Achieving the Foxhound rank in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (MGS3) is one of the most prestigious accomplishments in the game. It’s not just about finishing the story—it’s about proving your mastery over stealth, speed, and discipline. Many players attempt it, but only a small percentage truly succeed because of the strict requirements involved.
If you’ve ever wondered how to earn this legendary rank, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From understanding the ranking system to step-by-step strategies, tips, and common mistakes to avoid, this is your ultimate resource for getting the Foxhound rank in MGS3.
What Is the Foxhound Rank in MGS3?
The Foxhound rank is the highest honor you can achieve in Metal Gear Solid 3. Named after Snake’s legendary special forces unit, it represents the peak of performance in stealth gameplay. Unlike casual playthroughs where mistakes are forgiven, this rank demands near-perfection.
To earn it, you must play the game under brutal restrictions:
- Complete the game on Extreme or European Extreme difficulty.
- Finish the entire game in under 5 hours.
- Trigger zero alerts during the run.
- Achieve zero kills (stamina kills for bosses only).
- Avoid continues—you must reload saves instead.
- Limit your number of saves.
- Do not use special items like Stealth Camo, EZ Gun, or Infinity Face Paint.
Sounds intense, right? That’s because it is. The Foxhound rank is a test of precision, patience, and mastery, making it one of the hardest achievements in the series.
Why Aim for the Foxhound Rank?
You may ask: “Why should I go through all this pain?”
Here’s why:
- Bragging Rights – Only elite players can say they’ve earned Foxhound. It’s a badge of honor in the MGS community.
- Skill Improvement – Attempting this run sharpens your stealth, speedrunning, and non-lethal takedown skills.
- Replay Value – It pushes you to explore shortcuts, mechanics, and strategies you may have ignored before.
- Legacy – Metal Gear Solid is about tactical espionage. Foxhound rank is the truest representation of that philosophy.
If you want the ultimate challenge in Snake Eater, this is it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieve Foxhound Rank in MGS3
Now, let’s break down each requirement and how to meet it.
1. Play on Extreme Difficulty
- You must choose Extreme or European Extreme.
- Enemy AI is sharper, detection is faster, and damage is harsher.
- Memorize guard patrols, camouflage effectiveness, and use distractions like magazines and empty shells.
Pro Tip: Start by practicing on Hard difficulty before attempting Extreme, so you get familiar with AI behavior.
2. No Kills – Use Non-Lethal Weapons Only
- You cannot kill any enemy, including bosses.
- Use the Mk22 tranquilizer gun for ranged takedowns.
- Master CQC (Close Quarters Combat) to subdue guards silently.
- For bosses, aim for their stamina bar rather than health.
Examples:
- The End → Stamina depletion with tranquilizer.
- The Fear → Poison food trick or Mk22 shots.
- The Boss → Perfect dodging and stamina depletion.
Warning: Even accidentally killing an enemy (like shooting too close with lethal ammo) ruins your run.
3. Zero Alerts – Be a Ghost
- If you enter Alert Phase, the run is invalid.
- Caution Phase is acceptable, but risky.
- Always use camouflage wisely depending on terrain.
- Crawl instead of running when guards are nearby.
- Use distractions: knock on walls, throw food, or use decoys.
Pro Tip: Equip the Directional Microphone to scout enemy movements before entering an area.
4. Speed Is Crucial – Under 5 Hours
- Cutscenes and Codec calls can be skipped, saving a lot of time.
- Learn the fastest routes for each section of the game.
- Avoid unnecessary exploration.
- Boss fights should be practiced repeatedly until you can clear them fast without mistakes.
Checkpoint Idea: Time yourself in each section. If you’re too slow, reload and practice until efficient.
5. No Continues
- If you die, reload your last save instead of selecting “Continue.”
- Keep multiple saves as backup points.
Pro Tip: Save before each boss fight and critical stealth section.
6. Limited Saves
- You’re allowed only a restricted number of saves.
- Save smartly: before bosses, before stealth-heavy zones, and before cutscene skips (in case you misclick).
7. No Special Items
- Stealth Camo, EZ Gun, or Infinity Face Paint disqualify your run.
- Rely purely on skill and standard items.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Route Planning: Watch speedruns to learn efficient routes.
- Boss Practice: Master stamina kill methods for each boss separately before starting your official run.
- Resource Management: Don’t waste suppressors—swap weapons to preserve them.
- Patience: If you mess up, restart. It’s better than completing a failed run.
- Mindset: Treat it like a marathon. Focus on small victories within the run.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Accidental Kills – A stray grenade or mistimed shot can ruin everything.
- Forgetting to Skip Cutscenes – Time matters, so always skip.
- Misusing Saves – Save wisely; don’t waste your limited quota.
- Panic During Alerts – If you trigger Alert Phase, restart immediately.
- Ignoring Stamina – Always focus on non-lethal methods for bosses.
Rewards for Foxhound Rank
While there are no in-game unlocks exclusive to Foxhound, the achievement itself is the reward. You gain:
- Recognition among MGS fans.
- Personal satisfaction of mastering one of the hardest challenges in gaming.
- The ability to call yourself a true stealth master.
FAQs – Foxhound Rank in MGS3
Q1. Can I earn Foxhound rank on Normal difficulty?
No, only Extreme or European Extreme difficulty qualifies.
Q2. What if I get Caution Phase but no Alert Phase?
That’s acceptable. Only full Alert Phase disqualifies your run.
Q3. Do tranquilizer kills count as kills?
No. Stamina kills are safe. Only reducing an enemy’s HP to zero counts as a kill.
Q4. How many saves am I allowed?
The exact number may vary depending on the version, but limit yourself to only essential saves.
Q5. Is the Foxhound rank harder than Big Boss rank?
Yes. Foxhound is widely considered one of the toughest ranks in the game.
Final Thoughts
Earning the Foxhound rank in MGS3 isn’t easy—it’s a challenge reserved for the most dedicated and skilled players. It requires precision, stealth, and speed that go far beyond a normal playthrough. From avoiding kills and alerts to finishing in under 5 hours, the requirements test every aspect of your gameplay.
But once you finally see that rank displayed on your results screen, you’ll know it was all worth it. It’s a badge of honor, proof that you’ve mastered Metal Gear Solid 3 in its purest form.
So prepare, practice, and step into the jungle with discipline. The Foxhound rank awaits.
Read Also: