Research suggests Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater launched a new multiplayer mode called Fox Hunt on June 12, 2025, focusing on stealt...
- ADVERTISEMENT -
- Research suggests Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater launched a new multiplayer mode called Fox Hunt on June 12, 2025, focusing on stealth and survival.
- It seems likely that this mode is original, not a revival of Metal Gear Online, and is set for release with the game on August 28, 2025.
- The evidence leans toward excitement among fans, though some controversy exists over it not being Metal Gear Online.
Game and Mode Overview
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a remake of the 2004 classic Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, set for release on August 28, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. The new multiplayer mode, Fox Hunt, was announced on June 12, 2025, and emphasizes stealth and hide-and-seek gameplay, differing from previous Metal Gear Online modes.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a remake of the 2004 classic Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, set for release on August 28, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. The new multiplayer mode, Fox Hunt, was announced on June 12, 2025, and emphasizes stealth and hide-and-seek gameplay, differing from previous Metal Gear Online modes.
Developer Insights
Konami, the developer, stated that Fox Hunt is a "completely original" mode, acknowledging fans' desire for Metal Gear Online but noting the changed landscape of multiplayer games. Director Yu Sahara highlighted its focus on camouflage and survival, aiming to innovate within the series.
Konami, the developer, stated that Fox Hunt is a "completely original" mode, acknowledging fans' desire for Metal Gear Online but noting the changed landscape of multiplayer games. Director Yu Sahara highlighted its focus on camouflage and survival, aiming to innovate within the series.
Community Reaction
Fans on X have expressed excitement, with some calling it "awesome" and others noting its uniqueness compared to typical shooters, though some are disappointed it's not Metal Gear Online.
Fans on X have expressed excitement, with some calling it "awesome" and others noting its uniqueness compared to typical shooters, though some are disappointed it's not Metal Gear Online.
On June 12, 2025, Konami announced Fox Hunt, a new online multiplayer mode for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, marking a significant addition to the upcoming remake of the classic Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. This report provides a comprehensive examination of the mode's launch, drawing on news articles, official statements, and social media reactions, with a focus on the current date of June 16, 2025.
Background and Context
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, originally released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, is widely regarded as one of the greatest entries in the Metal Gear Solid series. Set during the Cold War era, players assume the role of Naked Snake, a FOX operative tasked with infiltrating Soviet territory to rescue a defecting scientist. The game is renowned for its innovative camouflage system, survival mechanics, and intricate narrative, which have cemented its status as a timeless classic.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was announced for PlayStation 5 on May 24, 2023, at PlayStation Showcase 2023, alongside the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 compilation, which includes the original version of Snake Eater. Following the presentation, the game was confirmed for Windows and Xbox Series X/S, with an in-engine gameplay trailer presented on October 25, 2023, during Microsoft's Xbox Partner Preview digital presentation. A full trailer was previewed during Microsoft's Xbox Games Showcase on June 9, 2024, featuring supporting characters such as Major Zero, Para-Medic, Ocelot, and The Boss. The game is scheduled to launch on August 28, 2025, developed using Unreal Engine 5, promising cutting-edge graphics, improved AI, updated animations, and rebalanced boss battles.
Multiplayer Mode - Fox Hunt Announcement
On June 12, 2025, during a Konami digital showcase, the company revealed Fox Hunt, an original online multiplayer mode for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Directed by Yu Sahara, a veteran series designer who has worked on MGS4, Peace Walker, Ground Zeroes, and The Phantom Pain, Fox Hunt is described as "completely original" and unrelated to Metal Gear Online, which was released alongside the PS2 Subsistence version of the original game. Sahara explained, "We really appreciate all the longtime fans of Metal Gear Online who have always wanted to see it make a comeback, but the landscape of multiplayer games has changed a lot since MGO." He added, "It took a lot of careful consideration to think about what the new online mode should look like. Based on the iconic stealth and survival elements of the Metal Gear series, we’re taking camouflage and hide-and-seek to the next level."
Fox Hunt takes place in the same world as the single-player story but offers different gameplay, focusing on stealth and survival. Teaser footage showed characters getting into small D-Walker-type mechs on the battlefield and operatives crawling around in leaf shrouds, suggesting dynamic and tactical gameplay. Konami emphasized that Fox Hunt is "its own, new type of mode," distinguishing it from traditional shooters and extraction games, potentially offering an old-school feel compared to current multiplayer trends.
