reasonably cleared out resistance, land and call a listening post delivery in the highlighted area. This causes a timer to appear, so hop into your helicopter and go to the last waypoint. When you arrive at the last base, land on the dock behind the base near the buncle of cash. When you get out, toss a grenade at the gate, then proceed through, killing any footsoldiers in your way while heading towards the tank. When you get to it, take out the soldier in the machine gun turret (if there is a soldier in it) and hijack the tank. You can then use the cannon on the tank to make short work of any resistance. After killing your opposition, call in a listening post delivery in the marked area, then go to your helicopter and wait for the waypoint to stop jumping around. Once the hostage has been marked as a waypoint, set out in your helicopter. When you catch up with the armored truck, lower your helicopter and use the winch to pick the truck up. The game will treat this as you hijacking the truck, so gently put it back down, land your helicopter, then get into the truck and drive to the UP HQ. When you get there, drive into the marked area and the executive will get out. Ewan, the helicopter pilot will then come to pick you up. Hop into his helicopter and select your base as the destination. Contract Complete. ============================================================================== You now have a helicopter pilot. This opens up a handful of things: the ability to call in supplies and vehicles, instantly be transported to a friendly outpost or hq, or have Ewan come and pick up marked supplies, airstrikes, or bundles of cash. You can also talk to him at the PMC to get a waypoint showing the location of the mission to recruit Eva, a mechanic. Also of note, the UP HVTs have been marked on your PDA along with the destruction targets. Starting now, any P.L.A.V members you kill go toward a standing bounty count, with certain amounts of kills unlocking items for purchase from the UP. To see this information, bring up the "Factions" tab on the PDA and select "Universal Petroleum". ============================================================================== ======================================================== Universal Petroleum Contract #3: "Leave No Trace" [up03] Reward: $995,000 Bonus: None Prerequisite: Altagracia Outpost ======================================================== You're going to want a tank for this job. I recommend the Light Mantis Tank, which is unlocked by just turning one UP HVT in. Make sure you have one in stock and head to the waypoint. When you get to the waypoint, you'll find a group of enemies. Fire a rocket at one of the vehicles and the blast should wipe them out. Head inside the marked building and you'll find a small group of UP soldiers and the executive. Talk to the executive to make him follow you and go back to your vehicle. He'll get in after you. Now go to the next waypoint. When you arrive, let the executive go into the warehouse, then get on the boat behind the warehouse. Now Fiona will give you instructions on where enemies are coming from. Run back and forth between the mounted guns to take out the enemies as they show up. After this, get back in your vehicle and let the executive get in, then set out for the next waypoint. Before letting the executive go into the warehouse, call the tank in, and put it somewhere that allows you to see all three intersecting roads at the warehouse. After that's done, let the executive go into the warehouse and get into your tank. The enemies will start coming at you. One shot from your cannon should take each one out. The tank will make this very easy, and you just have to hold them off until a helicopter pilot sends you a transmission telling you he's dropped a gift off for you on the roof. Climb to the top of the metal platform behind the warehouse and get the anti-air missile launcher, and start shooting down the incoming helicopters. Shortly after this sequence starts the executive will finish with the documents. Go back downstairs, grab a vehicle and head to the new waypoint. Once you get to the waypoint, drop the executive off and... Contract Complete. --------------- PMC Recruitment [pr00] --------------- This section deals with the missions you must complete to get Eva and Misha to join the PMC. These are required before moving on with the story. ===================================== PMC Contract #1: "Doom Patrol" [pr01] Reward: Eva Joins PMC Bonus: None Prerequisite: "Phone Tag" ===================================== First off, to get this contract you have to talk to Ewan, the helicopter pilot, about Eva. This will mark a location on the map with a new icon. Go to this icon and enter the building that is marked to begin the contract. For the beginning, just drive through the checkpoints, plain and simple. Also, keep the car in good condition. You'll be driving it for a while. After driving in a circle around Eva's block, the checkpoints will lead down to a dirt path, which leads to the quarry. If you haven't pissed the P.L.A.V off, your life will be easier for this mission. They'll distract Solano's men who would otherwise be shooting at you. You'll eventually go through a gate. Just keep following the checkpoints here, and using the car's special ability to hop over the rock formations in your way. Keep an eye out for a checkpoint in front of a giant bowl with roads going around it. When you get here, just drive into the bowl and go up the ramp on the opposite side of it. Do not hit the tran carts after the bowl. They will heavily damage your car. Later on you'll come to a checkpoint that requires you to use the car's jump ability on a ramp to get over a large canyon. Use the jump just as your front tires are leaving the ramp, and you should make it across. Be prepared to move quickly after the jump, however, as enemies will start shooting at you on the other side of the canyon. Nothing's really changed, keep going through the checkpoints, only now you need to keep a good pace to avoid taking too much damage. Be cautious with enemy soldiers around, as some have rockets. Shortly after encountering enemies, it'll seem that you are alone again, but the enemies will start setting off booby traps on the road. These are not really that dangerous, just stick on the side of the road farthest from the trap and you'll get by them in time. Just follow the checkpoints back to Eva's shop, and your done. Contract Complete. