Konami’s remake of the 2004 classic is nearly here. Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater lands August 28, 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). The promise is familiar story, modern tech: a ground-up rebuild that keeps the tone and performances fans remember while updating the look, feel, and controls. There’s also a new online mode, Fox Hunt, planned for fall 2025—with one catch: no cross-play at launch. That decision is likely to split friends across platforms, at least early on.
What’s actually new in Delta (and what isn’t)
The remake shifts to Unreal Engine 5, which appears to pay off immediately in denser jungles, more convincing lighting, and more detailed character models. The jungle isn’t just prettier; visibility and shadow feel different in motion, which may subtly change how you approach a crawl or a flank. Two control schemes return the steering wheel to the player: Legacy keeps the classic vibe, Modern moves to an over-the-shoulder approach that newcomers will slide into without much friction. It’s a small thing on paper, yet it’s likely to be the reason some folks finally bounce off the “old controls are clunky” argument.
What hasn’t changed: the story and voice performances. Konami is keeping the line reads that defined the original, which suggests a conscious choice—nostalgia over reinterpretation. Whether that’s ideal will depend on what you wanted from this project. Personally, I’m glad the cadence and chemistry of those scenes survive; they’re part of the game’s DNA.
A quick refresher on what you’re walking into
Δ tells the Cold War origin of Naked Snake (the soldier who will become Big Boss). You stalk a sprawling jungle sandbox using camouflage, stamina, and field treatment to stay alive between close-quarters ambushes and boss encounters with personality. It’s less about sprinting and more about reading a scene: footprints, rustling grass, the way a guard’s route might open a ten-second window. If you’ve never played MGS3, this is the on-ramp the series has needed.
Fox Hunt: cool idea, awkward limitation
Post-launch, Fox Hunt arrives as an online mode that riffs on stealthy cat-and-mouse. Think ambushes, tracking tools, and those tense “I hear something” moments stretched across a round. The catch: no cross-play at launch. That means separate pools on PS5, Xbox, and PC. It’s not ideal if your group is split, and it may lead to uneven queue times by platform. Konami hasn’t committed to a cross-play date, only that Fox Hunt is coming in fall 2025. The mode still sounds promising; the population question lingers.
Should newcomers be excited?
Short answer: yes. The systems aged well, and the modernization appears to sand down the rough edges without touching the core. If you enjoy emergent stealth, boss fights with identity, and a tone that balances operatic drama with oddball humor, Delta is positioned to be the most approachable way to experience it.
Which version should you buy?
If Fox Hunt is a priority, you’ll probably want to be where your friends are, since cross-play isn’t in at launch. If you’re mainly here for the campaign, pick the platform you prefer for performance and controller feel. Pre-purchases are live across stores; special editions are region-dependent, but the standard version is the safe bet for most players.
Performance expectations (what seems likely)
Konami has highlighted visuals and controls more than frame-rate targets. Expect platform-standard options, with the usual deep-dives from tech channels closer to release. The takeaway for now: modernized presentation, classic design—less reinvention, more restoration.
Post-launch watch list
- Fox Hunt rollout: timing, balance, and how each platform’s player pool holds up without cross-play.
- Patches/QoL: stealth sandboxes thrive on small fixes; expect a few weeks of tuning.
- Challenge routes and speed tech: the community will almost certainly rediscover wild camo setups and boss strats.
Quick tips for day one
- Pick a scheme early. Legacy vs. Modern controls changes how you see and plan encounters—commit and build muscle memory.
- Use the space. The jungle is a tool; tall grass, mud, and shadow are as important as your gun.
- Respect stamina. Running hot into every encounter is a great way to whiff a perfect opportunity.
- Take the side path. If a boss walls you, exploring for mats and alt routes is usually smarter than brute force.
Common mistakes (and easy fixes)
- Treating it like an action shooter. Fix: slow down, watch patrol routes, and let enemies make the first mistake.
- Ignoring camo and injuries. Fix: swap patterns often; patch yourself properly before forcing another fight.
- Over-leaning on one control scheme. Fix: if Legacy feels awkward, try Modern for an hour—it may click immediately.
- Platform FOMO with Fox Hunt. Fix: coordinate with friends early; without cross-play, your circle dictates the best platform.
Fast facts
- Release date: August 28, 2025
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam)
- Engine: Unreal Engine 5
- Controls: Legacy (classic) and Modern (OTS)
- Voices: original performances retained
- Multiplayer: Fox Hunt, post-launch in fall 2025, no cross-play at launch
Quick FAQ
When does Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater release?
August 28, 2025, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).
Is Fox Hunt available at launch?
No. It’s slated for fall 2025.
Will Fox Hunt support cross-play?
Not at launch. Konami hasn’t given a timeline for adding it.
Is the remake changing the story?
No—the narrative and voice performances are preserved, with modern visuals and control options layered on top.
I never played MGS3. Will I be lost?
You’ll be fine. Delta is meant to be a starting point, with enough context to stand on its own.