MGS Games: Dive into the Chronological Saga

The iconic Metal Gear saga, a masterclass in espionage thrillers from Hideo Kojima and Konami, boasts some of gaming's most memorable moments. From Snake's daring ascent to Shadow Moses's rainy cliffs to the climactic student-mentor showdown in Snake Eater, the series pushed gaming's narrative and technical boundaries across multiple console generations. Solid Snake and Big Boss's adventures are legendary, frequently cited among the medium's most influential titles.

Kojima's departure from Konami in 2015, following Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, seemingly concluded the franchise. However, Konami's revival efforts, including re-releases and remakes like the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, introduce a new wave of players to this world of covert operations, government conspiracies, and charismatic, eyepatched operatives. This guide chronologically orders the Metal Gear Solid series, catering to both newcomers and seasoned fans.

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Chronological Play OrderRelease Order Play OrderHow Many Metal Gear Games Exist?

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Excluding remakes, ports, and remasters, the Metal Gear universe comprises 17 games: 11 core entries, five handheld titles, and one mobile game. While extensive, a significant portion is considered non-canon, diverging from the main storyline with unique interpretations of the universe.

Metal Gear Survive (2018), set in a zombie-infested apocalypse, is outside the main canon. The PSP's Metal Gear: Acid and Metal Gear: Acid 2 offer alternate timelines. Metal Gear: Ghost Babel (Game Boy Color) presents an alternate universe, disregarding Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. Metal Gear Mobile and Snake's Revenge are officially deemed non-canon.

This leaves 11 games forming the core storyline, spanning from an alternate 1960s to the late 2010s.

Where to Begin Your Metal Gear Journey?

Two entry points are recommended. For the complete saga, the 2023 Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 offers the best versions of Metal Gear Solid 1-3. Alternatively, for a more modern experience, start with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

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Metal Gear Games: Chronological Order

(Mild spoilers ahead)

1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

This Cold War-era prequel, soon to receive a modern remake, follows Naked Snake's mission to extract a Soviet scientist, only to uncover his mentor, The Boss's, betrayal. His subsequent survival, mission to eliminate The Boss, and the ensuing revelations shape his transformation into Big Boss.

Read our Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Review or see updates about the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake.

2. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops

Six years later, Big Boss confronts his rogue FOX Unit, clearing his name and acquiring resources that ultimately contribute to the creation of FOXHOUND.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops.

3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Four years on, Big Boss, having left FOXHOUND and the Patriots, leads MSF against the Peace Sentinels and their nuclear-capable Peace Walker mech, uncovering further connections to The Boss and Cipher.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

4. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes

This prologue to The Phantom Pain sees Big Boss rescuing Paz, only to face a devastating attack on Motherbase by Skull Face's XOF.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes.

5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Nine years later, a wounded Big Boss (Venom Snake) leads the Diamond Dogs against Skull Face and his parasitic weapon, ultimately paving the way for Outer Heaven.

Read our review of Metal Gear 5: The Phantom Pain.

6. Metal Gear

Eleven years after The Phantom Pain, Solid Snake's first mission involves infiltrating Outer Heaven to destroy Metal Gear. His confrontation with Big Boss reveals the latter's role in the conflict.

Read our review of Metal Gear.

7. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake

Four years later, Snake confronts Big Boss and his new Metal Gear in Zanzibar Land.

See more about Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake.

8. Metal Gear Solid

Six years after Metal Gear 2, Snake battles the rogue FOXHOUND at Shadow Moses, facing off against Ocelot, Psycho Mantis, Grey Fox, and Liquid Snake.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid or see more of the best PS1 games.

9. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Two years later, Snake investigates Metal Gear Ray's theft, followed by Raiden's mission at Big Shell, revealing the Patriots' machinations and Ocelot's connection to Liquid Snake.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty or check out more of the best PS2 games.

10. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Three years later, an aging Solid Snake ("Old Snake") undertakes his final mission against Liquid Ocelot and the Patriots.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.

11. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Four years after Metal Gear Solid 4, Raiden, now a cyborg, confronts Desperado Enforcement and their dark secrets.

Read our review of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.

Metal Gear Games: Release Order

Metal Gear (1987)Snake’s Revenge (1990)Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1990)Metal Gear Solid (1998)Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel (2000)Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001)Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)Metal Gear Solid: Acid (2004)Metal Gear Solid: Acid 2 (2005) Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (2006) Metal Gear Solid: Mobile (2008) Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008) Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010) Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (2013) Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (2014) Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015) Metal Gear Survive (2018)Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater (2025)

The Future of Metal Gear

While the series' future seemed uncertain, Konami confirmed a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, slated for release on August 28, 2025. The possibility of further remakes remains open, contingent on player demand.