While you primarily play as Big Boss, Peace Walker introduces the concept of recruiting soldiers to your Mother Base. These soldiers, while not directly playable in main missions, are crucial for developing your base and unlocking new technologies. You can customize Big Boss's appearance to a limited extent by unlocking different uniforms and camouflage patterns. These aren't just cosmetic; they offer various tactical advantages:
- Sneaking Suit: Reduces footstep noise, increases CQC effectiveness.
- Battle Dress: Increases defense, allows carrying more heavy weapons.
- Tiger Stripe: Good all-around camouflage for jungle environments.
- Leaf: Excellent camouflage for forested areas.
As you progress, you'll unlock more options. Experiment with different uniforms to suit your playstyle and the mission environment. Remember, the right camo can make a significant difference in avoiding detection.