Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater - Complete Beginner's Guide and Review (2025)

Sammy Schnor

• 6 min read
Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater - Complete Beginner's Guide and Review 2025

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater brings the beloved 2004 classic into 2025 with stunning visuals and modern gameplay mechanics. Whether you're completely new to the Metal Gear series or a returning veteran, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know before diving into Snake's jungle survival mission.

Quick Answer: Is MGS Delta Worth It in 2025?

Overall Score: 9/10

Best for: Stealth game fans, newcomers to Metal Gear, players who missed the original
Not ideal for: Players seeking fast-paced action, those avoiding complex storylines
Bottom Line: MGS Delta is the definitive way to experience one of gaming's greatest stealth adventures, with exceptional modernization that respects the original vision.

What You Need to Know Before Playing

Release Date: August 28, 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam, Epic Games Store)
Time to Complete: 15-20 hours main story, 25-30+ hours for completionists
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard (multiple difficulty options available)
Series Knowledge Required: None - this is the perfect entry point

Story Primer for Newcomers

Metal Gear Solid Delta takes place in 1964, making it chronologically the first game in the series. You play as Naked Snake (later known as Big Boss), a legendary soldier on a mission to rescue a Russian scientist and stop a nuclear threat during the Cold War.

Key Characters You'll Meet

  • Naked Snake: Your protagonist, a skilled infiltration specialist
  • The Boss: Snake's former mentor, now his target
  • Ocelot: A young Russian gunslinger with mysterious motives
  • EVA: A seductive spy with her own agenda
  • Volgin: The main antagonist, a lightning-powered colonel

The story explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of duty - but don't worry about understanding every political nuance. The game does an excellent job of explaining key plot points as you progress.

Essential Beginner Tips

Master the Stealth Basics

  • Sound is Everything: Walk slowly on metal surfaces, avoid stepping on twigs
  • Use the Environment: Hide in tall grass, behind trees, and in shadows
  • Study Guard Patterns: Observe patrol routes before moving
  • The Cardboard Box: Not just a meme - it's genuinely useful for hiding and transportation

Survival Mechanics

Unlike other stealth games, MGS Delta includes survival elements:

  • Hunger: Hunt animals and gather food to maintain stamina
  • Medical System: Treat injuries using the medical menu (broken bones, burns, cuts)
  • Camouflage: Change your outfit and face paint to match environments
  • Stamina: Affects aim stability and movement speed

Combat Tips

  • Tranquilizer Gun: Your best friend for non-lethal takedowns
  • CQC (Close Quarters Combat): Use grab + directional input for various takedowns
  • Aim for Headshots: Most effective for both lethal and non-lethal weapons
  • Interrogation: Grab enemies to extract useful information

What's New in the Delta Version

Visual and Technical Improvements

  • Modern Graphics Engine: Completely rebuilt visuals while maintaining original art direction
  • 60 FPS Standard: Smooth gameplay across all platforms
  • 4K Resolution: Native 4K on PS5 and Xbox Series X, upscaled on Series S
  • Improved Loading Times: Near-instant area transitions

Gameplay Enhancements

  • Updated Controls: Modern control schemes alongside classic options
  • Enhanced AI: Smarter enemy behavior and more realistic reactions
  • Quality of Life: Better inventory management and streamlined menus
  • Accessibility Options: Colorblind support, subtitle customization, difficulty modifiers

What Stays the Same

  • Original voice acting (including the legendary cast)
  • Core gameplay mechanics and level design
  • Story and cutscenes remain unchanged
  • Easter eggs and hidden secrets intact

Performance and Settings Guide

PlayStation 5:

  • Performance Mode: 60 FPS, dynamic 4K
  • Quality Mode: 30 FPS, native 4K with ray tracing
  • Recommended: Performance mode for first playthrough

PC Minimum Requirements:

  • CPU: Intel i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
  • GPU: GTX 1060 6GB / RX 580 8GB
  • RAM: 8GB (16GB recommended)
  • Storage: 50GB available space

PC Optimal Settings (60 FPS):

  • Texture Quality: High
  • Shadow Quality: Medium
  • Effects Quality: High
  • Anti-aliasing: TAA
  • VSync: On (to prevent screen tearing)

Do I Need to Play Previous Metal Gear Games?

Short Answer: No.

MGS Delta is actually the perfect entry point into the series because:

  • It's chronologically the first story in the timeline
  • Characters and concepts are introduced from scratch
  • The story is self-contained
  • You'll better appreciate references in later games by starting here

Recommended Playing Order After Delta:

  1. Metal Gear Solid (1998) - The original PlayStation classic
  2. Metal Gear Solid 2 (2001) - Continues the story
  3. Metal Gear Solid 4 (2008) - Conclusion of Solid Snake's story
  4. Metal Gear Solid V (2015) - Bridge between Delta and the original

Detailed Review: The Good and The Bad

What Works Exceptionally Well

Visual Fidelity (10/10)
The remake is visually stunning. Every texture, character model, and environmental detail has been meticulously crafted. The jungle feels alive, weather effects are impressive, and character expressions during cutscenes are incredibly detailed.

