Groznyj Grad



Groznyj Grad was a large military fortress located in Tselinoyarsk, USSR. The mountain stronghold of GRU colonel Yevgeny Borisovitch Volgin, it was here that Nikolai Stephanovich Sokolov was forced to complete the nuclear-armed Shagohod.

Construction
Groznyj Grad was created through Volgin's use of the Philosophers' Legacy. The center of the stronghold contained a weapons lab at the center. The Hind prototypes as well as the flying platforms were developed at this location. To the northeast was a provisions storehouse containing supplies for the base and its personnel, as well as various mini hangars and some BTR-152s parked. To the southeast was a prison and torture chamber that dissident personnel and intruders were placed in. To the southwest was what was presumably a cargo storage area with various large crates in rows. To the northwest was an armory containing weapons of Soviet origin, as well as a parking area for the Objekt 279s, as well as devices that were presumably fuel tanks. Also, Groznyj Grad contained at least two underground vaults, one containing the Philosophers' Legacy, and the other containing weapons of Western origin used for research purposes. In addition, there are large buildings to the south, east and west portions of the base that presumably were for storage or communications purposes, due to radio towers being positioned in close proximity as well as at least one truck being parked in the south. Various hangars and storage/radio buildings were also present to the north of the weapons lab.

The weapons lab was divided into three parts: The East Wing, the main building, and the West Wing. The East Wing was where the research facilities are located. The Main Building was where Groznyj Grad's weapons and war machines are developed, and the West Wing, which was technically separated from the actual weapons lab save for a glass bridge/passageway, was where researchers of high importance are held. Trucks also traversed in and out of the base, presumably to transport supplies. The base's weapons lab's East Wing contained a library, which was frequently visited by GRU major Ivan Raidenovitch Raikov, some storage rooms/pantries (one of which was locked both ways by a frequency based-lock that can only be opened by Major Raikov or the other guards due to circuitry within their uniforms, or a specific radio frequency per door), a restroom, and a break room/locker room in addition to the research facilities. The West Wing contained the entry room, two unnamed rooms to the left and right, and the holding area in front. The main building contained several supercomputers, as well as cargo elevators for bringing up equipment. The base also contained a runway for the liftoff of several aircraft north of it, and was originally going to be used in the Shagohod's first test. Because of its high altitude and close proximity to Krasnogorje (which acted as a natural barrier), Groznyj Grad often experienced snowfall.

During Operation Snake Eater, Volgin tortured and murdered Aleksandr Leonovitch Granin thinking he was the spy helping Naked Snake. He discovered a tracer in his shoes, meaning that even if Granin wasn't the spy, there was indeed a spy within their ranks. The Boss also told Volgin that The Fear and The End are both dead, and that Naked Snake may have been arriving to steal the Philosophers' Legacy. Naked Snake used an underground tunnel from Krasnogorje to first enter the base, where he encountered the Cobra Unit's Flame Soldier, The Fury. After defeating him, a section of the tunnel caved in, preventing Snake from backtracking the way he had come. Air raid sirens were also heard blaring throughout the base, most likely due to Khrushchev's forces attempting to enter Groznyj Grad. After arriving and avoiding the guards, Snake located Major Raikov and knocked him out, stealing his uniform and locking him up in a locker. Afterwards, Snake went over to the West Wing of the weapons lab and attempted to rescue Sokolov. However, his plan backfired when Volgin realized that Snake wasn't Raikov and were both captured. Snake managed to escape, having to take the sewers after the original escape route that EVA provided was cut off by Volgin's forces.

Afterwards, Snake returned to Groznyj Grad, and thanks to the Shagohod's completion, the actual design area of the weapon was left heavily unguarded: personnel called for a day of rest due to Volgin's refusal to let the engineers and scientists rest while working on it, resulting in a mass amount of exhaustion. Snake successfuly planted C3 explosives, supplied by EVA, on the fuel tanks intended for the Shagohod, but he was discovered and captured as he attempted to leave. A fight ensued between Snake and Volgin, with the former emerging victorious, just as the GRU soldiers began evacuating the facility. Snake met with EVA ouside, who arrived on her motorcycle with a sidecar, and the two used it to make their escape, as the hangar exploded behind them. However, the EOD had removed all the fuel from the tanks earlier, so the explosion only took out the assembly line. The Shagohod was unscathed by the blast, and emerged from the smoldering hangar with Volgin at the controls.

