[Play Report] "METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER" Free Update: Online Battle "FOX HUNT" Is There Yet Invisible

The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER (available on PC / PS5 / Xbox Series X|S), a remastered installment of the Metal Gear Solid series’ third numbered entry, will be released on October 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

This online multiplayer mode features no in-game purchases and matches players only with others using the same platform. Having had a chance to try it beforehand, here’s my impression.

Thumbnail image No.001 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible

Official Website for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER

In “FOX HUNT,” players take control of one of the candidates in the FOX unit, rather than Naked Snake from the main game, and compete against other candidates using two distinct rulesets called “Survival Capture” (hereafter referred to as “Capture”) and “Survival Infiltrate” (“Infiltrate”).

Players form teams of two and enter a survival match involving up to six teams (12 players total). The only items allowed are the Survival Knife and the special Gilet Suit, known as “AT-CAMO”, which is a camouflage uniform used by snipers. All other weapons and equipment must be acquired on-site, just like in the main game.

Players control FOX unit candidates Thumbnail image No.003 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible

By using disguises, players can change their appearance. In exchange for coins earned during gameplay, new disguises and camouflage patterns can be selected Thumbnail image No.004 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible Thumbnail image No.005 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible

Key elements of survival include effectively managing the five available AT-CAMO camouflage patterns, utilizing the special ability “Naked Sense” to detect enemy presence, and maintaining constant awareness by scanning your surroundings to spot enemies’ camouflaged forms.

Like Snake from the main series, player characters can perform crawling, rolling, climbing ledges, and hanging via elude. Hide in shadows, crawl across the ground, avoid detection by rivals, and work toward completing objectives. Normally, concealing oneself on a battlefield requires wearing camouflage matching the environment—green for dense foliage, white for snowy terrain. While the original game allowed acquiring new camouflages in various locations, AT-CAMO lets you freely switch among five pre-set camouflage patterns.

When activated, AT-CAMO dramatically unfolds across the character’s back, covering their body and blending them seamlessly into surroundings like leaves or snow—making them nearly invisible at first glance. In actual gameplay, it’s common to see enemies walk right past just a few feet away without noticing you, and you’ll frequently be ambushed from spots you thought were empty. With both players being stealth experts, vigilance is absolutely essential—and the experience is genuinely thrilling.

Blending into snowy ground—impossible to detect at first glance (top). Of course, using it in wrong places makes one stand out dramatically (bottom) Thumbnail image No.006 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible Thumbnail image No.007 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible

There are also methods to detect camouflaged opponents. One method is careful observation: even when disguised, careless movements make detection inevitable. Also, AT-CAMO does not cover the front of the body or the soles of the feet—so close inspection reveals enemy presence.

Additionally, if you’re hit while using AT-CAMO, that camouflage pattern becomes temporarily unavailable. For example, attacking an enemy hiding in grass with a grass-pattern camo causes them to lose their concealment and be forced to switch patterns, making them much easier to spot.

Another detection method is the previously mentioned “Naked Sense.” This special ability consumes stamina to locate enemies or supplies. The more conspicuous your actions—like running—the more easily you’re detected. Conversely, staying still or using AT-CAMO reduces detectability. Your “detectability level” against enemy Naked Sense is indicated by the “Motion Indicator.” Therefore, it’s best to avoid noticeable movements and keep this gauge low.

While using Naked Sense, enemies making conspicuous moves are easier to locate. Once detected, they appear with a red glow and show up on the minimap Thumbnail image No.008 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible

The Motion Indicator appears at the bottom center of the screen. It drops when stationary, but rises sharply if you start running Thumbnail image No.009 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible

Both Capture and Infiltrate missions follow a “3-minute × 4-phase” structure. Players are eliminated at the end of each phase, with victory going to the team whose last remaining player survives.

In Capture, the goal is collecting frog dolls scattered across the field—“Kerotan.” You advance only if you’re holding a Kerotan when the phase ends; otherwise, you’re eliminated. Players can carry multiple Kerotans. Since their number decreases over time, gathering them becomes a powerful form of interference.

Importantly, even if you personally have a Kerotan, your team is still eliminated if no teammates possess one. You may need to pass it on to allies. Alternatively, you can steal them from enemies—adding strategic depth reminiscent of a deathmatch and suggesting many possible survival tactics.

Starting with the knowledge that “Kerotans exist here” Thumbnail image No.010 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible

Using Naked Sense lets you detect enemies—and whether they have a Kerotan. If so, it’s wise to attack aggressively Thumbnail image No.011 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible

Although the area where Kerotans are located is revealed, their exact positions aren’t known—adding tension. With time limits and rivals also searching for them, you never know when or from where an attack might come. As a result, despite Kerotans being present in the field, poor attention can make them “invisible.”

While Naked Sense reveals locations, it consumes stamina—meaning you may not have enough left to roll away if needed at critical moments. Thus, discovering your target brings a satisfying sense of catharsis.

An example of “visible yet invisible”: A Kerotan is placed on a rusted floor—but easily missed without proper attention Thumbnail image No.012 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible

Meanwhile, Infiltrate revolves around duck dolls—“Garko.” Like Kerotans, their exact positions aren’t revealed, requiring thorough field exploration. Unlike Kerotans, Garkos cannot be carried. To win a phase, you must remain in the area surrounding a Garko after it’s activated and complete “Zone Authentication” by staying there for several seconds. Thus, you can’t just rush in at the final moment to claim victory.

Activating a Garko expands a glowing field around it—making it extremely visible. This attracts enemies, so surviving until the phase ends becomes crucial. Defenders may benefit from claymore mines and decoys, while attackers gain advantage from area-effect weapons like grenade launchers and gas grenades.

Also, in both modes, respawning (re-entry) is possible during a phase.

Activating a Garko makes you very visible—but staying near it for several seconds after activation is required to avoid elimination. Timing is critical Thumbnail image No.013 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible

The “invisible yet present” scenario introduces chaos into combat. It’s common to have checked your surroundings carefully, only to be knocked out unexpectedly by a tranquilizer dart from an unexpected direction. Conversely, such situations also create ample opportunities for ambushing enemies. The frustration of being caught and the exhilaration of successfully deceiving opponents are both palpable.

Moreover, watching these moments unfold is enjoyable too. After elimination, players enter spectator mode, allowing them to observe other players’ actions. Unexpectedly missed Garkos or Kerotans, or not realizing you’re being followed—these humorous mishaps were frequently observed during the demo, provoking laughter and cheers.

After elimination, you can watch either your surviving teammates or other players Thumbnail image No.014 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible

Although this mode features firearms, fighting isn’t always the optimal solution. That sense of suspense and thrill—typical of classic “hide-and-seek”—is unmistakable. Players have even advanced by hiding continuously behind cardboard boxes, which feels very much in line with Metal Gear Solid’s spirit.

Of course, simply running away won’t win you matches. Exploring the field to find suitable weapons and collecting upgrade kits for further enhancement are also essential. Depending on player skill level, many different strategies and tactics will emerge.

Among AT-CAMO camouflage patterns is one that disguises a Garko as being placed directly on the ground Thumbnail image No.015 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible

The “Cool Decoy” creates a decoy model that distracts enemies. Besides the Metal Gear RAY, various other models appear Thumbnail image No.016 / [Play Report] The free update “FOX HUNT” for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is there—but invisible

Official Website for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER