Metal Gear Solid Delta: Which Control Style Should You Choose? - 2025 Beginner's Guide

Sammy Schnor

• 3 min read
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Which Control Style Should You Choose? - 2025 Beginner's Guide

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater launches on August 28, 2025, bringing one of gaming's most beloved stealth adventures to modern consoles. But here's what Konami isn't advertising loudly enough: your choice of control style directly affects the game's difficulty. This guide will help you make the right choice and master the basics of survival in the Soviet jungle.

Quick Answer

Choose New Style if you're new to Metal Gear or prefer modern third-person shooters. Choose Legacy Style if you're a series veteran who wants the authentic MGS3 experience. New Style makes the game easier with its over-the-shoulder camera, while Legacy Style maintains the original's challenging top-down perspective.

Understanding the Two Control Styles

The New Style transforms MGS Delta into a modern third-person action game:

  • Over-the-shoulder camera similar to recent Resident Evil games
  • Full 360-degree camera control
  • Precision aiming with modern shooter controls
  • Enemies are rebalanced to be easier to compensate for your improved visibility
  • Movement feels more fluid and responsive

Legacy Style (For Series Veterans)

Legacy Style preserves the original MGS3 experience:

  • Classic top-down camera angle
  • Limited field of view creates tension
  • Original enemy AI patterns and difficulty
  • Requires more strategic planning and patience
  • The "true" Metal Gear Solid 3 experience

Important: You cannot switch between control styles mid-game. Your choice is permanent for that playthrough.

Essential Survival Tips for New Players

1. Master the Camouflage System

Unlike other stealth games, MGS Delta's camouflage system is crucial:

  • Use the new quick-select menu (D-pad) to change camo instantly
  • Match your camo to your environment - leaf pattern for jungle, bark for trees
  • Your camo index (top right) shows effectiveness - aim for 75% or higher
  • Face paint adds an extra 5-10% camouflage bonus
  • Lying prone in grass gives maximum concealment

2. Manage Your Stamina and Hunger

Snake isn't a superhuman - he needs food:

  • Hunt animals and gather plants for food
  • Calorie Mates provide the best stamina recovery
  • Low stamina affects aim stability and healing speed
  • Rotten food causes stomach problems - check the food viewer
  • Some animals taste better than others (yes, you can eat everything)

3. Learn the CQC (Close Quarters Combat) Basics

CQC is your silent takedown option:

  • Hold the CQC button near enemies to grab them
  • Press again to choke (non-lethal) or use knife (lethal)
  • Interrogate enemies by holding them and pressing the action button
  • Throw enemies to knock them out instantly
  • Use human shields in firefights

4. The New Injury System

MGS Delta features persistent battle damage:

  • Injuries leave permanent scars on Snake's body
  • Different injuries require different treatments (bandages, ointment, sutures)
  • Untreated wounds drain health over time
  • Access the Cure menu to treat specific injuries
  • Your journey's scars tell your unique story

Hidden Collectibles Guide

Kerotans (Classic Collectibles)

  • 64 hidden frog statues throughout the game
  • Located in the same spots as the original MGS3
  • Shoot or punch them to collect
  • Unlocks special rewards for finding all

GA-KOs (New in Delta)

  • New camouflaged duck collectibles
  • Blend into environments making them harder to spot
  • Different locations from Kerotans
  • Additional challenge for returning players

Pro Tips for Your First Playthrough

  • Save Often: Use multiple save slots - boss fights can surprise you
  • Experiment with Everything: The game rewards creativity and exploration
  • Non-Lethal is Easier: Tranquilizer gun prevents alert phases
  • Listen to Codec Calls: They contain vital tips and entertaining dialogue
  • Check Everything: Lockers, trees, and grass patches hide useful items
  • Boss Fights are Puzzles: Each boss has unique weaknesses to discover

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Running everywhere - stealth is key, not speed
  • Ignoring the radar - it shows enemy vision cones
  • Hoarding items - use your tools, they respawn
  • Forgetting to heal - check the Cure menu regularly
  • Skipping cutscenes - they're integral to the experience

PlayStation 5 Pro Enhancements

If you're playing on PS5 Pro, you'll benefit from:

  • Enhanced performance in Quality Mode
  • PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) for sharper jungle environments
  • More detailed foliage rendering
  • Improved texture quality throughout

Pre-Order Bonuses and Editions

Standard Edition

  • Base game
  • White Tuxedo uniform (pre-order bonus)

Digital Deluxe Edition

  • Everything in Standard Edition
  • Sneaking DLC Pack
  • 48-hour early access (play on August 26)
  • Additional DLC content (details coming soon)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch control styles mid-game?

No, your control style choice is permanent for that playthrough.

Is this a full remake or remaster?

It's a full remake with new graphics, animations, and quality-of-life improvements while maintaining the original story and gameplay.

Do I need to play previous Metal Gear games?

No, MGS3 is a prequel and the perfect starting point for newcomers.

How long is the game?

First playthrough typically takes 15-20 hours, with completionist runs reaching 30+ hours.

What difficulty should I start on?

Normal difficulty with New Style controls is ideal for beginners. You can always replay on higher difficulties.

Conclusion

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater offers the perfect entry point for newcomers while respecting series veterans. Whether you choose the modernized New Style or classic Legacy Style controls, you're in for one of gaming's greatest stealth adventures. Remember: patience is your greatest weapon, and every boss has a weakness. See you in the jungle on August 28, 2025!