How to Use the PAL Key in Metal Gear Solid

At the end of Metal Gear Solid, Snake needs three keys to stop a nuclear launch, but only has one. Don’t worry, because you’re not missing items, as you just need to know how to use the PAL key in Metal Gear Solid.

Basically, the PAL key is all three keys in one. Snake initially gets the PAL key midway through the game from Meryl. However, he only learns towards the end from Otacon the trick required to turn one to three. While it’s easy to do, it’s a big of a slog and requires lots of backtracking.

The PAL Key’s secret in Metal Gear Solid

The secret to the PAL Key in Metal Gear Solid is temperature. Particularly, the key changes shape in high heat and extreme cold. Therefore, the key has three forms, solving this would-be riddle. At the top of REX’s Hangar, the last area of the game, Snake will find the terminals to shut down the launch.

There are three terminals for Snake to insert the keys into in this order:

1. Yellow PAL Key (Room temperature)
2. Blue PAL Key (Cold temperature)
3. Red PAL Key (Hot temperature)

Because the PAL Key will be at room temperature by default, insert the key as-is to satisfy the first requirements. Afterward, it’s time to do some backtracking.

Cooling down the PAL Key in Metal Gear Solid

You’ll need somewhere extremely cold to freeze the PAL Key. Luckily, the area where Snake previously fought Vulcan Raven is plenty cold to do the job. Simply head a few screens back to reach the area, then play the waiting game.

It takes about one or two real-time minutes for the key to cool down. Make sure the PAL key is selected as your item and just wait, being mindful of the new guards in the area. You’ll have to keep manually checking the item, as it’s picture in the menu doesn’t change, only on the item description. In the screenshot above, I shared what it should say.

Once it’s cool, leg back to the terminals to enter the Blue Pal Key. Now for an even bigger trek.

Heating up the PAL key in Metal Gear Solid

To find suitable heat for the PAL key, Snake needs to head all the way back to the Blast Furnace. This is past the cold area and also two lengthy elevators. Once you’re here, just wait once again until the card heats up to red, as shown in the screenshot above. As with the cold option, waiting a few real-time minutes should work.

Finally, you have to leg it all the way back one last time to the terminals. However, keep in mind that it is possible for the key to cool back down if you take too long on your trip back. Take extra care to speed through the particularly cold areas especially.

Once you’ve gotten back and inserted the third and final key, you’re treated to some lengthy cutscenes and the last few bosses of the game.

The Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 is now available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, and Nintendo Switch.