Cipher Conspiracy

The shadow hand manipulating global conflicts from the darkness behind history.

Cipher is a clandestine organization operating within the shadows of global intelligence and military affairs throughout the saga. While officially non-existent on public record, their fingerprints are found on nearly every major geopolitical event involving Metal Gear.

Lore & Background

The organization's influence is most visible in the manipulation of key genetic assets, specifically the Les Enfants Terribles clones. By pitting these clones against one another, Cipher tested loyalty and capability while keeping the true masters hidden behind layers of deception. However, this facade was complicated by internal treachery; Revolver Ocelot was a triple agent from the very beginning, not a double agent who later became a triple agent. His alliance with Skull Face was part of a long-term deception from the outset, not a shift after Skull Face's betrayal of Zero. The organization never dissolved—Cipher was the original name of the organization founded by Zero, which later evolved into the Patriots; it was not simply an alias, and the AI system was created to replace human control, not to automate an existing system.

Reader's Guide

The conspiracy begins with Colonel Zero establishing a secret network to manage global stability after the Cold War ended. They orchestrate conflicts to prevent nuclear escalation while secretly controlling the weapons themselves through shadowy intermediaries. During the Shadow Moses Incident, Cipher manipulates Solid Snake and Liquid Snake into retrieving Metal Gear REX, using them as pawns in a larger game of genetic warfare and legacy testing. The organization's reach extends far beyond physical assets into deep information control. By the time of the Big Shell Incident, their influence shifts toward manipulating public perception through media and digital networks. Raiden becomes their new pawn to test this theory of social engineering on a global scale. Ultimately, Cipher dissolves its human structure to become fully automated under the AI system known as The Patriots. This transition marks the end of direct human command but solidifies their grip on global information flow for decades to come. Their legacy remains embedded in every soldier and weapon they touched throughout history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Cipher?

Cipher was a secret organization founded by Colonel Zero to manipulate global events and control information flow in the post-Cold War era. Their operations were designed to maintain world order through orchestrated conflicts, often leaving no official public record of their existence.

What are Cipher's main goals and methods?

The group sought to enforce stability by managing the flow of information and utilizing genetic manipulation alongside military interventions. They operated from the shadows, orchestrating major geopolitical incidents while officially remaining invisible to the world.

How does Cipher's story conclude?

Cipher eventually dissolved itself into a larger entity known as The Patriots, which continued their mission of controlling society through advanced technology. This transition marked the end of Cipher as an independent organization in the early 21st century.

Who were the key figures in Cipher?

Colonel Zero served as the founder and mastermind, while Revolver Ocelot acted as a crucial operative who executed many of their most significant plans. Their leadership drove the organization's influence over global intelligence and military affairs for decades.