If you’re diving into Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, one of the coolest early moments comes when you disguise yourself as Major Raikov. It’s a steep part of the game, but pulling it off is satisfying and opens doors—literally. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to snag the uniform cleanly, so you can move through Groznyj Grad with ease and a dash of style.
- Entering the Lab
The mission begins in the Groznyj Grad Weapons Lab: East Wing. As soon as you step into the room, you’ll need to take action fast. You’ll already have the Scientist uniform available in the camouflage menu. It’s a lifesaver for blending in—but here’s the catch: wearing it means you can’t use weapons or perform CQC (close-quarters combat). That changes everything, so timing is everything. - Step-by-Step: How to Steal the Uniform
- Equip the Scientist camo right away and remove any face paint (use “No Paint”).
- Head straight up the stairs on the south side of the room.
- At the corridor’s end, hide just around the corner and wait. A guard will stroll by—when he does, quickly swap your camo to one that lets you perform CQC, then knock him out.
- Slip back behind the corner. Soon, Major Raikov himself will exit the lab and investigate the unconscious guard. That’s your cue—knock Raikov out using CQC again.
- Drag Raikov’s body across the little bridge and into the locker room area. This triggers the mission progression and grants you the Officer uniform—you now look like Major Raikov, face mask and all.
- After the Heist—Using the Uniform Wisely
Once you’ve claimed Major Raikov’s uniform and the matching mask, soldiers nearby won’t question you, as long as you don’t linger too long in their line of sight. It makes navigating the area far easier and less stressful. The trick is to stay calm, move steadily, and avoid eye contact. If you pull it off, it’s smooth sailing and one of those stealth moments you’ll replay in your mind over and over. - Alternative Approach: Smoke ‘Em Out (Cigarette Gas Spray Method)
If you’ve unlocked the Cigarette Gas Spray, this might be a softer approach. Equip Scientist camo again, head around the building quietly and use the gas to knock out guards non-lethally. Once they’re down, carry Raikov into the locker room, and you still get the uniform the same way. Just be sure not to kill anyone—Raikov needs to stay alive and alert needs to reset before you finish. This method gives room for error, at the cost of using resources wisely. - Why This Uniform Matters
Securing Raikov’s outfit isn’t just an aesthetic upgrade; it’s a strategic advantage. It lets you pass through certain zones with less resistance. Plus, it’s a cool moment—any excuse to move through a tense corridor in someone else’s clothes in a stealth game, you take. It also plays into the story later on by giving you access to areas blocked off to regular troops. - Quick Tips to Pull It Off
- Use manual saves frequently—especially before entering the lab.
- Make sure you’re not under high alert. Guards react quickly, and getting spotted can ruin the plan.
- CQC timing is key. Don’t try to knock out Raikov too early or freeze up—it’s when he notices the guard, you strike.
- Once you’ve got the uniform and mask on, move with purpose. Don’t dawdle near soldiers, and you’ll be fine.
