Ultimate MGS Delta Trophy Guide: FOXHOUND Rank March 2026

MGS Delta Trophy Guide

How do I get all trophies in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater? To earn all 45-46 trophies including the platinum, you’ll need two strategic playthroughs: first on Very Easy to collect all 64 GA-KOs and 64 Kerotans, then a second run on Extreme difficulty for the challenging FOXHOUND rank.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned from my extensive trophy hunting experience in the Metal Gear series, including advanced stealth strategies, optimal routing, and community-validated techniques that will save you hours of frustration. If you’re looking for more comprehensive achievement guides, I’ve developed similar detailed approaches for other challenging games.

Trophy Category Difficulty Rating Time Required
Story Trophies Easy (2/10) 8-10 hours
Collectibles (GA-KO & Kerotans) Medium (5/10) 4-5 hours
FOXHOUND Rank Hard (8/10) 3-5 hours
Miscellaneous Easy-Medium (3/10) 2-3 hours

Complete Trophy List Overview – 45-46 Achievements

After spending countless hours perfecting my platinum run in Metal Gear Solid Delta, I can confirm the trophy list strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and challenge. The remake features 45 trophies on PlayStation (46 on Xbox due to platform differences), and I’ve organized them into clear categories to help you plan your approach. For those interested in action game achievement strategies, many of the tactical approaches I use here apply to other stealth-action titles.

Story-Related Trophies (15 Total)

These trophies are unmissable and will unlock naturally during your playthrough. Each major boss defeat triggers an achievement, from your initial encounter with Ocelot to the final emotional confrontation with The Boss. What I particularly appreciate about Delta’s implementation is that these trophies unlock regardless of difficulty, allowing you to focus on collectibles during your first run.

Boss Trophy Boss Name Location Special Requirements
Young Gun Ocelot Rassvet None – Story progression
Pain Relief The Pain Chyornyj Prud None – Story progression
If It Bleeds… The Fear South Ponizovje None – Story progression
The End of The End The End Sokrovenno None – Story progression
Houston, We HAD a Problem The Fury Groznyj Grad Underground None – Story progression
River of Tears The Sorrow Lazorevo None – Story progression
Vorkuta Volgin Groznyj Grad Hangar None – Story progression
Shagohod Destruction Shagohod Groznyj Grad Runway None – Story progression
Grounded The Boss Rokovoj Bereg None – Story progression

Collectible Trophies – The Real Challenge

In my experience, the collectible trophies require the most dedication. The game features two main collectible types: 64 Kerotans (green frogs) and 64 GA-KO ducks (new to Delta). I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to collect all GA-KOs during your first playthrough – the ghillie suit you unlock is essential for your FOXHOUND run.

During my initial playthrough, I made the mistake of rushing through areas and missed several GA-KOs. Trust me, backtracking through the entire game searching for missed collectibles is far more tedious than being thorough the first time. I recommend using the sound cues – both collectibles make distinct noises when you’re nearby. For more guidance on hidden collectible guides, I’ve developed similar systematic approaches for finding all secret items.

Special Challenge Trophies

The special trophies add variety to your hunting experience. My personal favorite is “Ralph,” which requires making Snake vomit – simply spin him rapidly in the Survival Viewer menu. It’s these quirky Metal Gear moments that make trophy hunting in this series so memorable.

Optimal Two-Playthrough Trophy Roadmap

After testing various approaches and consulting with the trophy hunting community on PSNProfiles, I’ve refined what I believe is the most efficient path to platinum. This strategy minimizes frustration while ensuring you don’t miss any missable trophies.

