Zone 10 (Mojave Desert)
A remote South African fortress where the Outer Heaven uprising began and ended—but not the final resting place of Big Boss.
The Outer Heaven fortress is a remote stronghold in South Africa, infamous as the site of the Outer Heaven uprising and the final battle between Big Boss and Solid Snake during the events of the original Metal Gear (1987). This isolated installation was chosen by the mercenary nation Outer Heaven for its secrecy, ensuring that its plans for world domination could proceed without public scrutiny or foreign interference. It is the site where the legendary Big Boss is defeated by Solid Snake, though he survives and returns in later games.
Quick Facts
- Location
- South Africa
- Primary function
- Outer Heaven Fortress; Final Battle Site
- Affiliation
- Outer Heaven
- Key event
- The Outer Heaven Uprising; The Duel with Solid Snake
- Status
- Destroyed/Abandoned
- Notable inhabitants
- Big Boss, Solid Snake
Lore & Background
The facility's existence remained a closely guarded secret until FOXHOUND operative Solid Snake infiltrated Outer Heaven to rescue Gray Fox and destroy the rogue nation. During the final confrontation, the base became the stage for a showdown between the rookie operative and the commander of FOXHOUND, Big Boss. The intense battle resulted in the destruction of the fortress and the apparent defeat of Big Boss, though he would later return, burying the legacy of Outer Heaven under tons of desert rock.
Reader's Guide
Zone 10 is primarily an underground complex accessed via a remote desert road leading to a hidden entrance. The layout consists of multiple levels connected by elevators and ventilation shafts, designed to house the massive assembly line for Metal Gear REX. Strategically, the base relies on heavy fortification and automated defenses, including turrets and patrol robots that scan for intruders. Players must navigate through narrow maintenance corridors and open hangar bays where the sheer scale of the weapon is most apparent. Unique mechanics include the use of thermal scopes to detect enemies in dark areas and the ability to hack security terminals to disable lockdowns or alter camera angles. The final area features a massive launch bay where the Metal Gear REX stands, requiring a mix of stealth and combat skills to neutralize the threat before it can fire its nuclear payload.
Did You Know?
- The facility was specifically chosen for its isolation to prevent leaks about Outer Heaven's true nature and military capabilities.
- The Outer Heaven fortress was designed as a heavily fortified stronghold and housed the original Metal Gear TX-55, not Metal Gear REX.
- The entire complex served as both a military base and a command center for Big Boss's mercenary nation.
- The battle within Outer Heaven marked the first time Solid Snake successfully defeated Big Boss, though Big Boss did not die in the original 1987 game; he survived and returned in later titles.
- Despite the entry title 'Zone 10 (Mojave Desert)', the Outer Heaven fortress is actually located in South Africa, not the Mojave Desert.
More in Locations & Bases
Elsewhere in Metal Gear Solid
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