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- You now have Eva, the mechanic. You may have noticed some orange cases laying on the ground around Venezuela. Those are spare parts. Collecting those will unlock new vehicles in Eva's shop. Unlocking Eva also gives you the grappling hook, allowing you to hijack helicopters. Talk to Eva at the PMC and you can get Misha's location. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================== PMC Recruitment Contract #2: "Misha Milanich" [pr02] Reward: Misha Joins PMC Bonus: None Prerequisite: "Doom Patrol" ==================================================== To get this mission, you must have gotten Eva and talked to her about Misha. The location where you receive this mission will then be marked on your map. After receiving the mission, grab one of the jet skis and head toward the waypoints. Stop at the beach on the southwest side of the island that the waypoints are on and come ashore. You'll meet some resistance, so dispatch them with whatever weapon you're using. On your map you'll see a tank nearby. Go to it, but be ready to dodge it's shells as you run towards it to hijack it. Once you have the tank, go up to the SAM marked on your map and destroy it with your tank's turret, taking out any other opposition as well. After the SAM is down, proceed along the path in your tank, taking down anything in your way. As you go, watch your map so you know where to get out of the tank and mark the bunker busters. Once they've all been marked and picked up by Ewan a new waypoint will appear on your map, but it's on another island. Conveniently, an enemy helicopter will head your way. Use your grappling hook and hijack that helicopter, then set out for the other marker. Before you get to the marker, make sure you're disguised as one of the VZ, then land close to the tank. As soon as your feet touch the ground, make a run for the tank and hijack it, and take out any opposition in the area. Take particular note of the guys in the towers. Once you've taken out the majority of enemies in the area, equip your bunker busters from the PDA and go to the waypointed building. Call the bunker buster in on that building and watch the fireworks. Contract complete. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You now have all the characters than can join the PMC. Misha brings an important feature to the table. He's able to drop airstrikes. It's recommended that you do some outpost takeovers so you can purchase more fuel storage tanks, as Misha will end up using a good bit of fuel. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- P.L.A.V Contracts [gu00] ----------------- The P.L.A.V are a communist guerilla faction, and as would be expected, they operate in forested areas and use secondhand equipment. Like the UP, they give HVTs, destruction targets, and standing bounties, but also have an extra job available, billboard destruction. Destroying the billboards around Venezuela earns you money and unlocks things in the P.L.A.V shop. ========================================================= P.L.A.V Contract #1: "Introduction to the P.L.A.V" [gu01] Reward: None Bonus: None Prerequisite: "Phone Tag" ========================================================= This isn't a mission, just a cutscene. You get it at the PMC from Fiona. It marks the location of the P.L.A.V HQ on your map. ============================================ P.L.A.V Contract #2: "Paint the Town" [gu02] Reward: $750,000 Bonus: $500,000; No Civilian Casualties Prerequisite: Orinoco River Outpost ============================================ When the mission begins, mark one of the waypoints and grab any vehicle, then start heading towards it. On the way to your target you'll come across several tanks. Hijack one and use it to destroy the marked buildings and any opposition you come across. After all three buildings are destroyed, the waypoint will move to the church. Quickly get there and make sure you have full rocket launcher ammo and five C4 charges. This will be the toughest fight in the game yet. In the beginning of the fight, tanks will start coming in from the east. Be prepared by manning the large stationary cannon in between the two recoiless cannons on the east side of the building. Then simply shoot at any tanks you see. After this, run to the west side and get on a recoiless rifle if possible. If they've already been blown up, just get out your rpg and use that to fend off enemy tanks. There's plenty of ammo for it laying around. The rest of the fight will be spent running around firing at enemy tanks with the rpg, as by this time the stationary guns are mostly destroyed. Keep the church in good condition until the yellow bar fills up. Once the bar is full the waypoint will move to the stadium. Grab any vehicle and make your way there. Once you arrive, you'll be attacked by a helicopter. Use your grapple hook to hijack it, then quickly