The Metal Gear series, created by Hideo Kojima, is one of the most influential and groundbreaking franchises in video game history. Debuting in 1987, the series primarily revolves around stealth-based gameplay, where players control characters like Solid Snake and Big Boss, who undertake covert missions to stop global threats, often involving advanced military technology like the titular “Metal Gear” — a walking nuclear-equipped robot.
The series is known for its complex narratives, deep political themes, and philosophical exploration of war, freedom, and control. Metal Gear games often feature a mix of stealth, action, and cinematic storytelling, pushing the boundaries of game design and narrative structure.
Over the years, the franchise has expanded across various consoles, with key titles like Metal Gear Solid (1998) revolutionizing the stealth genre and becoming a cultural touchstone in gaming. Metal Gear is not just about gameplay — it’s a blend of interactive storytelling, character development, and innovative mechanics that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
Here is a list of the canonical Metal Gear games, in both production order and chronological order.
Production (Release Order)
1. Metal Gear
| Initial Release Date | July 13, 1987 |
| Developer | Konami |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Commodore 64 – Nintendo Entertainment System – MSX2 |
Metal Gear (1987) is the original game that introduced the franchise and is widely regarded as one of the first stealth-based action games. The player controls Solid Snake, a soldier tasked with infiltrating a fortress to neutralize the threat posed by a nuclear-armed walking tank called Metal Gear.
The game pioneered stealth gameplay, where the player avoids detection by enemy guards rather than engaging in direct combat. Using a top-down view, it offers a strategic layout where players must navigate environments, hide from enemies, and plan their moves carefully.
Players can acquire various items, such as weapons, rations, and equipment, to help with the mission. In addition to stealth, players must solve puzzles and find keys to access different areas of the game world. While combat is possible, it’s often riskier than avoiding detection, which encouraged a more strategic, cautious approach to gameplay.
2. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
| Initial Release Date | July 20, 1990 |
| Developer | Konami |
| Platform(s) | – MSX2 |
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1990) is the direct sequel to Metal Gear and a major leap forward in the series. The game refined the stealth mechanics introduced in the original, offering a more complex and interactive experience. Players control Solid Snake once again as he attempts to infiltrate an oil refinery in order to stop a new threat involving the powerful walking battle tank, Metal Gear.
This title features improved stealth elements, such as hiding in shadows, crawling, and evading security cameras and guards, which set the stage for the modern stealth genre. Additionally, Metal Gear 2 introduced new weapons and items, like tranquilizer guns and remote-controlled missiles, allowing for more tactical approaches to combat and stealth.
The game also expanded the narrative, diving deeper into political intrigue and character development, particularly with the introduction of Big Boss, who would play a crucial role in the series’ future. With its more intricate environments, enhanced AI, and deeper story, Metal Gear 2 is a clear improvement over its predecessor.
3. Metal Gear Solid
| Initial Release Date | September 3, 1998 |
| Developer | Konami |
| Platform(s) | – PC – PlayStation 1 |
Metal Gear Solid (1998) is a landmark title that revolutionized the stealth genre and solidified Metal Gear as a premier video game franchise. The game follows Solid Snake as he is called back into action to infiltrate a nuclear weapons disposal facility taken over by a rogue group of terrorists, led by his former mentor, Liquid Snake. Metal Gear Solid introduced refined stealth mechanics, where players could hide from enemies, use advanced tactics like crawling and holding up guards, and take advantage of the environment to remain undetected.
The game also featured engaging combat mechanics, with the option to use non-lethal methods, such as tranquilizer darts, to avoid unnecessary violence. Its groundbreaking use of 3D graphics and cinematic cutscenes provided a more immersive and cinematic experience, further enhanced by the game’s gripping narrative, which explored deep themes like nuclear proliferation, genetics, and the nature of war.
Metal Gear Solid also introduced memorable characters, like the eccentric Psycho Mantis and the iconic Revolver Ocelot, who would become staples in the series. With its combination of stealth, action, and storytelling, Metal Gear Solid became a defining game of its era and set new standards for interactive narrative in video games.
4. Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions
| Initial Release Date | June 24, 1999 |
| Developer | Konami |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 1 |
Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions (1999) is a spin-off game that focuses primarily on training and simulation scenarios set within the Metal Gear Solid universe. It serves as a companion piece to Metal Gear Solid, offering players an opportunity to hone their stealth skills through a variety of missions in a virtual reality environment.
The game includes over 300 missions, ranging from basic stealth tasks to more complex objectives, such as disarming bombs or completing challenges within a time limit. The gameplay emphasizes mastering the core mechanics of Metal Gear Solid, including evading enemy detection, utilizing the environment for cover, and using limited resources efficiently.
Additionally, VR Missions introduces several new types of challenges, including combat-oriented tasks that test the player’s ability to engage enemies effectively. Though it doesn’t advance the story, Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions provides a deeper dive into the tactical aspects of the Metal Gear universe and is a valuable training ground for players looking to improve their stealth skills. The game’s varied mission types and the introduction of new gameplay challenges made it a unique and enjoyable addition to the series.
5. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
| Initial Release Date | November 13, 2001 |
| Developer | Konami |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox – PlayStation 2 |
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001) is the highly anticipated sequel to Metal Gear Solid and a groundbreaking entry in the series. It introduces players to two protagonists: Solid Snake, who continues his quest against global threats, and Raiden, a new character whose story becomes central to the plot.
The game retains the stealth-based gameplay of its predecessor but introduces more dynamic mechanics, such as the ability to aim and shoot in a 3D environment, use new tools and weapons, and interact with the environment in more detailed ways.
Furthermore, Sons of Liberty features highly sophisticated AI, where enemies can detect players by sound, sight, or even behavior, pushing stealth to a new level. The narrative is deep and complex, with themes revolving around control, freedom, and the digital manipulation of information, making it a timely reflection on the post-9/11 world.
Sons of Liberty also introduced a more fluid and cinematic presentation, with intricate cutscenes, detailed character models, and a layered plot full of twists and turns. The game’s innovative use of stealth, combat, and storytelling, along with its groundbreaking visual fidelity and gameplay mechanics, made it a critical success and set a new standard for interactive narratives in video games.
6. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
| Initial Release Date | March 9, 2004 |
| Developer | Konami |
| Platform(s) | – GameCube |
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (2004), developed by Konami and Silicon Knights for the GameCube, is a remake of the original Metal Gear Solid from 1998. This updated version retains the core stealth gameplay and story of the original, where players control Solid Snake as he infiltrates a nuclear weapons facility to stop the threat of Metal Gear. However, The Twin Snakes enhances the experience with updated graphics, reworked controls, and additional features, including improved voice acting and cinematic cutscenes.
The game introduces gameplay elements from Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, such as the ability to aim and shoot freely in a 3D environment, a more fluid camera system, and more dynamic movement options like crouching and hanging from ledges.
Reworked visuals bring the game closer to modern standards, with enhanced character models and environments. While staying true to the original’s narrative and stealth-based mechanics, The Twin Snakes refines the gameplay and visual presentation, offering both newcomers and fans of the original a fresh, polished experience of the iconic game.
7. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
| Initial Release Date | November 17, 2004 |
| Developer | Konami |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 2 – Nintendo 3DS |
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004), developed by Konami and directed by Hideo Kojima, is a critically acclaimed entry in the Metal Gear series, set during the Cold War in the 1960s. Players assume the role of Naked Snake (later known as Big Boss), a soldier sent to the Soviet Union to stop the development of a nuclear weapon known as “Shagohod.”
The game introduces a host of new gameplay features, including a more open and survival-focused approach. Players must manage Snake’s health by hunting for food, treating injuries, and maintaining stamina.