Volgin went on a rampage, tearing through Groznyj Grad in the Shagohod, in pursuit of Snake and EVA, without regard for any of his troops or his base. Eventually, the two spies reached the main runway, evading GRU soldiers on motorcycles. as well as the Shagohod. As they headed for the nearby rail bridge, Volgin plowed through the parked aircraft using the Shagohod's rocket engines, but eventually crashed into a fence. EVA and Snake lured him to the bridge, which had been rigged with explosives earlier, in the hopes of taking out the Shagohod with it. The bridge explosives were set off, and it collapsed as the "Treading Behemoth" attempted to cross it. After EVA and Snake fought against a heavily damaged Shagohod and defeated the Shagohod and Volgin for good, EVA and Snake were then pursued down the mountain path north of what remained of Groznyj Grad's rail bridge, until they were ambushed by GRU forces manning motorbikes and BTR-152s, resulting in them diverting to Lazorevo.

Groznyj Grad was later destroyed by The Boss in a nuclear explosion, just before she fought against Naked Snake at Rokovoj Bereg, using a Davy Crockett missile. Later, Ocelot reported the incident to the Director of the KGB, who disapproved of the fortress and research lab's destruction, with Ocelot replying that "they were necessary sacrifices."

Trivia
Groznyj Grad translates from Russian as "terrible fortress" or "terrible city." There is a similarly named city in Russia known as Grozny, located in the region of Chechnya. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Grozny has been the scene of numerous vicious battles between the Russian Army and Islamic Chechen seperatists.

Behind the scenes


Although Groznyj Grad is located in Russia, the "Stop" signs painted on the roads is Serbian.

The two Soviet officers that guard Groznyj Grad's West Wing in Metal Gear Solid 3 disappear after letting Snake in. They are not seen in the cutscenes that show EVA and The Boss leaving the West Wing.

According to the Director's Commentary, the scene layout of Snake's first arrival at Groznyj Grad was intended to imitate the first generation of Metal Gear Solid. In addition, when Snake was scouting the base at the Krasnogorje vista via his binoculars before witnessing Volgin torturing Granin to death, it was originally intended that, besides the guards and tanks parked in rows, he also scout the jeeps, military trucks, and armored cars parked in rows, the runway with a parked WIG, and a fenced-off area containing various soldiers and scientists. These were removed in the final version.

Groznyj Grad was remade for Metal Gear Online using Metal Gear Solid 4's graphics engine. It was made slightly smaller however, and given a run-down and more dilapidated look.

Walkthrough
The exterior of Groznyj Grad is divided into southwest, southeast, northwest, and northeast sections. The southwest section is where Snake first emerges. The southeast section contains the jail/torture rooms. The northeast section contains a provisions storehouse and the entrance to weapons lab. And the northwest section contains an armory and sewer entrances.

When Snake first arrives, it is nighttime, and several searchlights scan the area. There are attack dogs and numerous guards patrolling.

Southwest
After climbing the ladder from the underground tunnel, Snake will enter the southwest section of Groznyj Grad. Head up the steps and run north. Crawl under the crates to the northernmost one. Either tranquilize the two guards, or wait until neither of them are on the northern path and run. At the turning, dispatch the guard just round the corner and then run, without hesitation, to the north door.

Equipment

 * XM16E1 Bullets x80 (2)
 * M1911A1 Bullets x21
 * Styptic
 * Chaff Grenades
 * Smoke Grenades
 * Mk22 Bullets x24
 * Disinfectant
 * M1911A1 Suppressor
 * Grenades
 * SVD Bullets x40
 * Bandage

Northeast
Once through the door, run immediately right and peek round the corner. A guard will be walking away from you. He would probably have gone too far north for you not to be seen, so wait until he patrols north and then comes back south again. Once he is back at the corner and has turned away, CQC him.

Crawl north to the end of the path and tranquilize the two guards patrolling by the door, starting with the one on the right. Note, however, that, upon tranquilizing the right guard, the left guard may notice and start a Caution alert. However, this actually makes it easier, as he will retreat to behind a crate to make his transmission to HQ, allowing you to run straight to the door unnoticed.

