Revitalizing Metal Gear Multiplayer: A New Approach
Konami is bringing multiplayer back to the Metal Gear universe with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, but fans shouldn’t expect a revival of the classic Metal Gear Online experience. This upcoming release promises a completely new multiplayer mode that redefines how players engage with each other in the series.
A Brief History of Metal Gear Online
Metal Gear Online was a beloved multiplayer extension bundled with Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots in 2008. Despite its popularity, the servers were shut down in 2012, leaving fans longing for a similar experience. Now, with the release of Delta: Snake Eater scheduled for August, Konami aims to rekindle multiplayer excitement through a fresh mode called Fox Hunt.
Introducing Fox Hunt: A New Multiplayer Experience
In a recent reveal, Konami showcased snippets of gameplay for Fox Hunt, highlighting a third-person perspective where players control soldiers equipped with advanced camouflage technology. The mode emphasizes stealth, deception, and strategic hiding, offering a different flavor from traditional shooter modes.
What Makes Fox Hunt Unique?
- Enhanced Camouflage Tactics: Players utilize camouflage tech to blend into their environment, creating tense moments of hiding and searching.
- Hide-and-Seek Dynamics: The gameplay revolves around the classic tension of staying hidden versus actively seeking opponents, but with new mechanics and strategic depth.
- Original Multiplayer Mode: Director Yu Sahara explained that Fox Hunt is a completely original mode, distinct from Metal Gear Online, despite sharing the same universe.
Design Philosophy and Player Experience
Yu Sahara emphasized that the mode is designed to elevate stealth gameplay, taking “camouflage and hide-and-go-seek to the next level.” He noted that the development team aimed to create a multiplayer experience that is more than just gunplay—something that captures the essence of Metal Gear’s stealth and survival elements.
“While many fans associate Metal Gear multiplayer with Metal Gear Online, Fox Hunt offers a new, innovative take,” Sahara added. “We carefully considered how multiplayer has evolved and crafted a mode that provides a unique, tense experience for players.”
Anticipated Features and Future Announcements
More details about Fox Hunt are expected soon, and fans can look forward to a multiplayer mode that truly stands apart within the Metal Gear series.
Additional Content and Crossovers
Meanwhile, the gameplay trailer also previewed other features of Delta: Snake Eater, including crossover modes for PC and PlayStation 5, such as Snake vs. Monkey (Ape Escape) and Snake vs. Bomberman (Xbox).
Creative Producer Yuji Korekado shared that while core boss battles remain familiar, improvements have been made to AI, animations, and game balance to enhance the experience. The remake also brings back the Secret Theater — now available as collectible videos and new content integrated into the game, including secret recordings carried by enemies.
Release Date and Additional Details
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is scheduled for launch on August 28, 2025, across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. Fans can expect a mix of classic gameplay updates and innovative new features that push the series forward.