%c News & Updates | r0751.com

The iconic Metal Gear saga, a masterpiece of espionage and thrilling action from Hideo Kojima and Konami, boasts some of gaming's most memorable moments. From Snake's daring ascent in Shadow Moses to the climactic 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, considered by many to be among the medium's most significant contributions.

Following Kojima's departure from Konami in 2015 and the seemingly conclusive Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Konami has revived the franchise with re-releases and remakes, including the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. This resurgence introduces a new wave of players to the world of covert operations, shadowy government conspiracies, and charismatic characters. To help both newcomers and seasoned fans navigate this rich universe, we present the chronological order of the main Metal Gear Solid series.

Jump to:

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

IGN Metal Gear Reviews

19 Images

Excluding remakes, ports, and remasters, the Metal Gear franchise comprises 17 games: 11 core entries, five handheld titles, and one mobile game. However, a significant portion are considered non-canon, diverging from the main storyline or presenting alternate interpretations of the universe.

Metal Gear Survive (2018), set in a zombie-infested post-apocalyptic world, 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 events from Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. Finally, Metal Gear Mobile and Snake's Revenge are officially deemed non-canon.

This leaves 11 games within the primary storyline, spanning a fictional alternate history from the 1960s to the late 2010s. Let's explore them chronologically.

Where to Begin Your Metal Gear Journey?

We suggest two starting points. For the complete saga, we recommend the 2023 Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, featuring the best versions of Metal Gear Solid 1-3. Alternatively, for a more modern entry point, begin with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

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

5See it at Amazon

The following summaries contain minor spoilers regarding characters, settings, and plot points.

1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

The earliest chronological entry and soon to receive a modern remake, Snake Eater follows Naked Snake, a US Special Forces operative during the Cold War. His mission: retrieve a rogue Soviet scientist to prevent the creation of the Shagohod, a weapon of mass destruction. He uncovers a shocking betrayal by his mentor, The Boss. Surviving a brutal encounter, Snake is tasked with eliminating The Boss while preventing nuclear war. His journey culminates in his transformation into Big Boss, a legendary soldier grappling with disillusionment.

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 after his battle with The Boss, Big Boss confronts the rogue FOX Unit. Captured and accused of treason, he must clear his name by hunting down his former comrades and their leader, Gene. He learns of Gene's ambition to create Army's Heaven, a mercenary nation, and secures the resources for his own future endeavors, ultimately forming FOXHOUND.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops.

3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Four years later, Big Boss, having left FOXHOUND and the Patriots, leads Militaires Sans Frontières (MSF) alongside Kazuhira Miller. They defend vulnerable nations against the Peace Sentinels, a militia wielding nuclear weapons and the powerful Peace Walker mech. Big Boss uncovers a connection to The Boss and confronts Paz, a Cipher agent.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

4. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes

Months after Peace Walker, this prologue to The Phantom Pain sees Big Boss rescuing Paz from Camp Omega, a Cipher base. He encounters XOF, led by Skull Face, and suffers a devastating attack on Motherbase.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes.

5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Nine years later, a wounded Big Boss, now Venom Snake, leads Diamond Dogs against the rogue XOF and their leader, Skull Face, who possesses a devastating parasitic weapon. The game concludes with Big Boss laying the groundwork for Outer Heaven.

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

6. Metal Gear

Eleven years later, Solid Snake, a FOXHOUND rookie under Big Boss, infiltrates Outer Heaven to destroy a Metal Gear capable of launching nuclear weapons. He confronts Big Boss, revealing the latter's role in Outer Heaven's creation.

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 later, Snake confronts the rogue FOXHOUND at Shadow Moses Island, battling its members and Liquid Snake, while uncovering a new Metal Gear threat.

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 a new Metal Gear, leading to a new mission for Raiden at the Big Shell, where he uncovers a conspiracy involving the Patriots and Liquid Ocelot.

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") embarks on his final mission to stop Liquid Ocelot and his new Outer Heaven.

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.

Read our review of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.

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 original Metal Gear titles remains uncertain without Kojima's involvement, Konami has confirmed Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake launching August 28, 2025. The developers have also indicated openness to remaking other Metal Gear games based on player demand.

Complete Metal Gear Playlist

This list showcases all standalone Metal Gear games and spin-offs in release order. You can log in to rank, mark ownership, track completion, and plan your next playthrough.

See All1