land it to have it out of the way. After this,carefully make your way across the center of the stadium, killing enemy soldiers with your automatic weapon. When you reach the HVT, rifle butt him and subdue him. It is recommended you then carry him to one of the jeeps and load him into it, then drive to a safe location to extract him. Contract complete. ==================================================== P.L.A.V Contract #3: "Corporate Headhunting" [gu03] Reward: $300,000; Unlock: Castro Attack Chopper Bonus: None Prerequisite: Eastern Merida Outpost ==================================================== First, head to the restricted area with two targets in it. When you get there, find a light mantis tank and hijack it. Once you have a tank, carefully make your way to your assassination targets. With this much power, killing one person on foot is easy. You don't even have to get close, just get somewhere that gives you a view of where your map says the target is, and fire in their general area. Since they can't be taken alive, this is a very simple contract. After taking out the two targets in one area, drive to the PMC which is relatively near your position. Once you get there, go to the dock around back and hop in one of the boats and head towards the target at the UP Depot Outpost. Once you're relatively close to the depot try to fire the missiles from the Triton at the assassination target. If this doesn't get him, swim to the dock and take him out personally. After he is done, beach yourself somewhere that the UP soldiers don't control and grab a land or air vehicle, then head to the last target. The target at the airport is easy. Run into the restricted area, hijack the mantis tank, and kill the target. Contract complete. ===================================================== P.L.A.V Contract #4: "Tropical Island Getaway" [gu04] Reward: $850,000 Bonus: $500,000; Destroy all VZ Barracks Prerequisite: "Jungle Cruise" ===================================================== When this mission begins, have Ewan pick you up and take you to the PMC for a Triton Patrol Boat. Head to the waypoints, using your missiles to take out the many enemies hanging around the opening in the island. After clearing any resistance, carefully meneuver through the mines, then go forward to the docks and beach the Triton. Immediately start moving West, destroying the cement baracks on the beach with C4 along the way, but do no go up any inclines. Eventually you'll see a staircase leading up with several machine gun emplacementson it. At the top, there will be two recoiless rifle emplacements. Make your way up this staircase, rifle butting any enemies on the machine guns, and then use one of the recoiless rifles to blow up the two barracks in your field of vision. Also of note, there is a jammer to the right of the recoiless rifles, so go ahead and hijack it and drive it up the path. You'll eventually reach a wooden cabin with RPG soldiers spawning in it. Let them blow up your jammer and return fire at the cabin with your own RPG. After two rockets, it should be down, so clear out any other soldiers and keep heading up the path. You'll soon see a SAM. Either shoot the soldier already using it or hijack it. Either way you'll want to shoot the two nearby barracks with the anti-air missiles to destroy them, and the vulcan cannon is effective against any footsoldiers around. Once the area is cleared, keep moving alone the path until you get to two more barracks. There's a set of stairs leading up onto one of the walls just beside them. Use these stairs for cover until the rpg soldiers are reloading, then run up them and jump off the wall onto the top of one of the buildings. Here you can take out the other rpg soldier spawn building quite a bit easier, and it also makes a get spot to take out the other soldiers in the area. Before you jump off of the rpg soldier spawn, make sure you toss a c4 onto it and blow it up after jumping. The area is now clear to continue on, but do not take the path. Instead, climb the stairs again and run along the wall. This will keep you safe from the emplaced recoiless cannon at the castle's entrance. Keep running across the wall until you can jump down behind the recoiless cannon, but don't jump quite yet. Instead, pick off any enemies you can see below, then jump down and proceed up the stairs north of the gun emplacement. The fighting here is straightforward. Just make your way to the center of the castle, which is where the waypoint is. When you reach the waypoint, look south and you'll see two recoiless cannon emplacements. Use these to take out any opposition, and destroy the jammer. The cheapest way to destroy the three primary targets is to fire at the marked tower with one of the 105mm Artilleries until it is destroyed, then lay three c4 across the bridge, and detonate them once you're standing on the last target, the castle itself. For the actual castle, a airstrike is almost mandatory. Artillery bombardments can be found around the castle, so throw a beacon for one of these down in the center of the castle, where the jammer was, then sprint to what was once the bridge and jump into the water as the castle crumbles. Contract Complete. --------------- PMC Contracts 1 [pc10] --------------- ======================================================================= PMC Contract #1: "Finding Blanco" [pc11] Reward: $650,000 Bonus: None Prerequisite: "Misha Milanich", "Phone Tag", "Tropical Island Getaway" ======================================================================= Note: In this guide, I'll cover how to take Blanco alive, but it's worth mentioning that taking him alive means you'll be passing up one of, if not