The fight with the Harrier in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of the Patriots is the final challenge players will face before they can enter Shell-2. With "Iroqois Pliskin" as backup and the newly acquired Stinger perfect for fighting back, it's time to ground Vamp.

Taking on the Harrier in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of the Patriots will require Raiden to take cover and choose his moments wisely, slowly depleting the Harrier's health bar with homing rockets from the Stinger. This guide will cover the strategies needed to take the Harrier down.

MGS2_Vamp Boss Guide
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How to Beat the Harrier

MGS2_Harrier Boss Fight 2

When the fight begins, Vamp will be preparing to charge the platform in the Harrier. Players should check the radar to see which side he's on, and then take cover behind one of the large tanks on the platform. As long as Raiden has one of the tanks between himself and the Harrier he can't get hit by Vamp's attacks. After the Harrier passes overhead players should equip the Stinger and aim towards the Harrier, trying to get a target lock and fire a rocket before it comes back around.

Vamp will alternate between three main forms of attack here. The charging attack he opened with, a Gatling gun burst, and a rocket salvo. Vamp will hover near the platform and begin firing the Harrier's Gatling guns at Raiden. Players should hide behind the large tank and move as Vamp circles around to stay out of his line of fire. Once he stops firing it's time to aim, lock on, and fire the stinger. If Vamp's aim is off by enough players might be able to sneak a shot while he's firing, but only if he's aiming far enough away from Raiden to offer such an opening.

When Vamp hovers on one side of the platform and begins firing rockets, players should take cover behind the tank again, keeping Raiden out of Vamp's reach until the salvo ends. Once he stops firing players should grab the Stinger, lock on, and fire.

Snake will offer Raiden support during this fight, supplying him with more Stinger ammo and some Rations. Grabbing these where possible is always a good thing, especially if Raiden gets clipped by Gatling gun fire or caught in an explosion.

Snake can also attack Vamp directly after he finishes his strafing rocket attack or his Gatling gun attack, taking some pressure off Raiden.

MGS2_Harrier Boss 3

After losing enough health, a cutscene will trigger and the Harrier will deploy cluster bombs that will hit the entire platform. Players can dodge this by running to the right and hanging off the edge of the platform immediately after the cutscene ends. This can only occur once during the entire fight. Once per fight, the Harrier can also deploy a heat beam, firing down from directly above the arena. This attack is also preceded by a cutscene and can be dodged by jumping down the hole in the middle of the arena and taking cover somewhere with a roof.