Unveiling the Hidden Truth: All Secret R1 First-Person Cutscenes in Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater

One of the most beloved and celebrated features of the original Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was the ability to press the R1 button during certain cutscenes to get a first-person perspective from Snake’s point of view. This simple mechanic, which often revealed hidden details, Easter eggs, and subtle character moments, has been faithfully recreated and even enhanced in the new remake, Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater. While some of these moments are prompted with an on-screen button icon, others are completely secret, rewarding the most observant and dedicated players. Here is a comprehensive list of all the hidden and secret R1 moments in the game, allowing you to experience every layer of its cinematic storytelling.

The R1 moments in MGSΔ are not just a gimmick; they are an essential part of the game’s narrative and artistic design. They are a way for director Hideo Kojima to break the fourth wall and pull the player into Snake’s mind, showing what he is truly focused on in a given moment. These moments can range from seeing a brief glimpse of an enemy in the distance to a more emotionally resonant moment, such as Snake’s own tears. Collecting all of them is not just about an achievement; it is about fully appreciating the aural and visual storytelling that the series is famous for.

The Hidden R1 Cutscenes

These are the moments where there is no on-screen R1 prompt, but the button can still be pressed to reveal a secret first-person view. These are the ones that reward players for their past experience with the original game and their keen eye for detail.

• The End of Virtuous Mission: After Snake falls from the bridge and is fully healed, a cutscene will play where he wakes up. Press R1 during this scene to see a brief glimpse of The Sorrow’s corpse.
• Ocelot and The Boss’s Betrayal: During the cutscene on the Krasnogorje mountaintop, after Ocelot leaves and the scene shifts to The Boss, hold R1. You will see her mimicking Ocelot’s signature hand gesture behind his back.
• Torture Scene in Groznyj Grad: After the torture sequence, when Ocelot and The Boss leave the room, press R1. You will see The Boss once again doing Ocelot’s hand gesture. This time, it’s a quiet show of her respect for her former comrade.
• After the Shagohod Fight: Following the battle with the Shagohod and the death of Volgin, a cutscene plays where EVA embraces Snake. When she does, press and hold R1 to see the ghostly figure of The Sorrow in the background, walking towards the camera.
• The Boss’s Final Battle: In the emotional cutscene after you defeat The Boss and her horse returns, press R1 to see The Boss’s ghost reunited with The Sorrow. It’s a beautiful and tragic moment that provides a sense of closure to their story.
• The Final Cutscene: In the very last cutscene of the game, when Snake is shaking hands with the president in the White House, press and hold R1. Look to the left, and you will see Revolver Ocelot looking through the window, giving you a quiet confirmation of his true allegiance.
• The Final Salute: In the epilogue, when Snake is saluting The Boss’s grave, press and hold R1. This will bring you to Snake’s first-person perspective, revealing tears welling up in his eyes, a powerful and subtle moment that shows his true feelings about his former mentor.

The Prompted R1 Cutscenes

These are the moments where the game gives you an on-screen prompt to press R1. While they are not secret, they are often a crucial part of the cinematic experience and are well worth activating.

• HALO Jump: During the opening cinematic, as Snake is HALO jumping, press R1 to get a first-person view of the jump, allowing you to look around at the terrain.
• First Encounter with The Boss: During the cutscene in the rain at the beginning of Operation Snake Eater, press R1. This will show you a brief glimpse of The Sorrow floating beside The Boss.
• Spying on Sokolov: When you first see Sokolov in his lab, a cutscene will play. Press R1 to get a closer look at what he is doing.
• Volgin’s Torture: When you witness Volgin torturing Granin, the game will prompt you to press R1. This will give you a first-person view through Snake’s binoculars, allowing you to get a closer look at the event.
• Torture Cell: After being tortured and thrown in the cell, you can press R1 to look at the sign The Sorrow is holding, which gives you the radio frequency to call Major Zero.

By finding all of these R1 moments, you will not only unlock the “Snake Eyes” achievement but also gain a deeper appreciation for the rich narrative and character development that makes Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater one of the greatest games ever made.