Infiltrating Groznyj Grad: How to Get Major Raikov’s Uniform in Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater

One of the most iconic and pivotal moments in Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater is the acquisition of Major Raikov’s uniform. This disguise is essential for infiltrating the Groznyj Grad Weapons Lab and gaining access to Sokolov. The mission requires a blend of stealth, CQC, and a bit of environmental manipulation. While it’s a straightforward objective, the highly-patrolled area can make it a challenging task for new players. Here is a step-by-step guide to successfully obtaining Major Raikov’s uniform.

The Raikov uniform is a key item for your progression. Once you obtain it, you can equip it, along with a special face paint, to impersonate the Major and walk right past the guards. It’s a classic example of the “stealth by disguise” gameplay that the Metal Gear Solid series is famous for. The new remake, Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater, has made some minor quality-of-life improvements to the area, but the core steps remain the same as they were in the original game.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stealing the Uniform

The mission to obtain the uniform takes place in the Groznyj Grad Weapons Lab: East Wing. Your primary objective is to locate Major Raikov, knock him out, and drag his body to a specific location to trigger a cutscene.

1. Find Major Raikov

Upon entering the Groznyj Grad Weapons Lab, your first task is to locate Major Raikov. You’ll be given a scientist uniform, which will allow you to move around without immediately being spotted by the guards. Raikov is a distinctive character; he’s the only officer in the area who has blond hair sticking out from under his hat. He patrols the second floor of the main weapons lab building, often walking between the office and the main walkways.

• Equip Scientist Camo: Make sure you are wearing the scientist uniform you received from EVA. This will prevent the guards from being immediately hostile.
• Locate Raikov: Raikov can be a bit of a moving target. He usually patrols the second floor, so head upstairs and be patient. Wait for him to be in an isolated area, away from other guards and scientists. A common strategy is to wait for him to be in the second-floor locker room or a secluded hallway.

2. Neutralize and Drag Raikov

Once you’ve found Raikov in a good position, the next step is to knock him out and secure his body. It’s crucial to do this without raising the alarm.

• Approach from Behind: The best way to neutralize Raikov is to use CQC (Close Quarters Combat) from behind. Make sure your weapon is unequipped to perform a chokehold or a takedown.
• Knock Him Out: You can either use a non-lethal method like a tranquilizer gun (the Mk22) or simply perform a CQC takedown. Raikov is not a challenging opponent to knock out. Be sure to hit him a few times to keep him unconscious if you’re worried about him waking up.
• Drag His Body: Once he is unconscious, you need to grab his body and drag it. Stand over him and press the action button to pick him up.

3. The Locker Room and the Cutscene

The final and most important step is to drag Raikov’s body to the locker room to trigger the cutscene where Snake takes his uniform. You do not need to place his body in a specific locker yourself. You just need to bring him to the correct area.

• Find the Locker Room: The locker room is located on the second floor, in the southern part of the room. It has a distinctive red stripe on the locker door where you will place his body.
• Drag Raikov to the Locker Room: Carefully drag Raikov’s body to the locker room. Once you get close enough to the correct set of lockers, a cutscene will automatically trigger.

In the cutscene, Snake will place Raikov’s body inside the locker and take his uniform and mask, which you can now use as a new disguise. This disguise will allow you to pass through the heavily guarded areas of Groznyj Grad and progress the story. The locker will also contain a secret bonus item if you return to it later in the game. With the uniform in hand, you are now ready to continue your mission to rescue Sokolov and infiltrate the heart of Volgin’s fortress.