In Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, to survive, the player must consume food. This article provides information about the snakes present in the game. Consuming a snake in the HD collection will unlock the achievement/trophy "Snake Eater," while capturing all the snakes in the game will unlock "Charmer." This achievement is a reference to the act of playing a flute to charm a cobra in India.
Quick Answers
What is the significance of the 'Snake Eater' achievement in Metal Gear Solid 3?
What happens when you capture all the snakes in Metal Gear Solid 3?
What is the taste and danger level of the snake food in Metal Gear Solid 3?
What is the stamina recovery rate of the snake food in Metal Gear Solid 3?
What is the reference behind the 'Charmer' achievement in Metal Gear Solid 3?
Coral Snake[]
- Ration Name: SNAKE D
- Initial Taste: Tasty
- Danger Level: Medium
- Stamina Recovery: Moderate
- Capture: Yes
The coral snake is a venomous serpent native to the Americas (a New World coral snake). Its venom is highly potent, acting as a neurotoxin. The distinctive red and black patterns on the coral snake serve as a warning sign. These vibrant colors and patterns communicate to other animals that the snake carries a lethal poison, acting as a deterrent against potential attacks. In nature, various animals adopt the bright and flashy coloration of known poisonous species as a defense mechanism. By mimicking the appearance of toxic creatures, they enhance their own chances of survival. An example of this mimicry is the milk snake, a non-poisonous serpent that shares its coloring with the coral snake. The appearance of this coral snake in-game may be that of the eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius).
Giant Anaconda[]
- Ration Name: SNAKE G
- Initial Taste: Tasty
- Danger Level: Low
- Stamina Recovery: High
- Capture: Yes
The giant anaconda, also known as the green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), is reputed to be the world's largest snake in terms of weight and diameter. Although non-venomous, its immense size renders it exceptionally powerful. It is said to have the capability to consume even crocodiles. Interestingly, the only natural predator of the giant anaconda is believed to be humans.
The giant anaconda is on top of the food chain in its natural habitats of South America, making it an apex predator.
Green Tree Python[]
- Ration Name: SNAKE F
- Initial Taste: Fairly Tasty
- Danger Level: Low
- Stamina Recovery: Moderate
- Capture: Yes
The green tree python (Morelia viridis) is non-venomous, alleviating concerns about its potential danger. Additionally, it is known for its generally docile nature, making it unlikely to engage in aggressive behavior (making this snake a popular pet). Originating from New Guinea, some islands in Indonesia, the Cape York Peninsula in Australia, and New Zealand, the green tree python is encountered early in the game, hanging from a tree in Dremuchij East during Operation Snake Eater. Interestingly, it reappears later in the game, hanging in Rokovoj Bereg. This python is distinct for its bright green color, and for its particular way of resting on the branches of trees, by looping a coil or two over the branches in a saddle position before placing its head in the middle.[1]
King Cobra[]
- Ration Name: SNAKE A
- Initial Taste: Outstanding
- Danger Level: Medium
- Stamina Recovery: High
- Capture: Yes
The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) holds the title of the world's largest venomous snake, boasting a considerable size that correlates with its substantial venom supply. Its venom is potent, with the claim that a single bite can supposedly kill an elephant. Known for its extreme aggression, the king cobra primarily preys on other snakes, including a certain naked one. This is an apex predator, dominating over other snakes, except for large pythons. In addition to being relatively easy to catch, due to it not considered to be aggressive (although it is very aggressively defensive near incubating eggs), it is noted for its palatability and its positive impact on stamina recovery. Players can encounter the king cobra first in Dremuchij North during Operation Snake Eater and last in Bolshaya Past Crevice.
The king cobra is regarded as the national reptile of India.[2]
Milk Snake[]
- Ration Name: SNAKE E
- Initial Taste: Bad
- Danger Level: Low
- Stamina Recovery: Minimal
- Capture: Yes
The milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) bears a striking resemblance to the coral snake, yet it lacks venom and is notably more docile, posing no threat to Naked Snake. Unlike the coral snake, the milk snake is reported to have an unappealing taste. Initially encountered in Chyornyj Prud, it can be easily confused with the venomous coral snake. The last sighting of the milk snake occurs in the Graniny Gorki Lab Exterior. A helpful way to differentiate between the milk snake and the coral snake is through the mnemonic poem: "If red touches yellow, you're a dead fellow. If red touches black, you're okay Jack."