Stealth mechanics are refined, with a focus on camouflage, where players must blend into their surroundings to avoid detection. The game also introduces new elements like CQC (Close Quarters Combat), allowing players to engage enemies in hand-to-hand combat, use the environment to gain an advantage, and capture foes.
The story, rich in political intrigue and emotional depth, explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of war. Snake Eater also boasts impressive visuals for its time, including lush jungles, dynamic weather, and a detailed character-driven narrative. With its refined stealth gameplay, survival elements, and gripping story, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is widely regarded as one of the best games in the series and a defining moment in the stealth-action genre.
8. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
| Initial Release Date | December 5, 2006 |
| Developer | Konami |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation Portable |
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (2006) is a spin-off entry in the Metal Gear series that focuses on tactical action and stealth gameplay. Set in 1970, the game follows Naked Snake (Big Boss) as he attempts to track down a rogue military faction that has stolen a nuclear weapon.
Unlike traditional Metal Gear games, Portable Ops incorporates a more strategic, team-based mechanic where players can recruit enemy soldiers to join their ranks, each with unique abilities that can be used in missions. The game introduces a real-time combat system, blending stealth with action, where players must carefully plan their movements, sneak past enemies, and engage in combat when necessary. It also includes multiplayer modes, allowing players to team up or battle against each other in various tactical scenarios.
Portable Ops combines the series’ signature stealth mechanics with new elements like squad management and real-time action, providing a fresh experience while maintaining the core Metal Gear gameplay. Though its presentation was limited by the PSP hardware, the game was praised for its innovative approach to the series’ traditional formula and for offering a portable experience that still captured the essence of the Metal Gear universe.
9. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
| Initial Release Date | June 12, 2008 |
| Developer | Kojima Productions |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 3 |
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008), developed by Kojima Productions for the PlayStation 3, is the fourth main entry in the Metal Gear Solid series and serves as a conclusion to the story of Solid Snake. Set in a dystopian future where private military companies dominate global conflicts, the game follows an aging Snake on his final mission to stop the threat posed by his clone brother, Liquid Ocelot, and a new weaponized system that controls military forces worldwide.
Guns of the Patriots introduces a refined version of the series’ signature stealth mechanics, allowing players to use a variety of gadgets, weapons, and environmental elements to avoid detection or engage in combat. The game features improved graphics with stunning visuals and highly detailed character models, as well as cinematic cutscenes that seamlessly blend into the gameplay.
A key gameplay innovation is the introduction of the “Octocamo” suit, which allows Snake to blend into different environments, improving stealth tactics. The game also includes a more streamlined control system, with smoother movement and a greater focus on tactical combat, such as using cover and precise shooting.
The narrative, deeply focused on themes of legacy, technology, and the toll of war, concludes the long-running story arc of Snake and his enemies. Metal Gear Solid 4 received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth, innovative gameplay, and exceptional presentation, cementing it as one of the most influential games of its generation.
10. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
| Initial Release Date | April 29, 2010 |
| Developer | Konami |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation Portable |
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010) is a key installment in the series, continuing the story of Big Boss (Naked Snake) in the 1970s. Set in Costa Rica, the game follows Big Boss as he builds his private army and confronts a new nuclear threat while grappling with his own legacy. The gameplay blends the series’ signature stealth mechanics with new features, including a focus on squad-based tactics.
Players can recruit soldiers, manage resources, and build up their own private army, which plays a major role in the game’s progression. The game introduces a unique co-op mode, allowing players to team up with others to tackle missions, further enhancing the tactical gameplay. Peace Walker also features an innovative “Mother Base” system, where players can upgrade and expand their base, recruit soldiers, and even deploy them on external missions.
The game’s missions can be approached with a variety of strategies, from pure stealth to direct combat, and it offers an engaging, portable version of the Metal Gear experience with an emphasis on resource management and cooperation. Peace Walker is highly regarded for its engaging story, deep gameplay mechanics, and the way it expands the Metal Gear universe while maintaining the series’ core themes of war, loyalty, and the consequences of power.
11. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
| Initial Release Date | February 19, 2013 |
| Developer | PlatinumGames |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Mac – PlayStation 3 – Xbox 360 |
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (2013) departs from the traditional stealth gameplay, focusing instead on high-speed combat and intense action. Set four years after the events of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, the game follows Raiden, a cyborg ninja who works for a private military company.
Raiden is tasked with protecting a politician and battling rogue forces using his advanced combat abilities, including a high-frequency blade capable of cutting through almost anything. The gameplay is centered around fast-paced, combo-based combat, with a heavy emphasis on “cutting” mechanics that allow players to slice through enemies and the environment with precision.
The game features a unique “Zandatsu” system, where players can perform quick, precise cuts to dismember enemies and steal their energy, which adds a tactical layer to the action. Revengeance also includes boss battles with over-the-top, visually striking encounters, and its fast combat mechanics are further enhanced by fluid animations and fluid controls.
Unlike traditional Metal Gear games, Rising emphasizes action over stealth, offering a thrilling and dynamic gameplay experience while retaining the series’ storytelling depth and thematic elements.
12. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
| Initial Release Date | March 18, 2014 |
| Developer | Konami |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 3 |
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (2014) serves as the prologue to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain and introduces players to the open-world gameplay mechanics that would define the latter game. Set in 1975, players control Big Boss as he infiltrates a Cuban military base to rescue two prisoners.
The game features a more expansive and dynamic environment than previous Metal Gear titles, allowing for greater freedom of movement and tactical options. Players can use a variety of stealth techniques, such as hiding in the environment, using cover, and performing silent takedowns, while also having the option to engage in direct combat if necessary.
In addition, the game introduces the “Fox Engine,” which provides realistic graphics, fluid animations, and an advanced AI system. Missions can be approached in multiple ways, offering replayability with different strategies. Ground Zeroes also introduces side missions, expanding the experience beyond the main story.
Despite being a relatively short experience, it showcases the evolution of the series’ stealth gameplay and sets the stage for the larger narrative and open-world exploration in The Phantom Pain. It was praised for its visuals, refined mechanics, and open-ended mission design.
13. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
| Initial Release Date | September 1, 2015 |
| Developer | Konami |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 3 |
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015) is the final installment in the Metal Gear Solid series and represents a dramatic evolution of the franchise with its expansive open-world gameplay. Set in 1984, players control Big Boss (now known as Venom Snake) as he seeks revenge on the forces that destroyed his private army and left him severely injured. The game features a vast, open world with a high degree of freedom, allowing players to approach missions and objectives in multiple ways, from stealth to full-on combat.
Players can use a wide array of vehicles, weapons, and tools to navigate and complete tasks, including a unique companion system, such as the use of the robotic dog, D-Dog, or the sniper wolf, Quiet, to assist in missions.
The game’s dynamic weather, day-night cycle, and advanced AI further enhance the immersion and challenge. The inclusion of base management and resource collection, where players build and manage their own army, adds an additional layer of strategy. The Phantom Pain also emphasizes a seamless blend of action and stealth mechanics, allowing for more fluid movement, real-time combat, and intricate enemy detection systems.
With its engaging story, open-world exploration, and deep customization, Metal Gear Solid V offers a rich and complex experience, concluding the series with an ambitious and highly praised entry that pushed the boundaries of game design and narrative storytelling.
Chronological Order
Unlike release order, the Metal Gear series has a unique chronology. Here is every core entry in order of the overall narrative, organized by the year that the story takes place.
| Order no. | Game | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater | 1964 |
| 2 | Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops | 1970 |
| 3 | Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker | 1974 |
| 4 | Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes | 1975 |
| 5 | Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain | 1984 |
| 6 | Metal Gear | 1995 |
| 7 | Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake | 1999 |
| 8 | Metal Gear Solid | 2005 |
| 9 | Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes | 2005 |
| 10 | Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty | 2007-2009 |
| 11 | Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots | 2014 |
| 12 | Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance | 2018 |