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Mgsv: camouflage system lacks depth despite game's greatness

MGSV | Camouflage System Lags Behind Fun Stealth Gameplay

By

Emma Turner

Jan 4, 2026, 11:13 AM

Edited By

Carlos Gomez

3 minutes of duration

A character in MGSV using camouflage to blend into the environment while crouching in a grassy area during gameplay.
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A section of the MGSV community is crying foul over the gameโ€™s camouflage system, stating it falls short of full potential. Despite players logging thousands of hours and enjoying an expansive, replayable sandbox, frustrations around the camouflage mechanics persist, highlighting a missed opportunity in stealth capabilities.

What Players Are Saying

Many players like one with 600 hours in MGSV think highly of the gameโ€™s mechanics but criticize the lack of variety in the camouflage options. Currently, the choices boil down to binary options: either fully camouflaged or not. This has led to a uniform approach where players simply switch between a few available patterns based on their environmentโ€”Desert Fox for Afghanistan, Woodland for Africa, and Square for urban settings.

โ€œIt feels very underwhelming,โ€ one player noted, emphasizing the straightforwardness of the camouflage choices.

The Case for Depth in Camouflage

In earlier installments of the series, the camouflage systems allowed for more dynamic gameplay. For example, the camouflage from MGS3 provided multiple layers of strategy, pushing players to adapt their gear constantly. As one fan observed, the camo in MGSV lacks nuance, making experimentation less enticing.

Further discussions revealed that if players change their uniforms, it doesn't significantly impact stealth mechanics. One commenter stated, "Using camo that matches the terrain type in MGSV makes a minor change to detection range," pointing out little incentive to explore varied camo options.

Some players argue for a revamped camo index, which would help users understand the effectiveness of their chosen attire based on the surrounding environment. One fan mentioned,

"A camo index would have also gone a long way to inform the player whether youโ€™re on the correct surface."

Sentiment Among Players

Responses varied, but itโ€™s clear sentiment towards the camouflage system resonates negatively. The frustration lies not just in the systemโ€™s limitations but in the lost potential to elevate the stealth experience.

โ€œWith a deeper camouflage system, stealth gameplay could have been even more interesting and varied,โ€ expressed a concerned long-time player.

Key Insights

  • โšก 600 Hours in MGSV: One player logged this extensive gaming time, celebrating its fun but critiquing the camo system.

  • ๐Ÿฅฑ Binary Camouflage: Current choices reduce strategy, limiting player adaptation.

  • โœ… MGS3 Comparison: Previous games offered layered camouflage, leading to more interesting gameplay.

  • โ“ Could MGSV have benefitted from a more nuanced camo system?

This ongoing discussion among players signifies the communityโ€™s desire for deeper mechanics, emphasizing the value of a more sophisticated camouflage system in enhancing gameplay.MGSV's potential could have reached new heights with better camouflage choices.

Game Mechanics on the Horizon

Looking ahead, thereโ€™s a strong chance that the developers will revisit the camouflage system in future updates or sequels. The feedback from dedicated players highlights a clear desire for more options, and with the game's legacy firmly rooted in adapting mechanics, one can estimate around a 70% probability for a revamp. As gaming communities increasingly value depth and strategy, the popularity of stealth elements suggests that players will keep pushing for enhancements. If the developers take this feedback seriously, it may pave the way for an explosion of creativity in the series, making the stealth experience richer and more engaging.

History Echoing

An interesting parallel can be seen in the evolution of military strategy in gaming. When tactical shooters like "Rainbow Six" first emerged, they were groundbreaking due to their strategic depth and realism. However, as gameplay evolved, some titles moved towards simplistic mechanics, causing frustration among fans yearning for the complexity of earlier games. This cycle underscores a unique dynamic where innovation often leads to stripped-down systems that lose their original charm. Just as those players clamored for more nuanced options, todayโ€™s MGSV community reflects that same impulse for substance over surface, reminding us that the core experience of strategy shouldnโ€™t be overlooked amid the excitement of new features.