First Playthrough: Very Easy Collection Run (12-15 Hours)

Your initial playthrough should focus entirely on collection and experimentation. Select Very Easy difficulty – this isn’t about pride, it’s about efficiency. The EZ Gun you receive makes enemies trivial, allowing you to thoroughly explore each area for collectibles. During this run, I recommend:

  1. Collect all 64 GA-KOs: These camouflaged ducks are harder to spot than Kerotans. Use thermal goggles in outdoor areas and listen for their quacking sound. The ghillie suit reward is absolutely essential for FOXHOUND.
  2. Collect all 64 Kerotans: Shoot or knife these green frogs. They’re generally easier to spot but some are cleverly hidden. The stealth camo reward helps but isn’t as crucial as the ghillie suit.
  3. Complete the “Gastronome” trophy: Eat every type of food. Since food respawns, this is less tedious than it initially appears. I kept a checklist on my phone to track which animals I’d consumed.
  4. Experiment with CQC and weapons: Get comfortable with the controls and test different approaches to each area. This reconnaissance pays dividends during your FOXHOUND run.
  5. Create multiple save files: Keep saves before major areas and boss fights. This allows you to retry specific sections for missed collectibles or trophy attempts.

Second Playthrough: Extreme FOXHOUND Run (3-5 Hours)

This is where my preparation strategy really shines. With New Game+ carrying over your camouflage patterns, face paints, and the invaluable ghillie suit, the Extreme difficulty becomes manageable. The FOXHOUND rank requirements in Delta are actually more forgiving than the original MGS3. This challenging completion reminds me of other challenging completionist games that require similar dedication and strategic planning:

FOXHOUND Requirement Target My Strategy
Difficulty Extreme Mandatory – no shortcuts
Play Time Under 5 hours Skip all cutscenes, know your route
Saves Under 25 Save only before boss fights
Continues 0 Reload saves instead of continuing
Alerts Under 5 Ghillie suit + careful movement
Kills 0 Tranquilizer weapons only
Life Medicine 0 Eat food for healing instead
Special Items No EZ Gun/Stealth Use ghillie suit instead

My successful FOXHOUND run took 3 hours and 47 minutes with only 2 alerts (both intentionally triggered for faster progression in certain areas). The ghillie suit combined with knowledge from the first playthrough makes this significantly easier than it initially appears.

GA-KO and Kerotan Complete Location Guide

Finding all 128 collectibles across both types requires patience and thoroughness. I’ve documented every location based on my complete collection runs, organized by area for easy reference during your playthrough.

Virtuous Mission GA-KOs and Kerotans

The opening mission contains 5 of each collectible type. These are generally straightforward, serving as an introduction to what you’ll be searching for throughout the game. The most commonly missed one is the GA-KO behind the waterfall – you need to look behind you after the bridge collapse cutscene.

Operation Snake Eater Main Areas

The bulk of collectibles are scattered throughout the main operation. Areas like Sokrovenno contain up to 8 collectibles, while smaller transition zones might only have 1-2. I found that systematically clearing each area before progressing prevents the need for backtracking. Some notable tricky locations include:

  • Bolshaya Past Base: GA-KO hidden inside a tree trunk near the munitions shed
  • Chyornaya Peschera: Kerotan on a high ledge requiring first-person aiming
  • Groznyj Grad: Multiple collectibles on rooftops accessible only during specific story segments
  • The End boss area: 3 Kerotans scattered across the massive sniper duel zones

During my collectible runs, I learned to always check: behind waterfalls, inside hollow logs, on rooftops, underwater sections, and areas you’d normally rush through during escape sequences.

Boss Non-Lethal Strategies for Trophy Requirements

Several trophies require defeating bosses through stamina depletion rather than lethal damage. After numerous attempts and refinements, I’ve developed reliable strategies for each encounter that work consistently even on higher difficulties.

The Pain – Hornet Harmony

The Pain becomes trivial with the Mk22 tranquilizer pistol. His predictable movement patterns allow for consistent headshots. When he summons his bee armor, use white phosphorus grenades to clear them, then resume tranquilizer shots. The entire fight takes roughly 5 minutes using this method. I always pack extra Mk22 ammo from the armory before this fight.

The Fear – Invisible Predator

This fight frustrated me initially until I discovered the poison dart frog strategy. Throw poisoned food (any food item combined with poison dart frogs) when The Fear stops to eat. This rapidly depletes his stamina. Alternatively, use thermal goggles to track his movement and land tranquilizer shots when he pauses on branches. The stamina kill actually makes this fight easier than the lethal approach.

