The Metal Gear Solid series, created by Hideo Kojima and Konami, is a cornerstone of gaming history, delivering unforgettable moments—from Solid Snake’s tense ascent on Shadow Moses Island to the emotional duel between teacher and student in Snake Eater. This franchise is renowned for its intricate storytelling and cinematic gameplay, making it a pivotal part of the gaming landscape that has influenced countless developers and titles.
In 2015, the release of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain seemed to mark the end of this legendary series, especially with Kojima parting ways with Konami to establish his own studio. However, the series has seen a resurgence, with new remakes and re-releases, including the much-anticipated Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater set to launch soon. With many newcomers diving into this complex world of espionage, government conspiracies, and larger-than-life characters, we present a guide to playing the Metal Gear Solid series in chronological order for both new players and returning fans.
Jump to:
– How to Play in Chronological Order
– How to Play by Release Order
How Many Metal Gear Solid Games Are There?
Excluding remakes, ports, or remasters, the Metal Gear franchise comprises a total of 17 titles. This includes 11 mainline games, five handheld entries, and one mobile game. While this may seem extensive, several titles are considered non-canon as they diverge from the main storyline and explore alternate narratives within the universe.
For instance, Metal Gear Survive (2018) is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by a zombie virus, placing it outside the main canon. The PSP titles Metal Gear: Acid and Metal Gear: Acid 2 also tell entirely different stories and are thus treated as spin-offs. Similarly, the Game Boy Color title Metal Gear: Ghost Babel is an alternate-universe sequel that disregards the events of Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. Other non-canonical games include Metal Gear Mobile and Snake’s Revenge, which have been dismissed by both the community and Kojima himself.
This leaves us with 11 key games that form the core narrative of the Metal Gear saga, spanning from a fictionalized 1960s to the late 2010s. Let’s delve into the chronological order of these essential titles.
Which Metal Gear Should You Play First?
For those eager to explore the complete saga, we suggest starting with the 2023 release of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, which features the best versions of Metal Gear Solid 1 through 3. If you’re less familiar with older titles and prefer a more modern experience, consider diving into Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain as your entry point.
Metal Gear Games in Chronological Order
*Note: The following summaries contain mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and plot developments.*
1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
This title serves as the beginning of the saga, set during the Cold War. Players follow Naked Snake, a U.S. Special Forces operative, on a mission to extract a Russian scientist while facing off against his former mentor, The Boss, who has defected to the Soviet side. The story culminates in Naked Snake’s transformation into Big Boss, leading to his disillusionment with the government.
2. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
Set six years after Snake Eater, this game focuses on Big Boss as he confronts the rogue FOX Unit and attempts to clear his name after being accused of treason. The story explores his motivations and foreshadows the formation of FOXHOUND.
3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Four years post-Portable Ops, Big Boss has formed a new mercenary group, Militaires Sans Frontières (MSF). The narrative follows his battle against a militia in Costa Rica, revealing connections to his past and culminating in a confrontation with a former ally.
4. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
Serving as a prologue to The Phantom Pain, this title sees Big Boss attempting to rescue Paz from the clutches of a nefarious organization. The game sets the stage for the subsequent events that devastate MSF and change Big Boss’s life forever.
5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Nine years later, players experience Big Boss’s awakening in a hospital, leading him to form a new mercenary group, Diamond Dogs. The narrative follows his quest for vengeance against the organization that destroyed MSF, revealing his plans to establish a military nation.
6. Metal Gear
Set 11 years after The Phantom Pain, this game introduces Solid Snake as he infiltrates Outer Heaven to stop a new weapon, Metal Gear. The story explores his confrontation with Big Boss, who serves as both mentor and antagonist.
7. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
Taking place four years after the first game, Solid Snake returns to face Big Boss, who is once again pursuing the construction of a new Metal Gear. The game delves into themes of loyalty and betrayal as Snake battles to stop a new threat.
8. Metal Gear Solid
Six years later, Solid Snake is tasked with stopping a rogue FOXHOUND unit on Shadow Moses Island. The game features intense confrontations with familiar faces and culminates in a dramatic showdown.
9. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Two years after Solid Snake’s mission, the story shifts to Raiden, who is sent to infiltrate a hijacked facility while uncovering a conspiracy involving the Sons of Liberty. The narrative explores themes of identity and control.
10. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
This title marks Solid Snake’s final mission, as he battles against aging and a new threat posed by Liquid Ocelot. The game ties up many loose threads in the saga, offering emotional farewells to beloved characters.
11. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Set four years after Guns of the Patriots, Raiden, now a cyborg, embarks on a mission to confront a new military group and uncover dark secrets. This game shifts the focus from stealth to action-packed combat.
How to Play the Metal Gear Games by Release Date
1. Metal Gear (1987)
2. Snake’s Revenge (1990)
3. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1990)
4. Metal Gear Solid (1998)
5. Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel (2000)
6. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001)
7. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)
8. Metal Gear Solid: Acid (2004)
9. Metal Gear Solid: Acid 2 (2005)
10. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (2006)
11. Metal Gear Solid: Mobile (2008)
12. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008)
13. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010)
14. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (2013)
15. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (2014)
16. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015)
17. Metal Gear Survive (2018)
18. Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater (2025)
What’s Next for Metal Gear?
After a prolonged silence, Konami has confirmed a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, set for release on August 28, 2025. This modern reimagining seeks to capture the essence of Naked Snake’s legendary story while offering enhanced gameplay.
While there is no official word on new original Metal Gear titles without Hideo Kojima, the developer behind the upcoming remake has hinted that they are open to considering remakes of other titles in the series based on player demand.
For more gaming lists, check out our guides on Assassin’s Creed Games in Order and Far Cry Games in Order.
Callum Williams is a freelance media writer with extensive experience in game criticism, news reporting, and features writing.
