Metal Gear Solid Delta: Complete Controls Guide - Choose Your Play Style Wisely

Sammy Schnor

• 3 min read
Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater controls guide - New vs Legacy control schemes

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater launches on August 28, 2025, bringing the beloved stealth classic to modern consoles with a crucial decision that will fundamentally change your entire gameplay experience. Should you choose the new modern controls or stick with the legacy system? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about both control schemes, their impact on difficulty, and which one is right for your playstyle.

Quick Answer/TLDR

Choose New Style controls if you're new to Metal Gear or prefer modern third-person shooters. Choose Legacy Style if you're a series veteran or want the authentic 2004 experience. Konami has balanced the difficulty separately for each control scheme, so neither option makes the game easier or harder—just different.

Requirements & Prerequisites

  • Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Steam)
  • Release Date: August 28, 2025
  • Control Style Selection: Available from the main menu or options
  • Can be changed: Yes, you can switch between control styles at any time

Understanding the Two Control Schemes

New Style Controls (Modern)

The New Style controls transform Metal Gear Solid 3 into a modern third-person action game:

  • Camera: Over-the-shoulder third-person perspective
  • Aiming: L2/LT to aim, R2/RT to shoot
  • Movement: Can move while aiming simultaneously
  • Item/Weapon Selection: Hold D-pad left/right for quick menus
  • Similar to: Metal Gear Solid V, modern Resident Evil games

Legacy Style Controls (Classic)

Legacy Style preserves the original 2004 control scheme:

  • Camera: Top-down/overhead perspective
  • Aiming: Hold Square/X to ready weapon, then R1/RB to first-person view
  • Movement: Cannot move while aiming in first-person
  • Pressure-sensitive controls: Light/hard button presses for different actions
  • Similar to: Original PS2 Metal Gear Solid 3

How Control Choice Affects Difficulty

According to producers Noriaki Okamura and Yuji Korekado, Konami discovered that implementing modern controls dramatically changed the game's difficulty. To compensate, they've created separate difficulty balancing for each control scheme:

New Style Difficulty Adjustments:

  • Enemies have improved AI and reaction times
  • Guards are more aggressive when alerted
  • Enhanced enemy accuracy to counter Snake's mobility
  • Potentially more enemies in certain areas

Legacy Style Difficulty:

  • Maintains original enemy behavior patterns
  • Challenge comes from mastering the control scheme
  • Identical to 2004 difficulty curve

Which Control Style Should You Choose?

Choose New Style If:

  • You're new to the Metal Gear series
  • You prefer modern third-person action games
  • You found the original controls frustrating
  • You want a more action-oriented experience
  • You're playing on higher difficulty settings

Choose Legacy Style If:

  • You're a Metal Gear veteran
  • You want the authentic 2004 experience
  • You prefer methodical stealth gameplay
  • You're nostalgic for classic gaming experiences
  • You enjoy mastering complex control schemes

Pro Tips & Advanced Strategies

For New Style Players:

  • Don't rely too heavily on run-and-gun tactics—stealth is still king
  • Use the improved mobility for tactical repositioning, not aggressive play
  • The over-shoulder view makes headshots easier—use tranquilizer darts
  • Remember that enemies are more aggressive to compensate for your mobility

For Legacy Style Players:

  • Master the pressure-sensitive buttons for silent takedowns
  • Use corner-peeking and the radar effectively
  • Remember you can't move while aiming—position yourself carefully
  • The top-down view gives better situational awareness—use it

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Thinking one control scheme is "easier" - Both are balanced differently
  • Not giving your chosen style enough time - Both have learning curves
  • Playing New Style like a typical shooter - Stealth is still essential
  • Switching styles mid-playthrough frequently - Stick with one to master it
  • Ignoring the survival mechanics - Both styles require managing stamina and injuries

Alternative Options

Remember that you can switch between control styles at any time through the options menu. Consider:

  • Starting with New Style for the tutorial, then switching to Legacy
  • Using different styles for different playthroughs
  • Switching styles for specific boss fights if struggling

FAQ Section

Q: Can I switch control styles mid-game?

A: Yes, you can switch at any time through the options menu.

Q: Which style is better for speedrunning?

A: This remains to be seen, but New Style's mobility advantages may create new speedrun strategies.

Q: Do trophies/achievements differ between control styles?

A: Konami hasn't confirmed this yet, but it's possible there may be style-specific challenges.

Q: Will online features work the same with both styles?

A: Yes, all game features work identically regardless of control choice.

Related Content & Next Steps

Once you've mastered your chosen control scheme, explore these advanced topics:

  • CQC (Close Quarters Combat) techniques for both control styles
  • Optimal camouflage patterns for each area
  • Boss fight strategies adapted for each control scheme
  • Non-lethal playthrough tips for maximum rewards

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater releases on August 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Whether you choose the modern New Style or classic Legacy controls, you're in for one of gaming's greatest stealth experiences, now with visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5.