Fox Hunt is the innovative multiplayer mode introduced in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, offering a fresh take on stealth-based gameplay that defines the Metal Gear franchise.
Unlike traditional competitive shooters, Fox Hunt emphasizes tactical stealth, environmental awareness, and asymmetric gameplay, creating a multiplayer experience unlike any other. Developed as a completely original mode rather than a revival of Metal Gear Online, Fox Hunt aims to distill the series’ signature stealth mechanics into a compelling multiplayer format.
Release Note: Originally planned for launch with the main game on August 28, 2025, Fox Hunt will arrive later as a post-launch free update between September 22 and December 21, 2025.
2. What Is Fox Hunt? Gameplay Overview & Mechanics
2.1 Core Concept and Design Philosophy
Fox Hunt is essentially hide-and-seek on a tactical level, pitting two teams against each other in a tense battle of stealth and detection.
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Stealth Team: Focuses on infiltration, camouflage, and objective completion.
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Hunter Team: Uses detection tools and strategy to find and eliminate opponents.
Director Yu Sahara describes it as “camouflage and hide-and-go-seek to the next level”.
The mode features octocamo-inspired stealth, where players automatically blend into environmental textures when pausing near surfaces—no manual camouflage selection is needed. This keeps the gameplay dynamic and fluid, even in multiplayer.
2.2 Basic Gameplay Loop
| Team | Objective | Key Mechanics |
|---|---|---|
| Stealth | Infiltrate, capture points, retrieve items | Octocamo blending, sound management, distractions |
| Hunter | Locate and eliminate stealth players | Detection tools, traps, surveillance, strategy |
Fox Hunt encourages strategic patience over reflex-based combat, sharing design DNA with Splinter Cell’s Spies vs. Mercs and previous Metal Gear Online modes.
3. Platform Availability & Crossplay Limitations
3.1 Release Timeline
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Fox Hunt: Fall 2025 (post-launch update)
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Platforms: PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X/S
3.2 Crossplay Limitations
Currently, no crossplay support exists. Players on different platforms cannot play together, which has sparked some community concerns over the mode’s longevity, especially on smaller platforms.
4. Unlocking Cosmetics & Rewards
4.1 Reward System Overview
While full details are limited, Fox Hunt is expected to follow standard multiplayer practices:
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Progression-Based Unlocks: Level up to earn uniforms, equipment, and emotes.
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Achievement-Based Rewards: Complete specific challenges for special items.
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Time-Limited Content: Seasonal events and limited-time cosmetics.
4.2 Expected Reward Types
| Reward Type | Description | Unlock Method | Single-Player Usable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uniforms | Full-body outfits with camouflage | Level progression, challenge completion | Possibly |
| Face Paints | Camouflage patterns for the face | Match performance, specific achievements | Possibly |
| Weapon Skins | Cosmetic firearm/equipment alterations | Seasonal events, special challenges | No |
| Emotes | Gestures and animations | Progression milestones, limited-time events | No |
| Player Cards | Customizable identifiers | Complete specific objectives | No |
⚡ Pro Tip: Focus on roles you enjoy—Stealth or Hunter—to unlock role-specific rewards faster.
4.3 Connection to Single-Player Rewards
Past Metal Gear titles have allowed multiplayer unlocks to transfer to single-player, potentially offering:
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Exclusive camouflage patterns for Snake
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Special equipment usable in story missions
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Visual customization based on multiplayer accomplishments
These features are not yet confirmed, but add an extra incentive to engage in Fox Hunt.
5. Beginner Tips for Fox Hunt
5.1 Mastering Stealth Mechanics
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Understand Camouflage: Learn which surfaces trigger octocamo.
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Sound Management: Avoid making unnecessary noise.
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Patience & Observation: Study enemy movement before striking.
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Use Distractions: Throw objects or create diversions to mislead hunters.
5.2 Team Coordination & Communication
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Role Specialization: Balance stealth and hunter abilities.
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Share Intel: Call out enemy locations in real-time.
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Objective Focus: Prioritize team objectives over kills.
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Adapt Quickly: Adjust strategies based on opponent tactics.
5.3 Progression Strategies
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Complete daily challenges for consistent rewards.
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Focus on specific roles to unlock role-based rewards.
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Play regularly to maximize experience gain.
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Balance risk vs. reward: aggressive plays can yield higher rewards but increase detection risk.
6. Community Response & Concerns
6.1 Reaction to Delay & Limitations
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Delay disappointed fans expecting launch availability.
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Lack of crossplay is a major concern for long-term engagement.
Some comparisons have been made to GTA V’s staggered online release, which ultimately succeeded.
6.2 Cautious Optimism
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Fans praise the stealth-first approach versus traditional multiplayer combat.
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Veteran developer Yu Sahara’s involvement gives confidence in quality and authenticity.
7. Why Fox Hunt Stands Out
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True asymmetric stealth multiplayer for a franchise known for single-player campaigns.
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Automatic camouflage (octocamo) tailored for multiplayer.
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Potential crossover rewards usable in single-player.
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Strategy-focused gameplay with a high skill ceiling.
8. FAQ
Q: Can I play Fox Hunt cross-platform?
A: No, currently there is no crossplay.
Q: When will Fox Hunt be available?
A: Fall 2025, post-launch update.
Q: Do rewards transfer to single-player?
A: Possibly, but not officially confirmed yet.
Q: How do I unlock face paints?
A: Typically through match performance or specific in-game challenges.
9. Conclusion
Fox Hunt represents Konami’s bold experiment to translate Metal Gear’s signature stealth gameplay into multiplayer. While delays and crossplay limitations have raised concerns, its unique approach offers a fresh alternative for stealth enthusiasts. Keeping up with official announcements will be key as the Fall 2025 update approaches.

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