In addition, he stated that this blood “won’t reset even he completes missions/sideOPS,” meaning the blood won’t just fade or disappear over time. You have to wash it off at portable showers in the Diamond Dogs HQ, Mother Base.

According to the Gamescom 2015 demo of Phantom Pain, showering off the blood and stink is far from just an aesthetic choice. If covered in blood and flies, Snake will be more fatigued, lowering his field performance. He will also have trouble interacting with his soldiers if he smells too bad.

With the addition of showers and IV drips to the usual first aid mechanics, managing Snake’s health will play a large part in the game.

Since it has also been announced that side missions sometimes work in tandem with Snake’s missions, it’s also safe to say that Snake getting knocked out of commission from excessive injuries may adversely affect the progress of the Diamond Dogs as a whole. Players will want to keep as much blood in Snake’s body as possible for everyone’s safety.

Just remember: covered in blood, rub-a-dub-dub.

If you’re eager to get your hands bloody, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain will be released soon - September 1st for both PC and console.