Gameplay in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is divided into two main parts. The first part involves guiding Big Boss through a series of missions, using stealth and strategy to evade detection by enemy forces. This part of the game requires players to use the controller effectively, making use of the buttons and triggers to control Big Boss's movements.
The second part of the game is more open-world oriented, allowing players to explore the vast desert landscape of Afghanistan, recruit soldiers, and build a private military company from scratch. This part of the game also requires effective use of the controller, as players need to manage resources, assign tasks to their soldiers, and make tactical decisions.