Equipment

 * M1911A1 Bullets x21
 * Book
 * Cardboard Box C

Weapons Lab: East Wing


In this area, Snake must capture Major Raikov and steal his uniform to disguise himself and get clearance into the west wing.

In addition, a Scorpion submachine gun can be obtained in a locked room here. The doors can be unlocked with a frequency obtained by interrogating the officers in the building. Alternately, since the doors automatically open for the guards here, Snake can closely follow a guard into the room, or enter the room himself while wearing Raikov's uniform. In addition to several guards looking out for intruders, there is also a large number of scientists working in the east wing, most of them on the second floor and another one at the library at the first floor. Raikov can be found often in the toilets as EVA describes him as having a weak stomach despite a large appetite.


 * When Snake returns to the East Wing at daylight, he can obtain the Sneaking Suit in the locker Raikov was put, as well as the Maintenance Uniform to disguise as one of the workers at the hangar where the Shagohod is held.

Equipment

 * Mk22 Suppressor
 * XM16E1 Suppressor
 * Bandage
 * Suture Kit
 * Ointment
 * Antidote
 * Book
 * Russian Ration (2)
 * Raikov uniform
 * Maintenance Uniform
 * Sneaking Suit

Weapons Lab: West Wing
This high-security wing is accessible only to those who have Colonel class, and is where Sokolov is kept. Snake meets up with him here using the Raikov disguise and learns about Phase 2. However, Volgin shows up, and when he realizes "Raikov" is actually Snake, he beats him to a pulp. Make sure to pay attention during the next cutscene, as an R1 prompt will give you a radio frequency that can be used in the next sequence. If it is missed, there is another way to find out the frequency.

Torture Room
After being placed in a cell, Snake will possess no weapons or equipment, except for the revive pill implanted in his tooth. In the Cure menu, he will have two wounds - a transmitter and a fake death pill, both embedded in his body. To remove them, use the fork that is located in the cell. Leaving the transmitter inside him will cause an Ocelot unit to pursue him later on, in Tikhogornyj, but also triggers two cutscenes, one of which has a humorous tone. The fork can be used to spear and eat the rat in the cell, in order to recover some stamina. It can also be used as a lethal weapon, in the same manner as the survival knife, but CQC actions cannot be performed.

To escape from the cell there are three options:


 * Firstly, the fake death pill can be used to fool the guard (Johnny) who will open the cell to investigate (it has the same effect to the ketchup from Metal Gear Solid).


 * Secondly, the Cure menu can be used to rotate Snake's character model around several times, until he vomits. When he does so, the guard will enter the cell to make sure he is all right, but if Snake waits too long, he will realize it is a trick and the Alert phase will ensue. Make sure to incapacitate Johnny, either using hand-to-hand combat or the fork, before this happens.


 * Thirdly, the radio can be used to contact frequency 144.75, which will open the door remotely. If the frequency was not discovered in the previous scene, it can be found by throwing three pieces of food back to the guard, which he initially gives to Snake. To show his thanks, he will show you a picture of his family in the cutscene that follows; the frequency can be seen written on the back by pressing R1. Afterwards, Snake will be rewarded with the Cig Gas-Spray, which can be used to knock Johnny unconscious. Another idea is to use the frequency when Johnny heads to the bathroom (due to stomach problems), allowing the player to escape without having to engage him.

Southeast
Once Snake has escaped, the player enters one of the most difficult portion of the game, due to lack of weapons, equipment, and camouflage, and timing is everything. Press up against the wall and go south to the corner of the building. The guard just round the corner should be looking in your direction. When he turns round, use the D-Pad to sneak behind him and to his right; once he passes the gap between the car and the wall, run south to the hole in the wall without pausing.

Equipment

 * Fork
 * Cardboard Box C
 * Book
 * Camera
 * Disinfectant
 * Styptic
 * Ointment
 * Bandage
 * Suture Kit

Southwest
In Groznyj Grad SW, keep crawling until you are under the crate. Watch for when the two guards patrolling across the top row of the crates walk south into the crates, and then crawl out north and run west. Stop on the corner to check the guard is looking the other way and then go (sneak if he is too close) west again. Follow between the two bunkers and then north to the door (no one should see you).

Northeast
Groznyj Grad NE is easiest. Simply run west without stopping to the door. A guard may see you, but he won't trigger an alert if you don't stop running and stay close to the south wall. You are far from over, though, as Groznyj Grad NW is the most difficult one.

