The best Metal Gear Solid games are a topic that many in gaming discuss from time to time. The series has a collection of hits, one of the few in which there isn’t really a bad title to play. While they might not be for everyone, they are fantastic games that redefined gaming. And one that players should absolutely dive into if they haven’t already. With the recent announcement of MGS4 and Peace Walker coming to modern consoles, it’s the perfect time to catch up on the series. And while we know when certain games take place, playing them is still a good idea. However, if you don’t want to dive into them all, we present the best Metal Gear Solid games overall. That way, you know which ones you pick and play first if you want.
The Best Metal Gear Solid Games, Ranked
9. Metal Gear (1987)
Metal Gear is the first entry in the entire series. While you should never forget your roots, this entry right off the bat feels dated. The gameplay is stiff, and the story is very basic. It’s the first adventure of Solid Snake. The game has a lot of firsts, like introducing the alert and CODEC systems. But compared to later titles in the series, its purpose feels very straightforward as time has gone forward. Metal Gear simply bridges the gap between events in the Metal Gear series. However, it should be played, especially if you are looking to explore more of the lore of the main storyline.
8. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (2014)
Players in 2014 got to experience Ground Zeroes, a prequel to MGSV: The Phantom Pain. It showed the great advances in both gameplay for the series, plus the performance. Along with the casting of Kiefer Sutherland as Snake, it was an exciting entry. However, it started to lose its magic with being only a couple of hours long, if that. Snake must infiltrate a Cuban military base to rescue hostages being kept there. That’s it with the story. You embark on missions to that area, but experience the small map over and over again. After a couple of missions, it became very apparent that Ground Zeroes felt like a tech demo for The Phantom Pain. A full-sized game that would release just a year after this entry.
7. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1990)
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake may be an early 8-bit entry, but it is a fun time. It’s essentially an earlier version of Metal Gear Solid, but in 2D. Players step into the shoes of Solid Snake once again, as he heads to Zanzibar Land to rescue a scientist. The game’s early stealth mechanics and boss fights made it a standout on the MSX2. With players needing to backtrack to get key items to progress, the game showcased the aspect of exploring the entire game’s map. While the game is a strong win for retro fans, it may be a bit harder to get into right off the bat.
6. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010)
Taking place after Snake Eater, players see Naked Snake (now Big Boss) in Costa Rica. Disheartened by taking down his mentor, Snake aims to make a change. He establishes the Militaires Sans Frontières (Soldiers Without Borders) PMC group. Working to give soldiers a home and better the world. However, when a group called the Peace Sentinels works to create tension between the East and West, Snake must stop them. Peace Walker brought both the main missions that players selected and the army management mode, “Mother Base.” Additionally, it featured multiplayer with both online co-op and versus modes for players to test their skills in. The game offered a good amount of content, all the while being on a PSP. However, its story and side missions, called Extra Ops, were lacking greatly.
5. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001)
Sons of Liberty was a big change for many players of the series. Splitting up the game with two protagonists, both Solid Snake and Raiden. While it was received both positively and negatively, the story is fantastic. With many subjects being things that are currently hot topics, such as AI usage. From a tanker ship in New York to the behemoth Big Shell plant, players work to stop Solidus Snake’s stranglehold on the facility. Some parts of the game may feel like they overstay their welcome. And while the game’s graphics surpass those of its predecessor, it isn’t quite as groundbreaking.
4. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015)
The last developed game for the mainline series, The Phantom Pain, changed the formula to open-world missions. Not only that, but the way the stealth works with needing to plan missions for specific times is huge. An example is that you need to do operations at night, as it’s harder for the enemy to see you. Plus, the ability to start missions while still on the map cut down on some loading times, making a more seamless experience. While the storyline is much darker than other entries, it slightly lacks in the final act. However, still a great stealth game and a good Metal Gear Solid entry.
3. Metal Gear Solid (1998)
The first entry in the “Solid” games of the series is iconic. Moments like the Psycho Mantis fight, reading your memory card, and commenting on it. Or the sounds of Snake’s footsteps change depending on whether you walk on snow or metal. The game was a massive shock (in a positive way) to gaming when it hit the PlayStation. While the game has retro graphics, it still holds up today as an integral gaming experience. More so, it was one of the first games to bring a fresh narrative to the spy-action genre and had infamous fourth-wall breaks. A year later, players got to experience the VR Missions expansion to the game, bringing fun challenges separate from the story.
2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)
To many players, Snake Eater is a classic and iconic title. It showcases the incredible spy-like story of Naked Snake as he works to prevent the Cold War from turning into a very hot one. To do so, he must defeat both Colonel Volgin and his former mentor, The Boss. Along the way, fighting her unique squad of warriors called The Cobras. Traverse thick jungles and heavily guarded fortresses as you aim to rescue a scientist and finish your mission. Snake Eater is non-stop action and spy cinema from the opening scene to the end credits. A great way to start the series in chronological order. Additionally, if you are looking to experience a modern version of the game,
1. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008)
The conclusion to the Snake saga is Kojima’s masterpiece. Players go on a globe-trotting adventure to stop Liquid from enacting his insurrection against The Patriots. The game brought in unique features like the Octo Camo suit and the iPod. Allowing you to not only blend in to any environment but also jam out to catchy tunes. Plus, the game has five acts in which you will come across both new and familiar locations. While there are great stories in the series, seeing Solid Snake in this final mission is one that caps off the series perfectly. And one that all players should experience. Lastly, nothing beats hearing the “Old Snake” tune when you load into the menu of the game. As a bonus, the inclusion of the Metal Gear Online mode gave players various PvP experiences. Ones that still have a lasting impression that players want to see again.
The Metal Gear series is massive. Spanning decades and various main story games, plus unique but not vital spinoffs. From fighting your mentor to your evil twin brothers, the story can be crazy sometimes. But what Hideo Kojima did was bring the gaming world a franchise that’s like no other. With volume 2 of the Master Collection coming out, players get to see the rollercoaster narrative it offers. Stretching from Metal Gear to Metal Gear Solid 5, there are great missions and adventures to explore. So make sure to dive in and see what games stick out to you.
