Close Quarters Combat (CQC) is a cornerstone of Snake's combat prowess in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, allowing for silent takedowns, disarms, and brutal close-range attacks. Mastering CQC is essential for survival and for maintaining a stealthy approach. The fundamental CQC grab can be initiated by approaching an enemy from behind and pressing the designated grab button. Once an enemy is grabbed, you have several options.
Disarming an Enemy: To disarm an enemy, once you have them in a CQC grab, you can perform a specific input (often a directional input combined with the grab button) to wrench their weapon away. This is particularly useful against heavily armed guards who pose a significant threat. The disarmed weapon will be added to your inventory, providing valuable ammunition or a new tool for your arsenal.
CQC Takedowns: After grabbing an enemy, you can perform a lethal or non-lethal takedown. A lethal takedown will result in the enemy's immediate death, often with a swift chokehold or strike. A non-lethal takedown will render the enemy unconscious, allowing you to hide their body and avoid raising an alarm. The specific inputs for these takedowns will vary slightly depending on the enemy's weapon and your current stance.
CQC Counter: Enemies will also attempt to initiate CQC against Snake. When an enemy lunges at you with CQC, a prompt will appear, indicating that you can counter their move. Successfully countering a CQC attack will stun the enemy, leaving them open for a grab or a series of rapid strikes. This is a crucial defensive maneuver that can turn the tables on an aggressive foe.
Weaponized CQC: Certain CQC maneuvers can be combined with your equipped weapon. For example, after a successful grab and disarm, you might be able to immediately use the enemy's own weapon against them. Additionally, some CQC strikes can be performed while holding certain weapons, adding a brutal edge to your close-quarters engagements. Experiment with different combinations to find the most effective techniques for various enemy types and situations.
Stamina and Durability: Performing CQC actions consumes stamina. Repeatedly using CQC without allowing Snake to recover can lead to exhaustion, making him slower and more vulnerable. Ensure you manage your stamina by taking brief breaks or consuming energy-restoring items between engagements.