Metal Gear Solid 3 vs Delta: Major Differences Explored

From updated controls and graphics to new features, discover the major and key differences between Metal Gear Solid 3 vs Delta. 

Fans of the Metal Gear franchise are curious to learn the major differences between Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. The remake of the original 2004 game is titled ‘Delta (Δ)’, referring to the unaltered structure and core gameplay of the original. Although it remains faithful to the original Kojima title, the remake features several alterations and modifications, making the game more appealing to a modern audience.

If you are curious about learning the biggest changes and major differences between Metal Gear Solid 3 vs Delta, follow along with the article. 

Related: Metal Gear Solid Chronological Order Explained

What Are the Biggest Changes Between Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater and Delta?

Updated Controls and Graphics

The first and most notable change is the graphics enhancement, obviously. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Metal Gear Solid Delta brings jungles, forests, and swamps to life with incredible detailing. It also brings intricate character details and expressive facial animations, including facial wrinkles, pores, and separate eye and iris movements, as well as a detailed battle damage system. 

Metal Gear Solid Delta lets players experience the game in two different camera styles: Legacy Style and New Style. While the Legacy style features a top-angle overhead camera with the classic Metal Gear Solid controls, the New Style includes a 3rd-person camera perspective with modern, fluid controls. 

New CQC Animations

When it comes to gameplay, Metal Gear Solid Delta also introduces several new enhancements, like the addition of new dialogues, as well as new CQC animations. While the original Snake Eater typically repeats a fixed takedown animation of slamming your foes into the ground, the Delta version revamped those animations. It introduces multiple takedown animations for CQC depending on the direction from which you are approaching the enemy. 

Quick Camo Switch

The new remake also introduces several quality of life enhancements, making the gameplay more engaging and uninterrupted. Although you can switch your camo through the Camouflage menu like the original, the quick camo switch option allows you to change it on the fly. You can access the quick camo switch menu via the D-pad. It lets you switch your camo uniforms without pausing the game, though with a quick transition.

Load Saves Faster

As you infiltrate or sneak through enemy bases, there is a good chance you might accidentally trigger the alarm by killing enemies. Triggering the alert can hinder your mission, which often requires you to load your previous saves. In the original Snake Eater, this requires you to exit the game and load again through the main menu, taking around a minute.

However, Delta simplifies the process by adding the load option within the in-game pause menu, allowing you to load your previous save within a few seconds. The new auto-save feature also allows you to effectively save your progression. 

Other Notable Additions

Apart from the above mentioned key changes, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater also introduces several notable additions. 

• In addition to the frogs, Delta adds camouflage rubber ducks in each area, which unlocks a camo. You can track your progression or check whether you have shot the rubber duck in an area by pausing the menu. 

• Just like any other modern game, Delta also introduces a new Photo Mode. This allows players to capture their best moments or just highlight the beauty of the wilds and jungle with their customized settings. 

• Another notable addition is the inclusion of Secret Theater within the game, allowing you to watch the original as well as new videos. You can unlock the Secret Theater by completing your initial playthrough. Collecting the 8mm film canisters (reels) from certain enemies unlocks the alternate humorous versions of certain scenes. 

---

We provide the latest news and create guides for Metal Gear Solid Delta. Meanwhile, you can check out the following articles or catch us playing games on YouTube:

• Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater: All Editions and Prices Explored
• Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater: Does It Have Denuvo?
• Metal Gear Solid Chronological Order Explained