Pupa

Pupa was an AI weapon developed by the CIA Peace Sentinels in the early 1970s. Its main function was to serve as an amphibious attack craft.

Design
Pupa was one of the four AI weapons developed as part of the Peace Walker Project. Equipped with an AI pod, designated GW-Pupa 5000, it was designed with speed and hover capabilities in mind. It could travel at speeds that would allow it to climb steep inclines. One of its most significant features were the rocket boosters on its back. The Pupa also possessed two forward treads that could move in a similar fashion to arms and could be used to raise its front section from the ground. Its overall appearance bore a strong resemblance to the Shagohod, since Huey Emmerich had based it on Soviet research notes.

Weapons
Pupa possessed six machine gun turrets: four on the back, and two on the front. It was also armed with a cannon for generating electric shock attacks, located below the head section, along with seven "lightning rod" launchers on each side of its posterior section. The rods could be deployed across a large area, after which the Pupa would fire its shock cannon into the atmosphere; the discharged electricity would then be drawn down to the scattered units, injuring any nearby enemy personnel. The Pupa could also use its freely-moving front treads as "arms" for close-range attacks.

History


In 1973, Pupa was developed by Huey as one of three prototype AI weapons for Peace Walker. At some point between 1973 and 1974, the Pupa was deployed against the Sandinista unit in hiding at Costa Rica, and apparently killed several of the members. After Big Boss (Naked Snake) failed to prevent Hot Coldman from relocating Peace Walker's frame from the Mt. Irazu facility, Pupa entered the area from the roof and sped around, attacking Snake. However, Snake (with Huey's help) managed to decommission the Shagohod-like AI weapon. Afterwards, Big Boss and the Militaires Sans Frontieres salvaged several parts from Pupa, which they would later use to create Metal Gear ZEKE.

The MSF also encountered ten inactive Pupa frames housed within an AI weapon hangar, during their infiltation of the Peace Sentinel's Costa Rican mine base. Huey had apparently been unaware that so many had been made.

Etymology
The word "pupa" refers to the intermediate stage of development insects go through following the larval stage and proceeding the adult stage. It is the most basic term for that particular stage, with more specific terms including chrysalis and cocoon.

Trivia

 * The Sandinistas' nickname for the Pupa was el galapago, which means "Tortoise" in Spanish.
 * The AI would usually foreshadow its attacks with a burst of song, using its speech synthesis system.

Gameplay
Stronger versions of the Pupa, known as "Pupa Type II" and "Pupa Custom", can be fought in Extra Ops. The head from Pupa Custom can be salvaged, which grants Metal Gear ZEKE the ability to use shock attacks.

Boss strategy
The Pupa is a tank/hovercraft hybrid capable of high speed maneuvers and jumps. Huey offers tips on defeating the Pupa - the most important of which is to target the cylindrical AI pod on the front of the vehicle with the LAW launcher. Striking other parts of the Pupa causes damage, but not as much as hitting the AI pod.



The Pupa has several devastating attacks, including a lightning attack. When this attack is initiated, quickly move away from the front of the Pupa, as this attack can reach in an obtuse angle side-to-side. If you are in front of the Pupa during this attack, you can roll out of the way to avoid being struck. When the Pupa charges its boosters, it is prepping for a charge attack. Quickly lie down to avoid being hit, as the Pupa has a small amount of space between itself and the ground. As long as you aren't directly aligned with one of its treads, you won't be hurt.

When the Pupa dispenses a large number of mine-like devices called "lightning rods", target them with a machine gun or assault rifle and destroy them. You don't have to shoot all of them, just the ones close to you. Soon after, the Pupa will use its lightning attack, and the lightning rods will expand the attack, causing electricity to surge across the entire floor. If there are no lightning rods nearby, you'll be safe.

When you run low on ammo, look for a safe spot to deploy a Support Supply Marker. There are three alcoves with ladders along the perimeter walls which make great spots to gain supplies and take a break from the Pupa's attacks. Make sure that when the box drops, you move out of the way, as if it hits you, you'll be dazed for a few seconds.

Once the Pupa's health is depleted, it becomes immobilized. Approach it and use your machine gun or launcher to attack its AI pod, blowing off the hatch. Climb inside and remove the memory boards that have colored icons next to them. The memory boards you retrieve can be used later to create your own AI weapon.

Appearances

 * Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker