Konami’s highly anticipated remake, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, is set to launch later this month, and the excitement is palpable. As one of the most visually ambitious projects using Unreal Engine 5, a common question among PC gamers is whether their current setup is ready for the jungle. With the hardware market defined by NVIDIA’s full RTX 50-series rollout and AMD’s new Ryzen 9000-series CPUs, let’s break down the official requirements and help you decide if it’s time to upgrade.
The Official Requirements: A Realistic Look
Konami has already published the official PC system requirements on the game’s Steam page, and they’re surprisingly approachable. While the game looks stunning, the recommended specs don’t require the absolute latest and greatest hardware on the market.
Minimum Requirements:
- CPU: Intel i5-8600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super (8GB)
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 100 GB (SSD Recommended)
Recommended Requirements:
- CPU: Intel i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 100 GB (SSD Recommended)
As you can see, the game is built to scale. The recommended GPU, an NVIDIA RTX 3080, is a high-end card from a few years ago. This is great news for a vast number of gamers who already have powerful systems. You’re not being forced to buy the newest hardware just to run the game at a solid framerate. The recommended CPUs are similarly well-established. If your PC is a few years old but was top-of-the-line back then, you’re likely in a good position.
An important note is the storage requirement. The official specs recommend an SSD, and for a game of this scope, it’s virtually a necessity. Running the game from a traditional HDD could lead to slow loading times, texture pop-in, and other performance issues. If you don’t have an SSD, this is a highly recommended and relatively inexpensive upgrade.
The Hardware Market in August 2025
The PC hardware scene is buzzing with new releases, giving you plenty of options if you do decide to upgrade.
GPUs: Is a 50-Series Necessary?
NVIDIA’s new RTX 50-series GPUs are now fully available, from the high-end RTX 5090 down to the more accessible RTX 5060. These cards are based on the new Blackwell architecture and offer massive performance gains, especially with ray tracing and the new DLSS 4 technology.
However, based on the official recommendations, an RTX 50-series card is not a must-have for MGS Delta. An RTX 4070 Ti Super (from the previous generation) or an RTX 4080 would provide a stellar experience at 1440p or 4K. If you’re building a new PC or looking for the best of the best, a card like the RTX 5070 Ti is an incredible choice that will future-proof your system for years to come.
For those on a tighter budget, a discounted RTX 40-series card or even a new RTX 5060 can offer a significant upgrade over the recommended RTX 3080. The game’s engine is well-optimized, so you’ll be able to enjoy the game’s beauty without needing to spend a fortune.
CPUs: The Ryzen 9000 Effect
AMD’s new Zen 5-based Ryzen 9000-series CPUs were released at the end of July. These processors, including the new X3D models with expanded V-Cache, deliver impressive gains in gaming performance.
For MGS Delta, however, a CPU upgrade is likely unnecessary for most people. The recommended CPUs are from several years ago, indicating that the game is not particularly CPU-bound. If your PC currently has a Ryzen 5 3600 or an Intel i7-8700K, you’re already set.
An upgrade would primarily benefit those who are building a new system from scratch. A Ryzen 7 9700X or an Intel Core i7-15700K would be perfect for a new build, offering top-tier performance not just for gaming but also for streaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks. For an existing setup, a CPU upgrade would likely be overkill for this specific title.
Should You Upgrade? A Decision Matrix
To help you decide, here’s a simple breakdown based on your current PC hardware.
- You meet or exceed the recommended specs (e.g., have an RTX 3080 or better):
- Verdict: No upgrade needed. Your system is more than capable of running the game at high settings and a smooth framerate. Save your money for the next big title.
- You meet the minimum specs (e.g., have an RTX 2060 Super):
- Verdict: Consider a GPU upgrade. You can play the game, but you might need to lower some settings. A mid-range GPU from the RTX 40 or 50-series, like a GeForce RTX 4060 Ti or a new RTX 5060, would offer a massive performance boost and let you crank up the visual settings.
- You fall below the minimum specs:
- Verdict: It’s time to upgrade. Your current hardware will struggle to run the game smoothly. Focus on a new graphics card as your priority. For a well-rounded system, a GeForce RTX 4070 or an AMD Radeon RX 8700 XT would be an excellent choice, providing a great balance of performance and price. You should also invest in an SSD if you don’t already have one.
For those who decide to upgrade, here are some options to consider:
- Graphics Cards:
- High-End: The new GeForce RTX 5070 Ti offers a fantastic leap in performance for those building a new rig.
- Mid-Range: The RTX 4070 remains a powerful and more affordable option for 1440p gaming.
- SSDs:
- A 1TB NVMe SSD is an affordable and essential upgrade for any modern PC. The speed will significantly improve your gaming experience, not just for MGS Delta but for all your games.
Final Verdict
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is an incredible-looking game, but it’s clear that the developers have prioritized accessibility for PC players. For many, a full system upgrade is not necessary. Instead of rushing to buy the latest hardware, take a look at the official specs, check what’s inside your case, and decide from there. You might find that your current setup is already more than capable of handling Operation Snake Eater.
