Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (MGS5) is a groundbreaking stealth-action game developed by Kojima Productions. One of the critical tools used in the game is the Analyzer, which allows players to gauge the abilities of enemy soldiers and resources during missions. However, some players may find that the Analyzer is not working properly, leading to frustration and limiting gameplay possibilities. In this article, we delve into the common causes behind this issue and provide practical solutions to get your Analyzer operational once again.
Understanding the Analyzer Function
The Analyzer in MGS5 is a crucial part of base management and mission strategy. Equipped through various game upgrades, this tool provides intel such as:
- Soldier skill ratings (e.g., A+, B, S)
- Enemy weapon loadouts
- Resource containers
This information allows players to make smarter decisions about which soldiers to extract and which resources to prioritize. So when the Analyzer doesn’t work, it’s not just a minor inconvenience—it significantly hampers your tactical planning.
Common Symptoms of a Malfunctioning Analyzer
Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to identify when your Analyzer is failing. Here are some of the most reported symptoms:
- No data display when zooming in on enemies
- Grayed-out or flickering Analyzer UI
- Analyzer working sporadically or only on specific enemies
- Post-update issues where it stops working entirely
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, read on to discover how to diagnose and fix them.
1. Check if the Analyzer Is Equipped
This might sound obvious, but one of the most basic checks actually solves the majority of “Analyzer not working” cases.
Navigate to your iDroid device:
- Open iDroid during your mission or before deployment.
- Visit the Development tab.
- Check if the Int-Scope Upgrade is developed and equipped.
If it’s not equipped, simply develop and equip it through the iDroid Custom Loadout screen. Note that only scopes with the Analyzer function—such as the upgraded Int-Scope—will provide the desired data.
2. Ensure You Have the Required Upgrades
The Analyzer depends on specific upgrades. The first level only shows basic stats, while further enhancements offer advanced details like specialties and resource reconnaissance.
To upgrade your Analyzer functionality:
- Go to Mother Base Management
- Allocate resources for improving the R&D and Intel teams
Higher-level teams unlock more comprehensive versions of the Analyzer. Without these, your device might be functioning but appear “broken” due to limited output.
3. Consider the Mission Context
Some missions are designed to offer limited information. During specific story-driven missions or high-difficulty stealth levels, the game may intentionally disable tech support, including features of your Analyzer.
Tip: Try revisiting free-roam or side ops missions to verify if your Analyzer functions there. If it does, the issue is contextual to the main mission and not a bug or equipment fault.
4. Game Glitches and Temporary Fixes
MGS5, like any open-world game, has its share of bugs. A temporary glitch may be the root cause of your Analyzer not functioning as expected.
Possible glitch symptoms include:
- Identifying only certain enemies
- Not functioning after a helicopter deployment
- Screen getting stuck/frozen on previous analysis
Quick fixes you can try:
- Restart the mission via the Pause Menu.
- Return to Mother Base and redeploy.
- Perform a hard reset of your console or PC.
If the problem persists after these steps, it’s advisable to look into deeper compatibility or system issues.
5. Check for Software Updates
Sometimes, the issue lies not within the game or your actions, but in the software build you’re running. Patch updates released by Kojima Productions address many gameplay bugs, including Analyzer malfunctions.
To make sure your game is updated:
- Ensure your console or PC is connected to the internet.
- Check for game updates via your game launcher (e.g., Steam, PlayStation Store).
- Install any pending patches and restart the game.
Many players have reported that post-update interruptions can cause temporary Analyzer outages, which are typically resolved by keeping the game updated.
6. Corrupted Game Files
A more severe cause for the Analyzer not working could be related to corrupted game files. If textures, scripts, or UI files fail to load properly, it can affect your in-game tools.
For PC players:
- Open your game launcher (Steam, Epic Games, etc.).
- Navigate to Library > MGS5.
- Right-click and select “Verify Integrity of Game Files”.
For console users: Reinstalling the game or performing a system cache reset may help correct file issues without deleting saved data.
7. Mod Conflicts or External Software
If you’re using mods—especially on PC—it’s possible that a modification is interfering with native game features like the Analyzer.
To pinpoint mod issues:
- Disable all mods through your mod manager.
- Launch MGS5 without any third-party modifications.
- Check if the Analyzer functions as expected.
If it works, re-enable mods one by one until you find the culprit. Some popular mods unintentionally override UI elements or change gameplay mechanics that break Analyzer usability.
Image not found in postmeta
8. Controller or Input Device Mapping
Sometimes the tool works, but the issue lies in the control scheme. If your Analyzer key is unmapped or mapped incorrectly, it may seem like the device is broken when it’s just inaccessible.
Check this by:
- Accessing Options > Controls in the main menu.
- Ensuring that your Zoom and Aim functions are correctly configured.
Custom keyboard setups or unusual controller drivers on PC are often the source of these mapping issues.
Final Thoughts
The Analyzer is one of the most useful tools in Metal Gear Solid V, and losing it can turn a tactical mission into pure guesswork. Fortunately, the solutions are mostly straightforward and require nothing more than some in-game troubleshooting and perhaps minor system-level tweaks.
Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a returning veteran, understanding how your gear functions—and how to fix it—is essential to mastering the battlefield of MGS5. With these solutions, your Analyzer should be back in action, helping you make smarter moves, extract higher-value soldiers, and complete missions with expert precision.
Remember: when in doubt, always go back to basics. The answer might just be a toggle away in your iDroid settings or a missing patch.