the best weapon in the game: the hunting pistol. Unless you're going for the Aces High achievement, I'd recommend killing him and picking up this weapon. In the beginning of this mission, grab a Triton and head out for the oil rig Blanco's on. When you get to the rig, you'll see enemy AA boats on your radar. The Triton's missiles are very effective against these, so take them out. After this, it's advisable you hijack the helicopter flying around and crash it into the water. Now, go to the southwest support of the oil rig and climb the latter. Once up the latter, take out the soldiers on the catwalks and put a c4 on each support, then go up the staircase. Here, you have to quickly take out any soldiers on the ground. Do not enter the room Blanco is in until all soldiers on the rig are down. Avoid putting any explosive containers between yourself and your enemies, as their AI is quite poor, and they'll happily blow the rig to get to you, which will cause a mission failure. Once the rig is clear, go to the waypoint and watch the cutscene. Afterwards, wait for your merc to recover from the explosion and jump the railings to land next to Blanco. Quickly melee and subdue him and call for an extraction. If you try to destroy the enemy spawns it'll blow the rig, so ignore them and focus on getting Blanco on a chopper. As soon as Ewan has made off with him, get to the big helipad, detonate your c4, and jump into the water. All that's left to do now is enjoy the fireworks. Contract Complete. ===================================== PMC Contract #2: "Get Solano" [pc12] Reward: None Bonus: None Prerequisite: "Finding Blanco" ===================================== Hop into the helicopter at the start of the mission and let Ewan bring you in near Solano's position. Your first order of business is to get a vehicle. It'll need to be sturdy, and fast. I was lucky enough to find a Thunder at the intersection Ewan drops you off at. But anything to that effect will work. Once you have a vehicle, simply follow the road. The roadblocks can easily be smashed through. You only need to watch out for recoiless cannons. As long as you dodge those, you're in the clear. Eventually, a helicopter will come in over you and attack. Hijack it. As soon as your merc is inside of it, get it away from any SAMs and get enough altitude to fill the diguise bar. Once you're disguised as the VZ, land a good distance away from Solano's bunker while still being in front of it. Before you call in the bunker buster, however, take out the two SAMs on the paths left and right of the bunker. Once they're dealt with, call in the bunker buster, and immediately get in your chopper and start gaining altitude. Fiona will radio you and tell you that the PMC is under attack. Keeping your altitude, start moving in the direction of the PMC, making sure to keep within the area visible on your map. When you arrive at the PMC, make sure you bring the helicopter down to a low altitude quickly, as there will be several anti-air vehicles waiting for you. Get out of the helicopter and hijack one to recover any lost health. It's also worth noting that it's possible to hit enemies with anti-air missiles, but you have to get pretty close. On the small bridge in front of the mansion there will be two tanks. Hijack one and use it to destroy the other. When you are the last one standing, destroy your own tank to start the next part of the mission. Now you'll see a group of tanks rolling into the grounds of the PMC at crazy speed(for a tank). You'll repeat the same old strategy here; hijack tank, fire at other tanks, ditch and hijack another tank in the event yours catches fire. After the second group goes down, the waypoint will move to the front door of the PMC. Enter the mansion. After the cutscene, Carmona will make a run for his car. Chase him down and hijack the car as soon as he gets in it, then get out and subdue him. Take out his soldiers and call in an extraction. If he gets away in his car, just medivac to retry the mission. Once Carmona has been carried off, it's... Contract Complete. =========================================================== PMC Contract #3: "Introduction to Allies and China" [pc13] Reward: None Bonus: None Prerequisite: "Get Solano" =========================================================== This isn't a mission, but rather a short cutscene. This will make Allied and Chinese contracts available. ------------------------ Allied Nations Contracts [an00] ------------------------ The allied nations enter the game at the same time as the Chinese. Eventually you'll have to choose between helping the AN and China, as the two are sworn enemies. The Allies introduce quite a bit of new equipment, so I would recommend trying out the weapons you see their infantry carrying. ====================================================== Allied Nations Contract #1: "Missile Commando" [an01] Reward: $5,000,000 Bonus: None Prerequisite: Southern Caracas Outpost ====================================================== Before you start this mission, make sure you have a Fuel-Air RPG. If you don't, they can be found on Chinese soldiers, so take out a few and try to get one. It also would benefit you to be friendly with the Chinese for this mission. When the mission starts, grab a vehicle from the allied base and start heading to the waypoints. The road is being shelled, but the likelihood of it hitting you is slim. Just drive as you normally would until you get to where you are seeing mostly Chinese soldiers. If you're friendly with them, just take your Allied disguise off by honking. If you are hostile with them, get a civilian vehicle and use its disguise to get close to the waypointed artillery. Once