In Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of the Patriots, players will navigate both the Tanker and the Big Shell playing as Solid Snake and Raiden. During both of these sections of the game it is possible to collect Dog Tags from enemy soldiers, which serve as both an additional collectible to seek out throughout the game and as a means of unlocking special items.
This guide will explain how to shake down an enemy for their Dog Tags in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of the Patriots, while also explaining what can be unlocked by collecting them during gameplay. It is important to note that different Dog Tags can be obtained at each difficulty level, meaning that players hoping to collect every single Dog Tag will have to beat the game on every available difficulty in order to do so.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Where to Find the USP
The USP is a vital item for exploring the Tanker during the first section of Metal Gear Solid 2 and this guide will explain where to find it.
How to Get Dog Tags
In order to get an enemy's Dog Tags, players will need to hold up the enemy with their gun. This is done by walking up close to the enemy, ideally from behind, and pointing the gun at them by holding the aim button (L1 for Playstation, LB for Xbox).
After doing this, players should lower the gun (click the left analog stick to do this) and then move around to stand in front of the guard and resume pointing the gun at them. Head into first-person view and point the gun directly at their head or crotch next. Doing this will cause them to panic, and they should start shaking. After a second or so of shaking the guard will drop their Dog Tag.
Some enemies will not be easily intimidated by Snake/Raiden and will require extra convincing. This can be accomplished by firing a shot into one of their arms or legs, into the air near them, or holding them up with a heavy weapon like the RGB6 or the Stinger.
What Is Unlocked Using Dog Tags?
Dog Tags will allow players to unlock new items for use in future playthroughs when reaching the end of either the Tanker or Plant section. Here is a full list of the unlockables:
Unlockable | Number of Dog Tags | Unlock Point |
Bandana (Snake, Infinite Ammo) | 46 Dog Tags | Finish the Tanker Section |
Stealth Camo (Snake) | 76 Dog Tags | Finish the Tanker Section |
Brown Wig (Raiden, Infinite Ammo) | 73 Dog Tags | Finish the Plant Section |
Stealth Camo #2 (Raiden) | 121 Dog Tags | Finish the Plant Section |
Orange Wig (Raiden, Infinite Grip Gauge) | 170 Dog Tags | Finish the Plant Section |
Blue Wig (Raiden, Infinite O2 Gauge) | 218 Dog Tags | Finish the Plant Section |
Players must reach the end of the relevant section with at least the specified number of Dog Tags in their inventory to unlock an item. Unlocked items can then be used in future playthroughs.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of the Patriots is available for PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
- Franchise
- Metal Gear
- Released
- November 13, 2001
- Developer(s)
- Konami
- Publisher(s)
- Konami
- Genre(s)
- Stealth
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Animated Blood, Animated Violence
- How Long To Beat
- 13 Hours