Audio Design (10/10)
The original voice acting remains intact, including David Hayter's iconic Snake and the entire legendary cast. Sound effects are crisp, the musical score is beautifully remastered, and 3D audio creates incredible spatial awareness.

Gameplay Modernization (9/10)
Controls feel intuitive for modern audiences while retaining the tactical depth that made the original special. The camera system is vastly improved, and movement feels more responsive without losing the deliberate pacing.

Story and Characters (10/10)
The narrative remains one of gaming's finest achievements. Complex themes, memorable characters, and philosophical depth create an experience that resonates long after completion.

Areas for Improvement

Learning Curve (7/10)
New players may find the survival mechanics and complex control scheme overwhelming initially. The game doesn't hold your hand, which is both a strength and potential barrier.

Pacing (8/10)
Some cutscenes are lengthy (some exceed 20 minutes), and radio conversations can interrupt gameplay flow. However, most content is skippable on repeat playthroughs.

Difficulty Spikes (7/10)
Certain boss fights and stealth sections can be punishingly difficult for newcomers, though multiple difficulty options help address this.

Advanced Tips for New Players

Boss Battle Strategies

  • The Fear: Use thermal goggles to track his movements, exploit his stamina weakness
  • The End: Patience is key - use the SVD sniper rifle and move between positions
  • The Fury: Stay mobile, use the environment for cover, target his fuel tank
  • Volgin: Avoid metal weapons during lightning attacks, use rubber boots

Hidden Features Worth Knowing

  • Save Often: The game autosaves, but manual saves prevent losing progress
  • Experiment with Codecs: Call different frequencies during various situations
  • Photo Mode: New feature perfect for capturing memorable moments
  • Easter Eggs: Look for references to other Kojima games and pop culture

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Stealth Mistakes

  • Over-relying on weapons: Stealth and evasion are usually better options
  • Ignoring the radar: The motion detector is your most valuable tool
  • Rushing through areas: Take time to observe and plan
  • Forgetting to check your back: Guards can approach from behind

Survival Mistakes

  • Not eating regularly: Low stamina severely impacts performance
  • Ignoring injuries: Untreated wounds affect stats permanently until healed
  • Wrong camouflage: Match your outfit to the environment
  • Wasting medical supplies: Learn to use items efficiently

Is It Worth Your Money?

Buy if you:

  • Enjoy stealth-based gameplay
  • Appreciate deep, cinematic storytelling
  • Like games that reward patience and planning
  • Want to experience a gaming classic
  • Enjoy tactical espionage action

Skip if you:

  • Prefer fast-paced action games
  • Get frustrated by trial-and-error gameplay
  • Don't enjoy long cutscenes
  • Want simple, straightforward mechanics

Price and Value

At $69.99 USD (standard pricing), MGS Delta offers excellent value considering:

  • 20+ hours of gameplay
  • High replay value with multiple difficulty modes
  • Exceptional production quality
  • Historical significance in gaming
  • No microtransactions or DLC requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to beat MGS Delta?
A: Main story takes 15-20 hours for new players. Completionist runs can exceed 30 hours.

Q: Can I play this game if I've never played a stealth game before?
A: Absolutely. Start on Easy difficulty and take your time learning the mechanics.

Q: Are there multiple endings?
A: The main story has one ending, but your playstyle affects certain scenes and unlockables.

Q: Does the game support co-op or multiplayer?
A: No, MGS Delta is a single-player experience focused on the campaign.

Q: What's the best difficulty for beginners?
A: Start with Easy or Normal. You can change difficulty mid-game if needed.

Q: Are there accessibility options?
A: Yes, including colorblind support, subtitle customization, and control remapping.

Final Verdict

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a masterful remake that successfully modernizes a classic without losing its soul. For newcomers, it's the perfect introduction to one of gaming's most influential series. The stealth gameplay is rewarding, the story is unforgettable, and the technical execution is nearly flawless.

While the learning curve can be steep and some design elements feel dated, the overall experience is exceptional. At $69.99, it's a worthwhile investment for anyone interested in tactical stealth action or cinematic storytelling.

Recommendation: Highly recommended for stealth game fans and newcomers alike. This is how remakes should be done.

Score: 9/10

What's Next?

Once you've mastered MGS Delta, consider:

  • Exploring New Game+: Unlock special items and equipment
  • Trophy/Achievement Hunting: Challenge yourself with specific objectives
  • Speed Running: Test your skills against the clock
  • Playing Other MGS Games: Continue the chronological or release order journey

MGS Delta proves that some classics are worth revisiting, and this definitive edition ensures Snake's jungle adventure will captivate both old fans and new recruits for years to come.