A Long-Awaited Return with a New Twist
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, the highly anticipated remake of the 2004 classic, is set to release on August 28. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game promises a striking visual overhaul, modernised controls, and faithfully recreated story beats that cemented the original as a fan favourite.
But Konami isn’t stopping at just a remake. The game will introduce a new competitive multiplayer mode called Fox Hunt, designed as a spiritual successor to the now-retired Metal Gear Online.
Fox Hunt Without Cross-Play
Despite the excitement around Fox Hunt’s stealth-based competitive matches, Konami has confirmed that the mode will not support cross-play. This means PlayStation, Xbox, and PC players will each be confined to their own platform’s player base.
In today’s multiplayer landscape, where titles like Call of Duty and Fortnite thrive on cross-platform matchmaking, this restriction feels like a step backwards. A split player base can lead to:
- Smaller matchmaking pools
- Longer queue times
- Potential imbalance in skill distribution across platforms
Konami has not provided an official reason for omitting the feature, and the news has already sparked frustration among fans online.
Post-Launch Arrival
Adding to the mixed reception, the multiplayer mode won’t be available at the launch of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Instead, it’s planned for release sometime after August 28, giving Konami more time to fine-tune the mode.
The delay could allow the team to address potential balancing issues or even reconsider cross-play support — though no such plans have been confirmed.
The Road Ahead for Fox Hunt
Without cross-play, Fox Hunt’s longevity will depend heavily on the size and dedication of each platform’s community. For a franchise returning to the multiplayer scene after years of dormancy, starting with a fractured audience is risky, even if it’s a highly anticipated title like Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.
Still, if the mode can capture the tactical tension and creativity that defined past Metal Gear multiplayer experiences, it could find a loyal following, even if each platform plays in its own separate sandbox.
