A run with no extra incoming missiles can still miss this medal. Two successful players emphasize staying out of radar detection through the ending. One used the left route and kept low in the mushroom cloud; another succeeded on the long route. Neither report isolates a single unlock condition.
On this page
Compare the successful and failed runs
| Variable | Failed attempt | Successful attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft selection | All available aircraft; author says the mission still forced A-6 | Story-based aircraft mode |
| Route | Right / short route | Left route |
| Mushroom cloud | Pulled upward | Stayed low |
| Restart behavior | Retry Mission used | No Retry Mission; one checkpoint reload after a collision |
Several variables changed. The author suspects the cloud passage or Retry Mission, but does not prove either. A checkpoint reload occurred in their successful run; this is not evidence that every reload is harmless or that one is required.
Keep checking detection until the mission ends
Graf Koks in #3 says detection can occur without an immediate missile launch, especially late in the mission. Thanathos in #5 reports earning the award on the long route and advises against rushing straight to the exit once released. That player uses a green screen indication as the sign that detection has occurred.
- Choose one reported route and keep the rest of your setup consistent.
- Keep the low cloud passage from Toki’s successful case if you follow that route.
- Continue avoiding radar after the most dangerous scripted sequence. Do not use an absence of missiles as your only check.
- Finish the mission and check the actual medal result before treating the experiment as successful.
What is still unknown
We do not have the game’s medal-condition code, a controlled comparison of the two routes, or a verified restart rule. The two scripted missile launches in the opening question do not establish a count that the medal permits. If the medal still fails, record route, detection indicators, cloud altitude and restart type alongside the result screen.
For a separate final-mission ranking problem, use Mission 28 S-rank and Shadows. Do not transfer its ranking advice to this detection medal.
Sources & limits
Community reports are attributed, not tests performed by this site. Builds are unspecified unless stated.
- Steam: Mission 14 medal question, replies #3–5 ↗
Original read October 4, 2026. Launch-period report; game build unspecified.