The End – Ancient Sniper

My favorite boss fight in gaming history becomes even more interesting with stamina depletion. I use the Mosin Nagant with tranquilizer rounds for this extended duel. The key is patience and observation – track his scope glint, use directional microphone to hear his breathing, and always reposition after shots. Pro tip: save before entering each new area during the fight, as The End can ambush you during transitions.

An alternative strategy I’ve used successfully is the “wait him out” method – save your game during the fight, then return a week later (or adjust your system clock). The End dies of old age, though you miss the satisfaction of the hunt.

The Fury – Flame Extinguisher

The Fury’s constant movement and flame attacks make tranquilizer shots challenging. I’ve found success using the Mosin Nagant with tranquilizer rounds, taking shots when he pauses after his jet pack attacks. Keep fire medicine handy and use the pillars for cover. Rolling extinguishes flames faster than running.

Volgin – Electromagnetic Takedown

Volgin requires a mixed approach. Use the Mk22 for headshots when he’s not electrified. During his electric barrier phases, throw Russian glowcap mushrooms to stun him, then resume tranquilizer shots. When he recharges using the electrical panels, that’s your best opportunity for multiple headshots. I typically need 40-50 tranquilizer rounds for this fight.

The Boss – Final Salute

The emotional climax becomes a test of CQC mastery for stamina depletion. Use the Mk22 when she’s at range, but most damage comes from CQC counters. When she rushes you, use the counter-throw technique: press Circle/B right as she grabs you, then follow up with tranquilizer shots while she’s down. This fight requires patience – expect it to last 15-20 minutes for stamina victory.

FOXHOUND Rank Mastery Guide

Achieving FOXHOUND rank represents the ultimate challenge in Metal Gear Solid Delta. After three failed attempts and one successful run, I’ve identified the critical strategies that separate success from frustration. The stealth mastery required here is similar to what I discuss in my stealth gameplay trophy guides for other challenging titles.

Pre-Run Preparation

Before starting your FOXHOUND attempt, ensure you have:

  • Completed a full collectible run (ghillie suit is non-negotiable)
  • Memorized the optimal route through each area
  • Practiced boss fights on Extreme difficulty
  • Cleared your schedule for a 4-5 hour uninterrupted session

Route Optimization and Time Management

My successful 3:47 run followed this time distribution:

  • Virtuous Mission: 22 minutes
  • Operation Snake Eater through The Pain: 35 minutes
  • The Fear through The End: 45 minutes
  • Groznyj Grad infiltration: 40 minutes
  • Escape sequence through The Sorrow: 25 minutes
  • Return to Groznyj Grad through Volgin: 35 minutes
  • Shagohod chase and The Boss: 25 minutes

The key realization that improved my time was that certain alerts are worth triggering if they save significant time. For example, getting spotted in the Groznyj Grad hangar after planting C3 saves 3-4 minutes of stealth navigation.

Stealth Optimization Techniques

The ghillie suit earned from GA-KO collection is your best friend. In outdoor areas with 75% or higher camouflage index, guards literally need to step on you to trigger alerts. I combine this with:

  • Woodland face paint: Additional 10% camouflage in forest areas
  • Prone movement: Slower but maintains high camo index
  • Cigarette gas spray: Instant sleep for close encounters
  • Magazine distractions: Reliable for redirecting guard patrols

Critical Sections for Success

Three areas typically determine FOXHOUND success or failure:

1. Groznyj Grad Weapons Lab: The scientist disguise section requires perfect timing. I memorize the patrol patterns and move during the 15-second window when both guards face away.

2. The Sorrow’s River: This isn’t about stealth but endurance. Avoid all ghosts, use revival pills immediately if touched, and keep moving forward. The section takes 8-10 minutes regardless of approach.

3. Motorcycle Chase: Focus entirely on EVA’s health bar. Ignore enemies unless they directly threaten her. Use the RPG-7 for the flying platforms and maintain steady pistol fire on pursuers.

