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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Punished Snake” is a rare card of the Memes World series 71, number 21084 of the collection, and the 55th best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “Punished Snake” meme mean?
This format highlights the shock or absurdity of a character’s sudden visual transformation. It is used to mock controversial game designs or to add a dramatic, battle-hardened aesthetic to unrelated figures. The term implies suffering or endurance, often applied ironically to emphasize a rugged appearance.
Where does the “Punished Snake” meme come from?
The phenomenon began on June 10, 2013, during the Microsoft conference at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Konami presented an extended gameplay demo for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. At the end, Big Boss appeared with a mechanical arm, visible scars, an eye patch, and a metal shard resembling a horn. This presentation, followed by the upload of the demo video to YouTube on June 11, 2013, triggered immediate reactions. Fans dubbed this new look "Punished Snake." Although Konami later officially renamed the character "Venom Snake" for marketing purposes, the fan term persisted in meme culture. Visual edits emerged shortly after, though their exact first platform remains unknown.
- 2013Reveal of the new Big Boss design during the Microsoft E3 conference on June 10.
- 2013Upload of the gameplay demo video to YouTube by Konami on June 11.
- 2014Release of the parody video "Punished Kenny" on YouTube on May 19, illustrating the format usage.
How to use the “Punished Snake” meme
- Edit a cartoon character to wear an eye patch and have mechanical limbs like the Big Boss.
- Prefix a movie hero's name with "Punished" to exaggerate their toughness or trauma.
- Add scars and a metal shard to a real person's photo to mimic the 2013 redesign controversy.
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- Venom Snake
- Big Boss redesign
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- big boss redesign 2013
The “Punished Snake” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 21084 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare |
| Collection | Memes World series 71 |
| Fame | 73/100 · #55 of 300 |
| Recycle value | 10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Punished Snake” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Punished Snake comes out of the Memes World series 71 as a rare card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 10 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “Punished Snake”
More cards of the Memes World series 71
Frequently asked questions
What does Punished Snake mean?
It is the fan-given name for Big Boss in Metal Gear Solid V following his E3 2013 reveal. The nickname refers to his scarred and mechanically enhanced appearance shown in the trailer.
Where did the Punished Snake meme come from?
The meme stems from the trailer unveiled at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June 2013. The contrast between the old and new design inspired numerous visual parodies across the internet.
Who is Venom Snake?
Venom Snake is the official name Konami used to replace "Punished Snake" in the game's promotion. It refers to the main protagonist of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
When was Metal Gear Solid V released?
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain was released in 2015. The meme started circulating two years earlier, immediately after the trailer reveal at E3 2013.
How do I get the Punished Snake meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Punished Snake” is a rare card of the Memes World series 71. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Punished Snake card?
It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Punished Snake · Punished Trump | Punished Snake · Punished Snake - meme.com · checked on October 12, 2026.
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