Developer Insights and Design Philosophy
The decision to create Fox Hunt instead of reviving Metal Gear Online reflects Konami's recognition of the evolving multiplayer gaming landscape. Sahara noted, "A lot of thought was put into coming up with its new online mode," highlighting the team's intent to innovate while staying true to the Metal Gear series' core elements. This approach contrasts with previous multiplayer modes, such as Metal Gear Online, which featured tactical stealth takes on traditional scenarios like team deathmatch and capture the flag, as seen in Metal Gear Solid 4. The focus on camouflage and hide-and-seek aims to leverage the series' strengths, offering a unique experience that could appeal to both fans and new players.
Additional Features and Platform-Specific Content
Beyond Fox Hunt, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater introduces several enhancements to the single-player experience. The remake includes updated boss battles with improved AI and animations, ensuring these iconic encounters remain challenging and engaging. The Secret Theater, a collection of bonus videos, has been expanded with new content that players can discover as collectibles throughout the game, secretly carried by enemy soldiers. This feature, previously found in the Subsistence and HD Collection versions, includes suggestive and sexual content, as noted in the ESRB listing.
Platform-specific crossover modes add another layer of excitement. PlayStation 5 and PC players can look forward to Snake vs Monkey, a nod to the Ape Escape series, while Xbox players will enjoy Snake vs Bomberman, blending elements from the Bomberman franchise with Metal Gear Solid. These crossovers, revealed during the showcase, highlight Konami's willingness to experiment and bring together beloved franchises in unique ways.
Community Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The announcement of Fox Hunt has generated significant buzz on X, with fans expressing a mix of excitement and mixed feelings. Posts from users like
@realTuckFrumper
on June 14, 2025, described Fox Hunt as "not what you’d expect but sounds awesome," suggesting enthusiasm for its uniqueness. @pushsquare
, on June 12, 2025, noted, "Metal Gear Solid Multiplayer Returns in Delta's New Fox Hunt Mode," emphasizing its significance. @HazzadorGamin
, also on June 12, 2025, highlighted the mode's announcement alongside the Bomberman crossover for Xbox, with 6,495 views and 124 favorites, indicating strong community interest.However, some fans expressed disappointment that it's not Metal Gear Online. An article from PC Gamer on June 13, 2025, mentioned "Metal Gear fans getting irrationally angry about Fox Hunt, mainly because it's not Metal Gear Online," but also noted that Konami's decision to try something new is impressive, especially given they could have focused solely on remaking the campaign.
Other X posts, such as
@Play4Index
on June 12, 2025, with 966 views and 6 favorites, stated, "The online mode for Metal Gear Solid Delta has been revealed. This new online mode offers a unique experience compared to typical shooters, with a stronger focus on stealth and environmental blending," reflecting positive reception. @9to5toys
, also on June 12, 2025, with 1,859 views and 1 favorite, reported, "Konami unveils Fox Hunt online multiplayer mode for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (not the same as MGO)," reinforcing the mode's originality.Release Date and Platforms
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is set to launch on August 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. This multi-platform release ensures that a wide audience can experience the remake and its innovative multiplayer mode, Fox Hunt. While the mode was announced on June 12, 2025, it is expected to be available at launch, though Konami has not detailed whether it will be a free update or part of a paid expansion.
Broader Implications
The launch of Fox Hunt marks a significant milestone for the Metal Gear Solid series, bringing multiplayer gameplay to the forefront in a way that honors the franchise's roots while embracing modern gaming trends. Given the lucrative nature of live-service multiplayer games, with their use of paid cosmetics and expansion packs, Fox Hunt could potentially expand the game's longevity and appeal, especially if it resonates with players seeking alternatives to battle royales and extraction shooters.
However, the decision not to revive Metal Gear Online has sparked some controversy, with fans expressing nostalgia for the original multiplayer experience. Articles like those from ScreenRant on February 19, 2025, noted that the original Metal Gear Online was only included two years after Metal Gear Solid 3 with its Subsistence re-release, suggesting Konami's addition of multiplayer to Delta is accurate to the original experience but still leaves room for future updates.
Key Citations
- ADVERTISEMENT -
No comments