Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain presents players with two expansive open-world regions: Afghanistan and the Angola-Zaire border, each deeply interwoven with the game’s narrative and offering distinct gameplay experiences.

Overview of Regions:

| Region | Description | Setting Details |
|—————-|———————————————–|—————————————-|
| Afghanistan | Set during the Soviet-Afghan War, this region is primarily controlled by Soviet forces. It features a large, diverse map filled with obstacles and tactical opportunities. | The landscape includes rugged mountains, scattered villages, and dirt roads, providing various paths for stealth and combat maneuvers. |
| Angola-Zaire (Africa) | This region is characterized by its multifaction control amidst the backdrop of a politically volatile environment. It’s a complex battlefield where numerous factions vie for power. | The terrain is diverse, showcasing jungles, rivers, and settlements, enhancing the chaotic atmosphere and offering varied engagement strategies. |
| Cyprus | Serving as a brief prologue, the game opens with a dramatic hospital escape sequence located in Cyprus. | This area is smaller and more linear, acting as a stark contrast to the larger open-world settings that follow. |
| Mother Base | This serves as the player’s home base and pivotal organizational hub. Here, players manage resources, develop technology, and plan future missions. | Unlike the open battlefield environments, Mother Base is confined to the strategic management and narrative progression aspects of the game. |

Gameplay Elements:
The expansive environments of Afghanistan and Angola-Zaire provide players with extensive freedom in mission execution. The thoughtfully designed landscapes promote various approaches—be it stealth, direct confrontation, or alternative tactics, allowing for a richly personalized gameplay experience.

– Afghanistan’s Dynamics: The presence of Soviet forces, along with the geography, encourages tactical gameplay, with players utilizing the landscapes for cover and strategic movement.
– Angola-Zaire’s Complexity: The multifactional conflict introduces layers of strategy and the need for adaptation, as players navigate the volatile battlefield influenced by shifting allegiances among factions.

Conclusion:
These regions are not only pivotal for the game’s setting but also enhance the core mechanics of exploration, strategy, and adaptation. Players are encouraged to immerse themselves in the environments, engage with the narrative, and shape their own tactical paths through the distinct challenges posed by each area. The incorporation of both large-scale open-world settings and a central management hub creates a comprehensive and engaging gameplay experience central to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.