you're up close, use either your Fuel-Air RPG or c4 to take out the artillery. Now the Chinese will shoot at you regardless of your alliance. Make your way to the next artillery, grabbing an armored vehicle if one becomes available, and take out the next artillery. The third is no different. The waypoints now will move to the river. You'll want to make sure your fuel-air RPG is fully loaded, then grab an armored vehicle and head directly towards the river, smashing through any shanty shacks in your way. When you reach the river, take out anyone who would interrupt your aiming and fire at the ships with the fuel-air rpg. A direct hit will instantly kill them. If you run out of ammo for the fuel-air, take out the infantry around you. Some will drop rockets. After this, you'll be sent back to the area the artillery were in to take out some marked commanders. This is where the sheer power of the fuel air rpg will really be exposed. Two of the commanders are on buildings. Simply fire a single fuel-air rpg round at the building they're on and you can move on to the next target. With that weapon in hand, eliminating the commanders should be a breeze. When the last falls, it's... Contract Complete. ==================================================== Allied Nations Contract #2: "Lost and Found" [an02] Reward: $10,000,000 Bonus: $4,000,000 for each AN prisoner extracted. Prerequisite: "Missile Commando" ==================================================== First, grab any car and start heading for Northeast Caracas. When you arrive, look directly east of where the highway curves and you'll find an ambassador gunship sitting on a beach next to some AN soldiers. Grab this gunship and carefully start making your way to the island with the waypoints on it. You'll want to head for the southernmost bonus objective waypoint first. As the island comes into sight, have the anti-tank missiles ready and keep the crosshair to the right, and you'll lock onto an SAM before it has a chance to fire at you. After destroying it, use your helicopter to clear any enemies from the air, and when it's all clear, land near the prisoner. Untie him and call for an extraction. Once it arrives, you may have to get into the extraction helicopter to get the prisoner to get the prisoner get in. After this, get back in the ambassador and follow the path from above. When you get to the first intersection, land and exit your helicopter. Take out a laser guided bomb, laser artillery strike, or any other long distance airstrike, and take out the marked boat after eliminating any opposition that could disrupt your aim at the intersection. Now head towards where the boat you called an airstrike on used to be. On your way there you'll see a dirt path leading north. Follow it. On it there will be a tank, which you should hijack. Now start making your way to the second waypoint. If another tank destroys your own, hijack it. Once you get to the second target, don't even bother getting out of your vehicle, just blow it up with the tank turret. The next bonus target requires a lot of hassle, but if you want the extra four million, start heading to his location. As you get there, take out anyone in your way, but keep away from him even after taking out the tanks and soldiers near him. You also need to take out the SAMs on the beach, the tank south of the prisoner, and all of the tanks, SAMs and whatnot in the area northwest of the prisoner. This can all be accomplished with tanks and the fuel-air rpg. Once everything is dead, go back to the prisoner, free him, and call in an extraction. After the second prisoner has been safely evacuated, grab any vehicle and head to the third target. This one is simple, a fuel-air rpg round to the target should finish this mission. Contract Complete. ================================================================== Allied Nations Contract #3: "Battle for Caracas Vs. China" [an03] Reward: $25,000,000; Nuclear Bunker Buster Bonus: None Prerequisite: "Lost and Found" ================================================================== This mission is very easy for one so close to the end of the game. All you need to do is go to a target, snatch one of the heavy tanks, and blow up the target. Once you do that, head on to the next one and repeat. The tanks that can be found on this mission are very powerful, and should make it really easy. There should be no trouble until you reach Peng. If you want to take him alive, you need to circle the castle and take out everything on the ground and in the towers. Once this is done, grab a sniper rifle from one of the dead watchtower soldiers and pick off all of the enemies in the castle. The ones armed with fuel airs can easily kill Peng,so it's vital they be taken care of. Once this is done, it's a simply matter of working your way across the castle and rifle butting Peng. Contract Complete. ---------------------- Chinese Army Contracts [ca00] ---------------------- The Chinese Army will enter the game halfway through, and like the allies, introduce a lot of new technology, most noticably the fuel-air rpg. This is a must have for the rest of the game, so make sure you pick one up off of a Chinese soldier. ================================================ Chinese Army Contract #1: "Exit Strategy" [ca01] Reward: $5,000,000 Bonus: $50,000 ; Destroy three marked buildings Prerequisite: Southwestern Cumana Outpost ================================================ This mission can be difficult if you don't know how to do it. Fiona will advise you to take out the enemy SAMs before attempting to save the Chinese soldier. This will not work. To beat this mission you'll need either a AN or UP helicopter. The Rogue