Reticulated Python[]
- Ration Name: SNAKE H
- Initial Taste: Tasty
- Danger Level: Low
- Stamina Recovery: Moderate
- Capture: Yes
The reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) holds the title of the world's longest snake, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 10 meters. They are the third heaviest snakes in the world, behind the giant anaconda and the Burmese python. Despite lacking venom, they are considered highly dangerous, requiring caution in their presence. Characterized by a ferocious temperament, they are capable of swallowing large animals whole, including deer and pigs. The distinctive mesh pattern on their scales serves as an effective natural camouflage. This species is notably prevalent in the game, serving as one of the most common animals encountered. Consuming a reticulated python restores a significant portion of stamina and is relatively easy to capture. Players can first encounter this snake in Dremuchij South and last in Zaozyorje North. They are native to South and Southeast Asia. In a conversation with Para-Medic, when asked about its flavor, she humorously refers to Snake as a "cannibal." This type of snake is not only the first to appear in the game but also the most frequently encountered.
Taiwanese Cobra[]
- Ration Name: SNAKE B
- Initial Taste: Tasty
- Danger Level: Medium
- Stamina Recovery: Moderate
- Capture: Yes
The Taiwanese cobra, also known as the Chinese cobra (Naja atra), indigenous to Taiwan and southern China, is characterized by its aggressive nature and possesses potent postsynaptic neurotoxins and cardiotoxins in its fangs. Players can initially encounter this snake in the Chyornaya Peschera Cave Branch, with the last sighting occurring in the Graniny Gorki Lab Exterior. Similar to other obtainable snakes in the game, the Taiwanese Cobra can be equipped and thrown at various enemies. It is one of the most prevalent venomous snakes in China, which has caused many snakebite incidents to humans.
Thai Cobra[]
- Ration Name: SNAKE C
- Initial Taste: Fairly Tasty
- Danger Level: Medium
- Stamina Recovery: Moderate
- Capture: Yes
The Thai cobra, also known as the Thai spitting cobra and the Indochinese spitting cobra (Naja siamensis), a sizable venomous snake, possesses an exceptionally potent neurotoxin. Native to Indochina, Thailand, and southern China, those found in Tselinoyarsk likely originated as pets and research subjects before becoming feral upon escaping. This species is first encountered in the Chyornaya Peschera Cave Entrance and makes its final appearance on the Krasnogorje Mountainside, where it proves to be particularly useful for throwing at guards.
Les Enfants Terrible[]
- Ration Name: SNAKE I/J/K
- Initial Taste: Outstanding
- Danger Level: None
- Stamina Recovery: Full Bar
- Capture: Yes
In Rokovoj Bereg, three silver-white snakes named Solid, Liquid, and Solidus can be found near each of the logs. Despite their outstanding taste, capturing them proves to be challenging, especially given the difficulty of locating them amidst the white flowers. However, capturing these snakes is crucial for achieving the "Markhor" ranking, as detailed in the Secrets section.
Tsuchinoko[]
- Main article: Tsuchinoko
- Ration Name: TCHNKO
- Initial Taste: Outstanding
- Danger level: None
- Stamina Recovery: High
- Capture: Yes
The Tsuchinoko is a cryptic snake often associated with Japanese folklore, but intriguingly, it's also said to exist in the Soviet Union within the game. This legendary creature, comparable to Bigfoot in its elusive nature, is described as having a body approximately as thick as a beer bottle, with a tapered tail that moves in a unique inchworm-like motion rather than slithering like traditional snakes. Notably, it can jump several yards at a time and possesses distinctive, sinister-looking eyes that can blink and move around. The Tsuchinoko has even been reported to exhibit behaviors such as snoring, crying, and standing up straight on its tail.
In the game, the Tsuchinoko can only be captured in one area, Graniny Gorki South. It adds an extra layer of mystery as it remains undetectable by radar and invisible to the naked eye. To capture it, a mousetrap must be set, and there is a chance that upon Snake's return to the area, the mousetrap may contain the elusive creature.
Following Snake's capture and torture by Volgin, where he loses all equipment and food, the Tsuchinoko can be recaptured in Tikhogornyj after meeting EVA. However, it is only visible and capturable by any means if it was previously captured before the torture.
A unique incentive is offered to players who complete the game with a Tsuchinoko in Snake's inventory—an award in the form of the Infinity Face Paint.
Behind the Scenes[]
The incorporation of snakes as a potential food item in the game was initially hinted at during E3 2004. A prop of canned food named "E3 Snake Meat" featured Naked Snake on the can. The packaging humorously listed the "ingredients" as anacondas, boa constrictors, pythons, tree vipers, coral snakes, and water moccasins, along with swamp water and salt. This play on the concept of snake-based rations added a unique and entertaining element to the game's promotional materials.[3]