Injuries and wounds sustained through the new Battle Damage system could potentially affect Snake’s functions if not treated.

Konami’s Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is still a ways off (with a release date coming this year), but at least new details continue to trickle in. Several hands-on previews, including PlayStation Blog, noted the changes and improvements, including the new Battle Damage system.

As revealed previously, wounds and injuries are dynamically generated on Snake in the remake, carrying over between missions. Even after you treat them, they’ll be visible as scars and marks, with each player’s experience being different. Producer Noriaki Okamura said this will also “noticeably affect Snake, accentuating the original’s battle damage system.”

The site also teased that treating injuries is important to “keep Snake sharp.” While the gameplay implications have yet to be fully detailed, it seems to indicate dulled senses if you don’t apply medical attention. Perhaps there are other consequences, like open wounds leaking blood that can blow your cover if discovered by guards. Time will tell, so stay tuned for further details.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will launch for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.