Newly discovered Metal Gear Solid 3 glitch lets players skip the ladder sequence

This feels very wrong

Sometimes, in the effort to go fast, we don’t ask if we should go fast. Case-in-point: a newly discovered Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater glitch that, when properly executed, skips its infamous ladder sequence.

MGS3 and Tomb Raider speedrunner “apel” showcased the glitch on social media today. They approach the ladder, flipping through their menu as they go. Then, at the base, they do some wall-hugging, followed by a few menu selections.

Then, suddenly, Snake T-poses and rockets towards the camera. Rather than put hand over hand, foot over foot as the Snake Eater theme echoes throughout the maw below, he simply ascends.

New MGS3 glitch, ladder skip pic.twitter.com/iyJqvP5Gma

— apel (@apel__) April 12, 2022

You can find the clip on Twitter here, and also on YouTube. In a follow-up tweet, apel clarifies that any three food items will work for the trick. It doesn’t have to be snakes. They also say this is currently only possible in multi-segment runs, though they emphasize “currently.”

Not for honor, but for you

I’m happy for the speedrunners, but wow. I did not know a man rocketing up a tunnel in a T-pose could make me feel emotions about the song Snake Eater.

The ladder sequence is probably one of the most famous parts of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, a game chock full of incredible moments. It’s haunting, beautiful, and bizarre.

When speedrunners have showcased MGS3 at events like Games Done Quick in the past, the ladder sequence has always been a fun lull. Maybe there will be a Snake Eater incentive at future events?

Silly qualms aside, it’s always cool to see runners and glitch-hunters find new ways to break games. Sometimes, even casual players and streamers accidentally find new ways to go fast. And following the sometimes-rapid evolution of runs is always a good time.

The ladder may be skippable, but it will never be forgotten.