Assassin works very well. Wait until you're disguised and fly on top of the building where the Chinese agent is. Get out and QUICKLY untie him and make sure he is following you. Stand right next to the door to your helicopter so that the prompt to press Y to pilot the helicopter is at the bottom of the screen. Now, call in one of the free rocket artilleries in the center of the plaza in between all the bonus buildings. The second you leave the screen showing the overhead view, you must get into the helicopter and leave as fast as possible. The whole area will go down in a cloud of dust in a matter of seconds. The Rogue Assassin can take one or two rockets, but it's fast enough to only give the SAMs time to fire one off. Once you've gotten away from the buildings it's a simple matter to fly back to the Chinese base. Just land in the yellow circle and the Chinese agent will have been safely transported. Contract Complete. =================================================== Chinese Army Contract #2: "The Price of Gas" [ca02] Reward: $10,000,000 Bonus: None Prerequisite: "Exit Strategy" =================================================== Start this mission off by either using the transit feature to go to the UP depot base or, if hostile to UP, just drive there. When you arrive, you need to decide if you want to do things the cheap, hard way, or the easy way that utilizes an expensive airstrike. For the latter, simply carpet bomb the hell out of the depot, which should take care of the base very quickly. If you take the cheap route, you'll want to grab a mantis tank and start hammering at the building. This will take a while, and you'll have to ditch your first tank and hijack another eventually, but it gets the job done. After that's done, head to the UP hq. This one's quite a bit easier than the last. Simply grab one of the tanks near the hq, blow up the gate, roll in and take out the jammers, then toss a bombing run smoke grenade at the door where you enter the building for missions. After this, head out towards the bridge. On the bridge, take out the jammers and SAMs with a tank. You want to get all three segments, so start on one side and make your way across, hitting each segment with a bombing run or other cheap air strike. When the bridge falls, the mission ends. Contract Complete. ================================================================ Chinese Army Contract #3: "Battle for Caracas Vs. Allies" [ca03] Reward: $25,000,000; Nuclear Bunker Buster Bonus: None Prerequisite: "The Price of Gas" ================================================================ Start the mission by heading just a bit south and grabbing the Iron Mountain Heavy Tank next to the watchtower. This tank is very powerful, and will be your primary weapon in destroying the targets. This mission will be simple. Just use the tank to fire on the targets, and they will fall fairly quickly. Things don't get difficult until you go for Joyce. When it's finally time to verify the AN leader, grab one of the Ambassador choppers and get an AN disguise, then head to the AN base. Here, you'll you'll want to quickly take out the SAMs with the anti-tank missiles. Once that's done, land and subdue Joyce, and quickly take out any RPG wielding enemies nearby. This part will be a matter of cleaning out light vehicles and infantry, so it should be no problem. When it's mostly clear, call in the extraction for Joyce. Contract Complete. --------------- PMC Contracts 2 [pc20] --------------- =========================================================================== PMC Contract #4: "Get Solano Pt. 2" [pc21] Reward: $25,000,000; Unlock: Nuclear Bunker Buster Bonus: None Prerequisite: "Battle for Caracas Vs. China" or "Battle for Caracas Vs. AN" =========================================================================== This is the final mission, which begins immediately after the battle for Caracas. Solano now has nowhere to hide, so head out to his base. A chopper is recommended. Keep a high altitude when nearing Solano's bunker to avoid getting anti-air artillery fired at you. When you reach it, land to the best of your abilities and hijack the tank right in front of the bunker. Use this to decimate the men defending the bunker and the anaconda that should have taken off upon your arrival. After all the enemies are dead, call in the bunker buster and enjoy the fireworks... .... The bunker still stands? Well, we all saw this coming. Run inside and into the highlighted area to trigger the last fight with Solano, which will be in the form of a button pressing sequence, much like when you're hijacking a vehicle. If you are having trouble with this fight, the sequence is: B, Pull Left Analog Stick Left, A, Pull Left Analog Stick Right, X. Contract Complete. Congratulations! You've completed Mercenaries 2: World in Flames! [+]-------------[+] | Side Missions | [sm00] [+]-------------[+] Here I'll cover the missions that do not relate to the main storyline. Weapon challenges, outpost takeovers, outpost side missions, etc. ----------------- Weapon Challenges [wc00] ----------------- Weapon challenges are the first side missions you'll get a chance to complete. They're typically considered easy on the first two levels, but many people have problems with the third levels. The rewards for these challenges are wagered money, Fiona's Favorites supply drops, and alternative costumes. All of these missions are given by Fiona at the PMC. ============================================ Emplaced Weapons Challenge Level 3 Completion Time: 1:30:00 Prerequisite: Establish a Base of Operations Difficulty: 7/10 ============================================ This is the first weapon challenge, and