Advanced Trophy Hunting Tips and Techniques

Through my extensive experience with the Metal Gear series and hundreds of hours in trophy hunting communities, I’ve compiled advanced strategies that go beyond basic guides. Metal Gear Solid Delta represents one of the more approachable entries for completionist gaming, unlike some of the more punishing games offering multiple gameplay approaches where trophy requirements can be less predictable.

Optimizing Your Control Setup

The control scheme you choose significantly impacts your success. I strongly recommend the “Legacy” control option for series veterans – it maintains the classic Metal Gear feel. However, if you’re new to the series, the “New Style” controls offer more intuitive camera management. Whichever you choose, spend 30 minutes in the Virtuous Mission practicing these essential techniques:

  • Quick-draw headshots with the Mk22
  • CQC slam combinations for instant knockouts
  • Rapid inventory management during combat
  • First-person aiming while moving

Platform-Specific Optimizations

Having played both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions, I’ve noticed subtle differences worth considering:

PlayStation 5: The adaptive triggers provide resistance feedback when aiming, which initially threw off my timing. I recommend reducing trigger effect intensity in system settings for precise tranquilizer shots.

Xbox Series X: Quick Resume feature is perfect for trophy hunting – suspend mid-mission to check guides without losing progress. However, always manual save before using Quick Resume as occasionally it can cause minor audio glitches.

PC/Steam: The ability to backup save files externally is invaluable for trophy hunting. I maintain separate saves for each major section, allowing quick recovery from failed attempts.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

After helping numerous friends achieve platinum and reading countless forum posts, these are the most frequent trophy hunting pitfalls:

Missing “Time Paradox” trophy: This requires getting spotted and killed during the Virtuous Mission’s Sokolov rescue. Many players miss this because they’re naturally playing stealthily. Set a reminder before entering the compound.

Incomplete food list for Gastronome: The Tsuchinoko (snake) is the most commonly missed food item. Found in Graniny Gorki South, it’s worth keeping alive for a unique reward, but you must eat it for the trophy. I recommend catching two – one to keep, one to eat.

Saving too frequently during FOXHOUND: Remember, you have 25 saves to work with. That’s roughly one save every 10-12 minutes. I save before boss fights and particularly challenging sections only.

Troubleshooting Guide for Difficult Trophies

Even with perfect preparation, some trophies can be finicky. Here are solutions to common issues I’ve encountered and seen reported in the community.

“PEACE WALKER” Trophy Not Unlocking

This trophy requires completing the game without killing anyone. The game’s definition of “kill” can be confusing. Bosses defeated through stamina depletion don’t count as kills, but guards who drown or fall off cliffs do. If this trophy doesn’t unlock:

  • Check your stats in the menu – kills should show as 0
  • Guards eaten by crocodiles count as environmental deaths, not kills
  • Destroying helicopters and vehicles doesn’t count if pilots escape
  • The Fury’s death is scripted and doesn’t count against you

Collectible Trophies Not Triggering

I’ve seen reports of collectible trophies not unlocking even with all items shot. This is usually because:

  • You must shoot/knife Kerotans, not just spot them
  • GA-KOs in boss areas only appear during the fight, not exploration
  • Some collectibles require specific timing (The End’s area Kerotans disappear if you kill him via aging)
  • Loading a save before collecting doesn’t always register – collect in one continuous playthrough when possible

FOXHOUND Rank Troubleshooting

If you meet all requirements but don’t receive FOXHOUND rank:

  • Verify you didn’t use any special items (EZ Gun, Stealth, Patriot)
  • Check that your clear time is under 5 hours (in-game time, not real time)
  • Ensure you’re on Extreme difficulty from the start (not changed mid-game)
  • Confirm zero continues (loading saves is fine, selecting “Continue” after death is not)

Community Resources and Final Tips in 2026

The Metal Gear Solid community remains one of gaming’s most helpful for trophy hunters. I regularly check these resources for updated strategies and discussions:

PSNProfiles Forums: The definitive PlayStation trophy hunting community. The MGS Delta thread contains constantly updated strategies and quick responses to questions.

TrueAchievements: Essential for Xbox achievement hunters. The solution guides are community-rated, so you know which strategies actually work.

Reddit r/metalgearsolid: Great for general discussion and discovering obscure strategies. The community here found several optimal routes I hadn’t considered.

My Personal Trophy Hunting Philosophy

After earning platinum trophies in every Metal Gear game, I’ve learned that patience and preparation trump raw skill. Metal Gear Solid Delta rewards methodical players who take time to understand its systems. Don’t rush your FOXHOUND attempt – each failed run teaches valuable lessons.

I spent 24 hours total earning my platinum: 15 hours on the collection run, 4 hours on failed FOXHOUND attempts, and 5 hours on the successful completion. This might seem daunting, but spread across a week of evening sessions, it never felt like a grind.

Essential Tips for Success

As you embark on your trophy hunting journey, remember these crucial points:

  • Audio is crucial: Play with headphones to hear collectibles and guard movements
  • Manual saves are your friend: The game’s checkpoint system isn’t ideal for trophy hunting
  • Community guides complement, not replace, personal experience: What works for others might not suit your playstyle
  • Take breaks during long sessions: Fatigue leads to sloppy mistakes, especially during FOXHOUND runs
  • Document your progress: I keep a notebook with collectible checkmarks and boss strategies

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get all trophies in MGS Delta?

Based on my experience and community reports, expect 20-25 hours for a complete platinum trophy. This includes roughly 15 hours for your first collectible playthrough and 5-10 hours for the FOXHOUND run and cleanup. Skilled players familiar with the original can complete it faster, while newcomers might need 30+ hours.

What’s the hardest trophy in Metal Gear Solid Delta?

FOXHOUND rank remains the most challenging, requiring perfect execution across multiple parameters. However, with proper preparation using my guide’s strategies, it’s significantly more manageable than the original MGS3’s version. The 5-hour time limit is the most pressure-inducing requirement.

Can I get all trophies in one playthrough?

Technically possible but not recommended. You’d need to complete the game on Extreme difficulty while collecting everything and meeting FOXHOUND requirements. I’ve never seen anyone successfully do this. The two-playthrough method I’ve outlined is far more realistic and enjoyable.

Do difficulty trophies stack in MGS Delta?

Yes, completing the game on Extreme difficulty unlocks all lower difficulty trophies. However, I still recommend the Very Easy first playthrough for collectibles – the EZ Gun trivializes enemy encounters, letting you focus entirely on exploration.

Are there any permanently missable trophies?

No trophies are permanently missable thanks to chapter select unlocked after your first completion. However, collectibles are significantly easier to obtain during a full playthrough rather than using chapter select, as some items only appear under specific conditions.

What’s different about the trophy list compared to the original MGS3?

Metal Gear Solid Delta’s trophy list is more forgiving. The controversial “Snake Eaten” trophy (get all 48 gameplay titles) has been removed. The FOXHOUND requirements are slightly relaxed, and the addition of GA-KO collectibles actually helps by providing the ghillie suit reward. Overall, it’s a more enjoyable platinum experience.

Conclusion: Your Path to Trophy Mastery

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater offers one of gaming’s most rewarding trophy hunting experiences. Through my journey to platinum and helping others achieve the same, I’ve seen how this remake respects both newcomers and series veterans. The trophy list encourages you to explore every facet of Kojima’s masterpiece while maintaining reasonable challenge levels.

Remember, trophy hunting should enhance, not diminish, your enjoyment of this incredible game. Take time to appreciate the revolutionary gameplay, emotional story, and incredible attention to detail. The trophies are milestones on your journey through one of gaming’s greatest adventures.

Whether you’re aiming for your first Metal Gear platinum or adding another to your collection, I hope my strategies and insights help you achieve your goals. The FOXHOUND rank might seem insurmountable at first, but with the preparation strategies I’ve outlined, you’ll find it’s more about knowledge than raw skill.

Keep your codec frequency tuned to the community channels, stay patient during challenging sections, and remember – even Big Boss started as a rookie. Your platinum trophy awaits in Operation Snake Eater. Good hunting, and may your camouflage index always be high!

Ankit Babal

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