Northwest
Once through the door immediately run west and then south and then west again, following the wall and the corners round. Stop when you get to the corner of the railings and the south wall. Use First Person View to check north, and you should see a guard patrolling between the two rows of tanks, moving east. After a few seconds he will stop and turn north; when he does so wait 1 second (yes, ONE second) and then run north, U-turn around the railing, run south again, and then run west/north-west, cutting the corner if you want.

Go past the parked car to the first tank, go inside and get the ration (it's not for eating, you'll need it in a moment). Crawl straight out the way you came. If you time it right, the dog in the north-west should be waking up at that moment. Run north slightly to the second tank and then wait, positioning yourself where you can quickly crawl under the tank (though remain standing). The second you hear the alert sound of the dog seeing you, crawl under. You should hear the guard go "Huh?" about two seconds before reaching the styptic. If the guard's cry comes too late, wait for a second or two. Then crawl straight out the other side.

Stand up straight away and run north, curving slightly once you see the parked car by the green-blue crate. Crawl straight under the parked car and wait. Out the other side, you should see a guard strolling either north or south, and a dog either sleeping or standing. Wait for the guard to move in a southern direction until he is directly in front of the car. Then, crawl out the north side of the car. Run east ever so slightly so as to expose you from behind the crate and alert the guard to the north-east.

Go to the west side of the crate and wait for the guard to come close enough so that he won't see you if you emerge from behind it. When he does, go the northern side of the crate and throw the ration all the way over to the bottom of the stairs. The second it hits the ground, run directly towards. When you are inches away from picking it up (do not) turn north and run all the way to the open wire door. The dog, attracted by the meat, will ignore you completely. Crawl under the pipes and Snake will automatically descend to the sewers. Give yourself a pat on the back, especially if you completed the near impossible feat of doing that on your first try.

Equipment

 * Disinfectant
 * Bandage
 * Styptic
 * TNT

Sewers
Descend the steps to the main path. You can navigate left and right through crawlspaces. After following it north to the end, take a left and then a right. Go forward and dive into the water, emerging on the other side via the ladder. Drop down to the central pathway and notice the sets of steps on the right. Ascend one to the side on the right and crawl through the crawlspace at the far end. Once through it, take a left and you will notice, quite literally, a light at the end of the tunnel. Run towards it to trigger the cutscene.

Equipment

 * Life Medicine
 * Styptic
 * Russian Ration (2)
 * Instant Noodles

Weapons Lab: Main Wing
The central hangar where the Shagohod and the assembly line are located. After returning to Groznyj Grad, Snake must plant C3 explosives on the four fuel tanks to sabotage the system and destroy the hanger.

However, as he leaves after planting the last explosive, he is detained by Volgin and The Boss, who discovered EVA stealing the Philosophers' Legacy. As the timer counts down, Snake and Volgin battle it out on a lowered platform. During the battle, the explosives are discovered and EOD are called in as an evacuation is ordered.

Equipment

 * Life Medicine
 * Russian Ration
 * Instant Noodles
 * Cold War Camo

Boss: Colonel Volgin
General Strategies:

Volgin employs several shock attacks towards you during this match, which in any case should obviously be avoided. Visual clues indicate what kind of attack he is going to use, and this time should be used for evasive preparation.

In one attack, he raises both his hands over his head with electricity between them. When you see this, immediately drop to the ground. The attack consists of Volgin firing bullets around him, capable of reaching you even if you stand behind him. If you lie down, you'll avoid this attack completely.

Another one of his standard attacks involved him "charging up" one hand, (i.e raising it over his head) and then firing shots after you, normally very low along the floor. If you are hit by this, it will result in a serious injury. The best way to avoid this is basically just maneuvering around him. Don't try to roll, even though you immediately gain a little momentum, Snake will take some time regaining his posture after this, and you will most likely be hit.

He also employs "shock-beams" which he sends after you. Normally in one hand, but he can employ several at once. This attack "homes" after you if you have a weapon equipped, and if you are hit, the ammunition in the current magazine will be incinerated. If you see this attack coming, unequip your weapon immediately, and maneuver around it as you normally would. This attack cannot be avoided if you have a weapon equipped.

Volgin also has the ability to create electric beams which run across the platform you are fighting on. To avoid these, simply roll over them.

