Replayability & New Game+
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater offers a robust New Game+ experience, encouraging multiple playthroughs to uncover all its secrets, achieve higher ranks, and master its intricate stealth mechanics. Unlike a simple restart, New Game+ carries over certain progress and unlocks new challenges, making each subsequent journey through the Soviet jungle feel fresh and rewarding.
What Carries Over in New Game+
Upon completing the game for the first time, you'll gain access to New Game+. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to carry over:
- Camo Index Unlocks: All camouflage patterns and face paints you've collected will be available from the start of your new playthrough. This includes special camos like the
Spirit Camo (obtained by defeating The End non-lethally) and theStealth Camo (awarded for a no-kill run). - Special Items: Certain unique items, such as the
EZ Gun (unlocked on Very Easy difficulty or by achieving a high rank), theInfinity Face Paint (awarded for a no-alert run), and thePatriot (The Boss's weapon, unlocked after beating the game), will be accessible from your inventory at the beginning of the game. - Trophies/Achievements: Any trophies or achievements earned will remain unlocked. New Game+ is an excellent opportunity to pursue those you missed, such as specific boss fight challenges or collecting all
Kerotan Frogs . - Play Time & Saves: Your overall play time will continue to accumulate, and you'll be able to create new save files without overwriting your previous completion data.
New Game+ Specific Challenges & Rewards
New Game+ isn't just about making things easier; it introduces new ways to challenge yourself and earn exclusive rewards:
1. The "Fox" and "Big Boss" Ranks
Achieving the coveted "Fox" (no kills, no alerts, no continues, no healing items, fast clear time) or "Big Boss" (same as Fox but on Extreme difficulty) ranks requires meticulous planning and execution. New Game+ is the ideal environment to attempt these, as your familiarity with the game's areas and enemy patrol routes will be significantly higher.
- Strategy:
- Route Optimization: Plan your paths through areas like
Dremuchij Swampland andGraniny Gorki Lab to avoid unnecessary encounters. - Non-Lethal Takedowns: Rely heavily on the
Mosin Nagant (non-lethal sniper rifle) and CQC chokeholds. TheTranquilizer Gun is your best friend. - Camouflage Mastery: use the
Stealth Camo (if unlocked) for critical sections, or master the art of blending with the environment using appropriate camos like theLeaf Camo in forested areas or theSplitter Camo in indoor facilities. - Food Management: Stock up on easily accessible food items like
Russian Glowcap andTree Frog for quick stamina recovery without relying on healing items.
- Route Optimization: Plan your paths through areas like
- Rewards: Successfully achieving these ranks often unlocks exclusive hidden camos, face paints, and even the
Patriot weapon earlier in subsequent playthroughs if not already obtained.
2. Kerotan Frog Hunting
There are 64
- Locations (Examples):
- Dremuchij South: On a tree branch overlooking the starting area.
- Bolshaya Past South: Inside the hollow log near the river.
- Graniny Gorki Lab (Exterior): On top of the main lab building, visible from the western side.
- Groznij Grad (Weapons Lab: East Wing): Inside a locker on the upper floor.
- Reward: Shooting all 64 Kerotan Frogs unlocks the
Stealth Camo , making future runs significantly easier for stealth-focused players.
3. The "No Kill" Run
Completing the game without killing a single enemy (excluding boss fights where lethal force is unavoidable, such as The Pain or The Fury) is a core challenge. New Game+ provides the perfect opportunity to refine your non-lethal strategies.
- Key Tools:
- Tranquilizer Gun: Your primary weapon for incapacitating guards. Aim for headshots for quicker knockouts.
- Mosin Nagant: Essential for long-range non-lethal takedowns, especially against snipers.
- CQC: Master the CQC chokehold and throw techniques to subdue enemies silently and efficiently.
- Stun Grenades: Excellent for crowd control or escaping tight situations.
- Reward: Completing a no-kill run unlocks the
Infinity Face Paint , granting infinite ammunition for all weapons, which can be a game-changer for subsequent playthroughs.
4. Extreme Difficulty
For the ultimate challenge, tackle New Game+ on Extreme difficulty. Enemies are more perceptive, deal more damage, and have tighter patrol routes. Resource management becomes crucial, and every decision carries significant weight.
- Tips for Extreme:
- Patience is Key: Rushing will almost always lead to failure. Observe enemy patterns carefully.
- use Environment: Use tall grass, shadows, and cover to your advantage.
- Scavenge Everything: Every ration, every bullet, every medical supply is vital.
- Boss Strategies: Bosses have increased health and more aggressive patterns. Learn their weaknesses and exploit them. For example, against The End, using the
Thermal Goggles to spot him and theMosin Nagant for non-lethal takedowns is crucial.
Embrace the replayability of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Each New Game+ offers a chance to deepen your understanding of its mechanics, uncover hidden details, and truly become the legendary Big Boss.