What You’ll Need
- Brown High Roller Pull-Back Wig
- Black Eye Patch
- Shemagh Scarf in Desert Tan
- Men’s ACU Coat in MultiCam
- Men’s ACU Trousers in MultiCam
- Green Tactical Belt
- Black Tactical Chest Rig
- Black Fingerless Tactical Gloves
- Foldout Medical Bag in Olive Green
- Canteen Kit in Olive Drab
- Tactical Leg Holster in Olive Drab
- Black Stretchy Pullover Knee Support Brace
- Diamond Dogs Iron-On Patch
- Combat Boots in Black and Olive Drab
- Iron Man Plastic Gauntlet Glove
- Dark Red Spray Paint
- Black Spray Paint
Venom Snake‘s combat fatigues blend functional military surplus with the battered, utilitarian silhouette of a mercenary commander operating in harsh desert terrain. The foundation relies on modern field camouflage paired with asymmetrical field equipment, weathered straps, and a heavily customized left arm.
Getting the proportions right comes down to how the field jacket, chest harness, and web gear sit against the body. Snake rarely wears his gear neat or parade-ready; his sleeves stay rolled up past the elbows, pouches hang weighted on his hips, and his desert scarf sits loosely gathered around the collar.
Base Fatigues and Diamond Dogs Insignia
The core uniform uses standard MultiCam ACU trousers and a matching coat. In Metal Gear Solid V, the pattern mimics standard desert and arid operational camouflage, broken up by heavy shadows and dust. For the coat, roll the sleeves tightly above the forearms to leave room for the bionic arm on the left and a tactical glove on the right. Blousing the trousers into the boots or letting them fall naturally over the collars keeps the lower half functional.
The unit insignia is central to the uniform. Position a Diamond Dogs Iron-On Patch on the upper left shoulder of the coat. If the coat features Velcro panels, attaching hook-and-loop backing to the patch makes placement simple; otherwise, hand-stitching the edges ensures it stays secured through hours of movement.
Rigging the Harness, Belt, and Field Gear
Snake carries an extensive loadout distributed across a web belt and upper torso harness. A black tactical chest rig provides the front magazine pouches and cross-back straps that sit over the coat. Adjust the shoulder tension so the rig rests high across the chest rather than drooping around the stomach, leaving the waistline clear for the belt line.
Thread a green tactical belt through the waist or wear it as a dedicated equipment belt over the coat hem. The right side holds a tactical leg holster in olive drab, secured around the upper thigh with dual straps. Balance the left hip with a foldout medical bag in olive green, while mounting an olive drab canteen kit along the rear quarter. Keeping the bulk distributed evenly around the waist prevents the rig from shifting while walking.
Footwear and Asymmetrical Leg Support
For footwear, combat boots in black and olive drab anchor the lower half. The boots should handle substantial walking, as Snake’s stance is heavy and grounded.
A distinctive visual detail of Snake’s field gear is the external brace worn on his left leg. Pull a black stretchy pullover knee support brace over the left trouser leg, positioning it around the knee joint. This deliberate asymmetry separates the character’s silhouette from standard military costuming.
Modifying the Bionic Arm
The crimson prosthetic arm is Snake’s most prominent focal point. Building one from scratch can be time-consuming, but an Iron Man plastic gauntlet glove provides an effective rigid plastic shell to modify. The gauntlet already shares the segmented forearm plating and articulated knuckles needed for a mechanical limb.
Sand the glossy surface lightly to help paint adhere, then tape off the wrist and inner mechanical segments. Apply dark red spray paint across the main forearm shell, mimicking the deep, slightly muted crimson seen on the default prosthetic. Once cured, mask the red panels and spray the undercarriage, joints, and wrist cuff with black spray paint. Weathering the edges with a dry brush and metallic acrylic gives the arm a chipped, battle-tested appearance. On the opposite hand, wear a black fingerless tactical glove to maintain dexterity while handling props.
Eyepatch, Scarf, and Hairstyle
Snake’s facial styling requires three coordinated elements: his facial hair, the eyepatch, and his loose desert shemagh. The black eye patch covers his right eye. Unlike generic pirate patches, Snake’s eyepatch features three distinct thin straps: two angling across the forehead and temples, and one wrapping straight back. Adjusting the elastic tension keeps the cup flush without pinching the skin.
Drape a desert tan shemagh scarf around the neck in a loose triangular fold. The fabric should bunch loosely beneath the chin and over the chest rig straps without obstructing the collar.
A brown high roller pull-back wig handles Snake’s weathered mullet. The front bangs should fall somewhat messy around the forehead and eyepatch straps, while the longer rear sections gather into a short, utilitarian half-ponytail at the nape of the neck.
