MGS Timeline: How to Play Metal Gear Solid Games in Order

From the iconic elevator ride to the rain-soaked cliffs of Shadow Moses to the intense showdown between student and mentor in Snake Eater, the Metal Gear series by Hideo Kojima and Konami has cemented itself as a landmark in gaming history. Spanning multiple console generations, the adventures of Solid Snake and Big Boss have not only pushed the creative boundaries of video games but have also been hailed as some of the most influential titles in the medium.

Although the franchise seemed to have concluded with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain in 2015, following Kojima's departure from Konami, the series has seen a revival through re-releases and remakes, including the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater set to release later this year. As new players dive into this world of espionage, conspiracy, and iconic characters, understanding the chronological order of the Metal Gear Solid series becomes essential for both newcomers and returning fans.

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How to play in chronological order
How to play by release order

How Many Metal Gear Solid Games Are There? ------------------------------------------

Every IGN Metal Gear Review

19 ImagesExcluding remakes, ports, and remasters, the Metal Gear series comprises 17 games in total: 11 mainline entries, five on handheld devices, and one on mobile. However, several of these are considered non-canon, diverging from the main storyline and exploring alternative narratives within the universe.

For instance, Metal Gear Survive (2018) ventures into an apocalyptic scenario with a zombie outbreak, clearly outside the main canon. The PSP titles Metal Gear: Acid and Metal Gear: Acid 2 also diverge, presenting alternate timelines. Metal Gear: Ghost Babel on the Game Boy Color offers an alternate-universe sequel that contradicts the events of Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, while Metal Gear Mobile and Snake's Revenge are similarly deemed non-canon.

This leaves 11 games that make up the core Metal Gear Saga, ranging from an alternate-history 1960s to the late 2010s. Here's a walkthrough of these games in chronological order.

Which Metal Gear Should You Play First?

For those eager to experience the full saga, we suggest starting with Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 from 2023, which includes the definitive versions of Metal Gear Solid 1–3. For those new to the series or less tolerant of older games, diving into the most recent entry, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, might be the best approach.

Prime Day Deal### Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 (PS5)

5See it at AmazonMetal Gear Games in Chronological Order

These summaries include light spoilers on characters, settings, and story elements.

1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Set during the Cold War, *Snake Eater* introduces us to Naked Snake, a US Special Forces operative tasked with rescuing a Russian scientist and preventing the creation of the Shagohod, a weapon of mass destruction. Betrayed by his mentor, The Boss, who has defected to the Soviets, Snake must navigate the jungle to confront her and dismantle the threat of nuclear war. By the game's end, Naked Snake earns the title of Big Boss, yet his disillusionment with his government grows.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater or get updates on the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake*.

2. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops

Six years after *Snake Eater*, *Portable Ops* sees Big Boss facing his former unit, FOX, which has gone rogue. Captured and accused of treason, he escapes to clear his name and thwart the ambitions of their leader, Gene, who plans to create a mercenary nation called Army's Heaven. Big Boss's success leads to the formation of the special ops unit, FOXHOUND.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops*.

3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Four years later, *Peace Walker* finds Big Boss and Kazuhira Miller leading Militaires Sans Frontières (MSF), a mercenary force defending vulnerable nations. Their mission in Costa Rica leads them to confront the Peace Sentinels, who possess a nuclear-capable mech, the Peace Walker. Big Boss uncovers connections to his past, including the mysterious involvement of The Boss, and faces Paz, an agent of the shadowy Cipher.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker*.

4. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes

Shortly after *Peace Walker*, *Ground Zeroes* serves as a prelude to *The Phantom Pain*. Big Boss attempts to rescue Paz from Cipher's Camp Omega, only to encounter the sadistic Skull Face and his XOF unit. The mission ends in disaster as Motherbase is attacked, leaving Big Boss near death.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes*.

5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Nine years later, *The Phantom Pain* begins with a recuperating Big Boss forming the Diamond Dogs to combat XOF and Skull Face's plan to unleash a parasitic weapon. Under the codename Venom Snake, he sets the stage for the creation of Outer Heaven, a haven for soldiers free from governmental manipulation.

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

6. Metal Gear

Eleven years later, the original *Metal Gear* introduces Solid Snake, a FOXHOUND rookie tasked with infiltrating Outer Heaven to stop the construction of the titular mech, capable of launching nuclear attacks. Snake discovers Big Boss's involvement and confronts his mentor.

Read our review of Metal Gear*.

7. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake

Four years after, *Metal Gear 2* sees Solid Snake returning to action to thwart Big Boss's new Metal Gear in Zanzibar Land, battling through enemy forces to confront his former leader once more.

Learn more about Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake*.

8. Metal Gear Solid

Six years on, *Metal Gear Solid* sends Solid Snake to Shadow Moses to stop a rogue FOXHOUND threatening nuclear attack. He battles familiar faces like Revolver Ocelot and confronts Liquid Snake, escaping presumed death.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid* or explore more top PS1 games.

9. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Two years after *Metal Gear Solid*, *Sons of Liberty* introduces Raiden, a new protagonist infiltrating Big Shell to rescue the President from the Sons of Liberty. Solid Snake joins the fray, revealing his secret identity and their shared mission against the Patriots.

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

10. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Three years later, *Guns of the Patriots* marks Solid Snake's final mission as Old Snake, battling rapid aging due to cloning and the FOXDIE virus. His target is Liquid Ocelot, now leading a new Outer Heaven, as Snake confronts his past and destiny.

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

11. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Four years after *Guns of the Patriots*, *Revengeance* follows Raiden, now a cyborg, as he battles the private military group Desperado Enforcement. His quest for justice uncovers dark secrets and leads to a confrontation with Jet Stream Sam.

Read our review of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance*.

How to Play the Metal Gear Games by Release Date

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)

What’s Next for Metal Gear?

While the future of the Metal Gear series was uncertain after Kojima's departure, Konami has confirmed a remake of *Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater*, titled *Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater*, set to release on August 28, 2025. This modern reimagining promises to bring Naked Snake's epic journey to new audiences. As for new entries, Konami has not ruled out further remakes or original games, with Virtuous Studios indicating openness to player demand.

Metal Gear Games: Complete Playlist

Here's a comprehensive list of all standalone Metal Gear games and spin-offs, ordered by release. Log in to rank them, mark games as owned or completed, and plan your next gaming adventure.

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