Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroesintroduced a variety of side missions that offered fans of the series extra challenges, nostalgic references, and deep lore connections. Among these, theDéjà Vu missionstands out as a fan favorite. Originally exclusive to PlayStation platforms, Déjà Vu is a special mission that transports players into a tribute-filled experience, blending modern gameplay with classic Metal Gear Solid references. Set within the same map as the main Ground Zeroes mission, Déjà Vu presents a mysterious objective rooted in the past, inviting players to relive iconic moments and recognize familiar symbols from Snake’s storied history.
How to Unlock the Déjà Vu Mission
To access the Déjà Vu mission inGround Zeroes, players must meet certain requirements. On the PlayStation versions of the game, it was originally a platform-exclusive bonus. However, in later releases and editions, it became available across all platforms.
Unlocking Requirements
- Finish the main Ground Zeroes mission at least once.
- Achieve specific objectives or rankings to unlock side missions in the menu.
- Find the Déjà Vu option under ‘Side Ops’ once available.
Unlike the main mission, Déjà Vu has a unique tone. It serves as both a puzzle and a tribute, asking players to identify moments from the originalMetal Gear Solidand compare them with clues scattered across Camp Omega.
Mission Overview
The premise of Déjà Vu is unlike any other mission inGround Zeroes. The player is tasked with recreating scenes from the originalMetal Gear Solidby locating various reference points in the environment. These reference points are visual nods shadows, lights, logos, and positions mimicking iconic moments or imagery from the original PlayStation classic. By activating these scenes, players erase anomalies from history, correcting temporal distortions in Snake’s timeline.
Key Objectives
- Identify and replicate eight iconic scenes fromMetal Gear Solid.
- Avoid raising alarms or being spotted to maintain stealth performance.
- Use the iDroid to compare photographic evidence from the original game.
This structure adds a creative twist to traditional stealth gameplay, requiring keen observation, knowledge of the franchise, and attention to detail.
Classic Metal Gear References
The Déjà Vu mission is a celebration of Metal Gear Solid’s legacy. Fans of the series will immediately recognize the visual callbacks that Kojima and his team painstakingly included. Whether it’s the spotlight on the wall resembling a shadow of Snake sneaking past guards or a fallen guard that mirrors an early game takedown, each reference is meant to ignite nostalgia and reward long-time fans.
Iconic Elements Featured
- The searchlight scene from the Heliport area of Shadow Moses.
- The broken light with a silhouette behind it, recreating the vent scene.
- Posters and logos referencing FOXHOUND and other groups from the original game.
- The iconic Hideo name label on a spotlight, an Easter egg from the original series.
Players unfamiliar with the earlier games can still complete the mission, but those who playedMetal Gear Solidon PS1 will appreciate the deeper meaning behind each recreated scene.
Playing as Classic Snake
One of the most exciting aspects of Déjà Vu is the ability to play as a version of Snake that resembles his original polygonal model. While the game normally features the modern, realistic rendering of Big Boss, Déjà Vu gives players access to an alternate skin that pays homage to the low-poly design of 1998’sMetal Gear Solid.
Unlocking the Classic Skin
To unlock the retro Snake skin, players must successfully complete the Déjà Vu mission by recreating all the scenes and passing the final trivia quiz. Once this is done, the polygonal Snake skin becomes available for use within the mission itself.
It’s a surreal and playful touch that breaks from the serious tone of the main game, offering fans a blend of past and present in a single experience.
Trivia Challenge: Test Your Metal Gear Knowledge
After completing all the scene recreations, the mission isn’t over. Players must face a short trivia quiz, hosted through the iDroid. This final step tests the player’s knowledge of the Metal Gear franchise, particularly the original title.
Sample Questions Include
- What was the name of Snake’s commanding officer in MGS1?
- Which enemy could read your memory card?
- What weapon did Snake start with?
Answering these correctly finalizes the mission and completes the experience. It’s a fun way to involve the player’s memory and show appreciation for the series’ lore.
Déjà Vu Mission Rewards
While Déjà Vu is mostly a fan-service mission, it still comes with practical rewards. Successfully completing it can grant special unlocks, such as:
- The polygonal Snake skin mentioned earlier.
- Access to additional cosmetic items or gallery content (depending on platform).
- Completion ratings that contribute to overall game progression.
Although the rewards are not combat-oriented, they offer a sense of completion and are great for collectors and fans of the series.
Replay Value and Speedruns
The Déjà Vu mission also appeals to speedrunners and completionists. Once players understand the location of each scene and the optimal route, it becomes a game of execution and efficiency. Many attempt to complete it with the highest rank (S-rank) under specific time limits or with no alerts or kills.
Tips for Speedrunners
- Memorize the scene locations before attempting a fast run.
- Use non-lethal takedowns to avoid alerts.
- Plan your route around guard rotations and searchlights.
By mastering these elements, players can achieve top rankings and unlock hidden dialogues or Easter eggs in some versions of the mission.
A Tribute to a Legacy
The Déjà Vu mission inGround Zeroesserves not only as an entertaining stealth challenge but also as a tribute to over two decades of Metal Gear history. It encapsulates the series’ trademark blend of serious political intrigue, over-the-top storytelling, and self-referential humor. For longtime fans, it’s a heartfelt reminder of where the journey began. For new players, it offers a glimpse into the legacy that has defined stealth action for an entire generation.
Even years after its release, Déjà Vu remains one of the most discussed and celebrated parts ofGround Zeroes, proving that nostalgia, when done right, can be just as powerful as innovation. It’s not just a side mission it’s a cleverly disguised love letter from Kojima Productions to its dedicated community, inviting players to step into the shadows of their memories and experience Metal Gear in a new, yet familiar, light.