On this, the 10th anniversary of Metal Gear Solid 3, we're looking about at some of the strangest things worn by the series' serpentine protagonists. The odd attire isn't just specific to the third installment though, so we've pulled together our favorite of Snake's unconventional outfits.
Beyond looking odd, wearing different outfits at different times and in different places can elicit unique responses from NPCs, making them an even more intriguing aspect of gameplay. So kick back, put that wonderful Snake Eater theme song on repeat, and check out some of Snake's weirder fashion choices.
Crocodile Cap (Metal Gear Solid 3, Metal Gear Online)
Hidden in a clearing in the Chyornyj Prud area of Metal Gear Solid 3, the Crocodile Cap has the ability to scare enemies and ward off guard dogs when Snake is submerged in water, fooling them into believing he's a real crocodile.
While wearing the reptilian cap, Snake's codec calls will also elicit praise from his team members for his ingenuity in disguise (even though Snake just wanted to get a few laughs).
Tuxedo (Multiple)
One of the most immediately recognizable unlockable outfits, the tuxedo is available in almost every Metal Gear Solid game (even Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance). It adds pretty much nothing in terms of gameplay – in Metal Gear Solid 3, it restricts Snake's CQC abilities and The Boss even ridicules him for wearing it ("It's like saying to the enemy, 'Hey, here I am! Shoot me!") – but it's worth it to feel a little bit more like James Bond while thwarting international terror.
Metal Gear Solid Snake FaceCamo (Metal Gear Solid 4)
With Snake's FaceCamo separated from the rest of his outfit, lots of face/outfit pairings are possible in Metal Gear Solid 4. One of these is a mask taken directly off of the Snake character model from the PlayStation original Metal Gear Solid. Its low-res, blocky texture is equal parts incomparably goofy and heartwarmingly nostalgic. Just seeing it makes you want to fire up your PS1 and relive the Shadow Moses incident.
Infinite Ammo Bandana (Multiple)
Up until Ground Zeroes, the bandana was an integral part of Snake's repertoire. As we mentioned in our piece about iconic outfits in games, the bandana has a storied past in the series' lore – but its most remarkable feature is the ability to grant the wearer infinite ammunition.
After completing a playthrough of the original Metal Gear Solid, Snake can don the headwrap and reap the benefits. In Metal Gear Solid 2, however, Snake can use it from the Tanker chapter near the beginning of the game. He even references its supernatural attributes to Raiden in a conversation aboard Arsenal Gear.
Page 2: Santa Claus, the O.G. Assassin, and the cardboard ceiling Snake just can't break.