a more difficult one at that. In the beginning, you'll want to sprint to the first set of emplaced weapons, machine guns. The most important thing to remember in the first segment is that you don't have to hit the busts themselves to destroy them, hitting the pillars they're on works just as well. You can destroy them quicker if you aim mostly for the pillars. Try to get them all in one sweep. As soon as you see the last one shatter, leave your machine gun and sprint to the next segment, where you'll be using a grenade launcher to hit cars flying from different directions. This one requires a feel for the trajectory of the grenade launcher's projectiles. Use your map and try to get the ones coming from behind you when they're still in the air. The same applies to the cars coming over the hangar. The rest, wait until they hit the ground to shoot them. When the last car blows up, sprint to the last segment. Here you'll be using a faster grenade launcher to take out a bunch of statues. Don't let off the trigger. Rain the grenades down onto the statues and when you feel like you've got them all, sweep across the statues on your left, still holding down the trigger. ======================================== Grenade Launcher Challenge Level 3 Completion Time: 1:00:00 Prerequisite: Emplaced Weapons Challenge Difficulty: 5/10 ======================================== The next challenge is easier than the first, you'll be happy to hear. This one deals with the grenade launcher. The first section of the challenge is simple, shoot the three statues and destroy them, then sprint to the next set of sandbags. Reload as you sprint, and start adjusting your camera in the direction of your targets before you actually get to the sandbags. For the second segment, just shoot the red barrel in the middle. When it explodes, it will take the three cars with it. Once again, sprint, reload, adjust camera. The third section is my least favorite, despite its simplicity. Hit the three statues on top of the hanger. This requires a good feeling for the arc the grenade makes. After the third statue goes down, make your way to the next sandbag, preparing in the usual fashion. At the fourth section, just start shooting the statues. There isn't much technique involved. Just remember to take advantage of the area of the explosion. After taking down the last statue, move on to the next segment. The last section has several walls with the targets behind them. You need to make an explosion right beside and a bit behind the wall so that the target is in the radius of the explosion. For the most efficiency, work in a sweep. ======================================== Pistol Challenge Level 3 Completion Time: 00:45:00 Prerequisite: Grenade Launcher Challenge Difficulty: 3/10 ======================================== This is the easiest of the challenges in my opinion. Start out by running to the first sandbag and shooting the three targets without using precision aiming. If you try to use it, you'll waste time with your merc crouching, then having to stand back up whenever they shoot. Sprint to the next segment, reloading en route, and be prepared for the targets to be on your left. Get behind the sandbags, shoot each one, and you're on your way to the third segment. The third is virtually the same as the second, only it's on the right side. The fourth has three targets that are spread out. When you approach the sandbag, have your crosshairs slightly to the right so you can make your way left in a sweeping motion. For the fifth segment, you want to be looking to the far left or the far right when coming from between the shipping containers, then work your way across from where you started. After taking out the first set of targets, a second set will pop up. Just repeat what you did for the first set, only in the opposite direction. The second set are further away than the first. Be prepared for some of the targets to take two bullets instead of one, though this issue seems to not surface if your merc is right up against the sandbags. ================================= Sniping Challenge Level 3 Completion Time: 00:35:00 Prerequisite: "Phone Tag" Difficulty: 4/10 ================================= The sniping challenge is often considered the hardest challenge, and is sometimes considered impossible when attempted solo. That is incorrect. I have beat it solo on level 3, as have many others, and technique isn't even an issue. It's all about memory and method. The most important thing to remember about this challenge is that hitting every target within the time limit IS impossible. But we won't be hitting every target. What you must do is fire at the explosive barrels and allow the cars next to them to all explode, then memorize which targets still stand afterwards. Then, with this in mind, go through and shoot the barrels, then while the barrels explode, quickly take out all of the targets you know won't be affected by the blast. Also keep an eye out for Ewan and the statue you can shoot for bonus time, and the truck that carries a statue towards the main gate as well. With this method you'll find that the sniper challenge is very much possible, and even easy. ----------------- Outpost Takeovers [op00] ----------------- This section covers the missions that you get from outposts that require you to take over other outposts for a faction. ------------------------------------- Universal Petroleum Outpost Takeovers [op01] ------------------------------------- ============================================================================= Altagracia Outpost Reward: $300,000; Unlock: UP Tank Attack, Raven, C4 Supply Drop, PMC Fuel Storage Upgrade Prerequisite: "The Devastator" Contact: UP Depot Outpost ============================================================================= This is a straightforward outpost. Simply drive in through the entrance, kill any opposition, and call in a UP strike team. There's no alarm at this base, so the enemies put up no challenge. More coming Soon! ------------------------- P.L.A.V Outpost Takeovers [op02] ------------------------- ============================================================================== Orinoco River Outpost Reward: $300,000; Unlock: Marinez APC, Artillery Strike, Support Weapons Drop, PMC Fuel Storage Upgrade Prerequisite: Introduction to the P.L.A.V Contact: Southeastern Amazon Outpost ============================================================================== This is a very straightforward outpost. The area the outpost is in has no real fortifications or enemy spawns. Just shoot any enemies that are there and call in the guerilla commandos to take the waypointed building. =========================================================================== Eastern Merida Outpost Reward: $300,000; Unlock: Cavalera Light Tank, Chinese Sniper Kit, PMC Fuel Storage Upgrade Prerequisite: Orinoco River Outpost Contact: Orinoco River Outpost =========================================================================== This is a pretty easy outpost. Climb up the hill behind the outpost so that you are behind the mansion you have to send troops into to take the outpost, then run down the hill and hijack the enemy tank. With this, blow up the building that spawns enemies and take out any resistance, then call the guerilla commandos in just in front of the mansion. =========================================================================== Southwestern Amazon Outpost Reward: $300,000; Unlock: Castro-V Attack Copter, PMC Fuel Storage Upgrade Prerequisite: Eastern Merida Outpost Contact: Eastern Merida Outpost =========================================================================== Another basic outpost. Hijack the tank, kill the opposition, you know the drill. -------------------------------- Allied Nations Outpost Takeovers [op03] -------------------------------- ============================================================================= Southern Caracas Outpost Reward: $1,000,000; Carpet Bomb x2, Guardian Artillery x1, Unlock: Anti-Tank Missile, .50cal Anti-Material Rifle Kit, Laser Guided Bomb, PMC Fuel Storage Upgrade Prerequisite: "Introduction to Allies and Chinese" Contact: Southwestern Caracas Outpost ============================================================================= For this one, the easiest way to clear the base is to drive in under a civilian disguise and wait until the tank driving around is closest to the east enemy barracks. At this point, hijack it and blow up the barracks before the RPG soldiers start firing. Then take out the other two barracks long range and call in the ally soldiers to take the outpost. More Coming Soon! ------------------------------ Chinese Army Outpost Takeovers [op04] ------------------------------ ============================================================================== Southwestern Cumana Outpost Reward: $1,000,000; Rocket Artillery Strike x2, Unlock: Tank Buster, Tempered Hammer Artillery, Anti-Air Kit, PMC Fuel Storage Upgrade Prerequisite: "Introduction to Allies and Chinese" Contact: Northern Cumana Outpost ============================================================================== No new strategies here. Hijack the tank, take out the barracks, call in the Chinese commandos. However, while you're doing this outpost, you would do well to take a fuel-air rpg from one of the Chinese soldiers. It will take the place of the normal RPG from here on out. More Coming Soon! --------------- Minor Contracts [mc00] --------------- Coming Soon! [+]-----[+] | Misc. | [ms00] [+]-----[+] ---------------------------------- Frequently Asked Questions [ms01] ---------------------------------- 1) Is killing Blanco the only way to get the hunting pistol? A) Yes. There are no supply dropoffs or enemies that drop the hunting pistol. 2) How do I capture (Insert HVT Here) alive? A) As much as I'd like to help everyone with the HVTs, Mercs 2 didn't name the bounties, so it makes it hard to tell how to capture each one. Typically, you're best off eliminating rocket launcher wielding enemies with a sniper rifle from a distance, then moving in, loading the hvt into a car, and getting them out to extract elsewhere. 3) I loaded my game and I'm not playing as the same merc anymore! Help! A) This is a glitch that occurs when you play online. There's no known way to fix it as of now. 4) How do I get 1 billion dollars? A) Winching challenge. The minimum bet will go past 5 million, making it the most profitable wager. -------------- Credits [ms02] -------------- Thanks to Gamefaqs, for giving me a place to post my faq, Thanks to Shaun, for letting me borrow his 360 when mine RRoD'd, Thanks to Pandemic, for developing the Mercenaries franchise, Thanks to Demented_Joey, for sending me some of the hardware I used while writing this faq, Thanks to Katie, for making every day a good one and motivating me to write, -------------------------- Contact Information [ms03] -------------------------- My e-mail address is [email protected]. If you have information for the guide, make sure you put "Mercenaries 2" somewhere in the subject of the e-mail, or I probably won't even give it a second glance. Spam mail will result in the sender being blocked. ------------------ Legal Stuff [ms04] ------------------ This may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other web site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright.