Unleash the Nightmare: How to Activate the Guy Savage Minigame in Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater

For longtime fans of the Metal Gear Solid series, one of the most surprising and welcome returns in the new remake, Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater, is the resurrection of the bizarre “Guy Savage” minigame. Originally a hidden easter egg in the 2004 PlayStation 2 version of MGS3, the minigame was removed from most subsequent ports and collections. Its return is a testament to the new remake’s commitment to being a faithful and comprehensive modernization of the beloved classic. The new version, now known as “Guy Savage Δ,” is a completely rebuilt and expanded experience, and activating it is as simple and as cryptic as it was in the original game.

The “Guy Savage” sequence, also known as “Snake’s Nightmare,” is a surreal, hack-and-slash interlude that has nothing to do with the main story. It’s a playable dream sequence that Snake experiences while in his prison cell after being tortured by Colonel Volgin. The new version of the minigame was developed by PlatinumGames, the studio behind the fan-favorite spin-off Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, and their signature style of fast-paced, high-octane combat is on full display. The minigame is a brilliant nod to both the series’ history and PlatinumGames’ legacy, and it’s a must-play for any fan of the franchise.

Two Methods for Activating the Nightmare

There are two primary ways to access the Guy Savage minigame in Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater. One method is a direct callback to the original PS2 version, and the other is a new, more convenient option for players who just want to experience the hidden content.

Method 1: The Classic Easter Egg Approach

This is the most traditional and nostalgic way to activate the minigame. It requires you to reach a specific point in the main story and perform a very particular set of actions. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Reach the Groznyj Grad Prison Cell: The minigame is only accessible after Snake has been captured and imprisoned by Colonel Volgin in Groznyj Grad. This happens late in the game, after the brutal torture sequence.
2. Save the Game in the Cell: Once you are inside the prison cell, you must manually save your game. You will know you’ve done it correctly when you notice a red frame on your save slot.
3. Quit and Reload: After saving, completely quit the game back to the main menu or even your console’s home screen. Then, reload the save file with the red frame.

Upon reloading, you will be transported into Snake’s nightmare, a surreal hack-and-slash sequence where you take on the role of Guy Savage, a character with dual hook swords, and fight waves of vampire-like monsters in a graveyard setting. The minigame is a unique and challenging departure from the main game’s stealth-focused gameplay. This method also includes a unique codec conversation with Para-Medic before the nightmare begins, adding to the immersion and lore.

Method 2: The New Unlocking Method

For players who don’t want to go through the hassle of quitting and reloading, or for those who have already completed the game, Konami has included a more straightforward way to access the minigame.

• Complete the Main Story: After finishing the main story of Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater on any difficulty, the “Guy Savage Δ” minigame will be unlocked as a separate, playable mode in the game’s “Extra Menu.”

This method allows you to replay the minigame at your leisure without having to go through the main game’s storyline. It is a welcome addition that shows the developers’ understanding of modern gaming convenience while still honoring the original’s hidden nature. The “Extra Menu” version of the minigame is a standalone experience, and it’s the easiest way to experience the fast-paced action created by PlatinumGames.

The Legacy and Lore of Guy Savage

The “Snake’s Nightmare” sequence was originally created by Konami veteran Shuyo Murata. It was intended to be a proof-of-concept for a potential separate game but was ultimately scrapped and turned into a fun easter egg. The new version pays homage to the original while also feeling fresh and new, thanks to the technical prowess of PlatinumGames. Fans of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will feel right at home with the game’s combat system, which is a perfect fit for the chaotic and over-the-top action. The return of the Guy Savage minigame is a perfect example of how a remake can be both a faithful tribute to its source material and a new experience for a modern audience.