How to Unlock: Achieve at least a B-rank on Mission Level EX-2

The primary objective in The Mercenaries is to finish missions as quickly and efficiently as possible, maximizing the remaining time on the countdown timer.

Time limits can be extended by breaking Time Bonuses scattered throughout missions and by performing and killing enemies with melee attacks.

Melee attacks grant three bonuses: invincibility frames during the animation, +5 seconds to the timer if the kill is successful, and the prevention of certain enemy spawns (Cephalos and Duvalias) if specific melee attacks are used.

To initiate a melee attack, you must first cause an enemy to flinch or knock them down.

Specific body targets can trigger a flinch or knockdown, leading to different melee attacks depending on the enemy's position relative to you (front or rear).

For example, hitting an enemy's head with Chris's pistol can cause a wince, allowing for a 'Straight' melee attack. Hitting their leg can lead to an 'Uppercut', which often knocks them down, enabling a 'Stomp' finisher. Attacking from behind can enable a 'Neckbreaker' (an OHK).

Certain melee attacks, like Chris's 'Neckbreaker', are effective against spawned Las Plagas (Cephalos and Duvalias) and can prevent their appearance.

If Las Plagas do spawn, they can be neutralized with flash grenades/rounds or explosive hand grenades/rounds. They can also be tackled manually, though they are less dangerous than their hosts.