He can also attack you with hand-to-hand combat, which can be avoided by running and rolling, if he manages to connect, the damage is devastating, and you'll be sent up in the air before coming down, and vomiting before you can resume the match.

No matter if you're going for a no-kill defeat or trying to kill him, his back is always unguarded, and is the place you should attack vigorously. Maneuver around him during his attacks (he usually is stationary during these attacks)You can also hit him while he is knocked down, he won't have his "shield" during this time.

Stamina kill:

Stamina Killing Volgin is actually the simplest way to deal with him, since you can combine firepower (albeit with tranquilizer weapons) together with CQC. The best way to apporach this situation is using the Mk22, together with CQC. Hit him in the back when you have the chance, and when he doesn't have electricity visibly around him, run up and knock him down with CQC. This will damage him, and is your chance to get several shots off while he's down.

Another, perhaps more efficient way to stamina kill Volgin, is to make use of the SAA, CQC, Mk22, and in some cases, stun grenades. At the start of the fight, execute a CQC throwdown. While he is kneeling down on the floor, take out the SAA, and smack him around with it while he is on the floor. After that, roll over him for additional damage. You can also use the Mk22 instead of smacking him with the SAA, although this attack is slower and wastes ammo In the second half of the match, it is more difficult to do this method as he uses more attacks and has electricity around him more, but if you're patient, he will let his guard down at times. If you combine this method in the second half along with throwing stun grenades (if you have any) when he is not attacking you, you should be able to defeat him easily. You can also use the Cig-Spray or Handkerchief, although it is more dangerous since you must get very close to him, which can leave you open for Volgin's punches.

Handkerchief kill:

If you still have your hankies that pass people out or even the cigs use em for a stamina kill!

Regular kill:

Volgin can be taken down in the same way as stated above under the "Stamina Kill" section, but with lethal weapons. You could use the M1911A1 for this, or you could go in heavy with the RPG-7 or the M37. Those are the most efficient weapons, rifles will only waste your ammo, because you have to use a significant amount in order to actually do any damage. Hit him in the back, as stated above. CQC can also be used in the same way as under the "Stamina Kill" section, though the stamina bar-damage won't help you if you are trying to kill him. If you have already finished the game once the patriot is very useful in this fight if you just keep firing, once you damage him he wont be able to take damage for a few second, but as soon as he can again you instantly damage him.

There is another strategy where you can easily end the first part of the boss fight. Take the fake death pill and make Volgin think Snake is dead. Then take the revive pill and secretly sneak up to him. Equip the TNT and lay down as many charges possible (preferably in one place). Walk away and detonate the charges one by one.

Boss: Volgin and the Shagohod
After the motorcycle chase, the Shagohod survives the subsequent destruction of the rail bridge with the C3, although its entire back panel and rockets have now been torn off, making it vulnerable to attack from behind.

Stage 1 strategy

Use the RPG-7 to hit the "treads". This will lock them up and the motorbike can circle around to where the weak spot is. hit it with RPG-7 rounds, If you quick-reload you should be able to hit it a couple of times before the Shagohod restarts.

After sustaining significant damage Volgin is forced to use his electric abilities to direct the Shagohod manually.

Stage 2 strategy

This time EVA will distract Volgin while you attack on foot. This is similar to the previous stage but you have to attack Volgin from behind or the sides and after each attack he will use the Shagohod to attack you. After each attack there is a slight pause, use this to attack the "treads" with a grenade. This will allow you to run to a position where you can attack him.

Another strategy is to stand near the mounted guns at the perimeter of the area. use the RPG to lock up the "treads". Then use the gun on Volgin. When Volgin can move again he will charge the gun to destroy it. Before he gets there, jump off and run to a safe spot. You can then easily hit the "treads" since you know where the Shagohod is going to be.

You can also try to knock out the treads with the RPG the shoot Volgin with the Mosin Nagant< which only takes 3-4 shots on normal.

After defeating him, a stray lightning bolt struck Volgin, killing him and destroying the Shagohod for good.

Easter eggs

 * When Snake is putting Raikov's body into the locker, a poster of Metal Gear Solid 2 featuring Raiden is seen on inside of the locker door.
 * Using the R1 viewer in the scene after Volgin dies shows The Sorrow's ghost, suggesting that he was responsible for the lightning strike.

Notes and references
Groznyj Grad