The specific firearm carried by the character Solid Snake varies throughout the Metal Gear series. For instance, in the original Metal Gear, he frequently uses a suppressed Heckler & Koch USP. His arsenal often includes other weapons like assault rifles, shotguns, and sniper rifles, but a handgun typically serves as his reliable sidearm. The selection of weaponry available reflects both the game’s setting and the mission’s requirements.
Knowing the character’s standard armament is crucial for understanding gameplay mechanics and tactical approaches. The choice of sidearm often influences stealth and close-quarters combat scenarios. It can impact factors like ammo capacity, rate of fire, and stopping power, each affecting player strategies. This attention to detail contributes to the series’ immersive realism and tactical depth. From the earliest entries, the developers have aimed to ground the gameplay in plausible military hardware.