The Metal Gear series, masterminded by Hideo Kojima and Konami, has given gamers some of the most unforgettable moments in video game history. From Snake's tense elevator ride to the rainy cliffs of Shadow Moses to the intense showdown between student and mentor in the climactic scenes of Snake Eater, the adventures of Solid Snake and Big Boss have captivated players across multiple console generations. These titles have not only pushed the boundaries of what video games can achieve narratively and creatively but have also solidified their place as pivotal releases in the gaming medium.
In 2015, it seemed the saga might have reached its conclusion with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, as Hideo Kojima parted ways with Konami to form his own studio. However, Konami has since breathed new life into the franchise with re-releases and remakes, such as the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater set for release later this year. As new players dive into this world of covert operations, shadowy government conspiracies, and iconic characters with cool eyepatches, understanding the series' chronological order can enhance their experience. Whether you're a newcomer or a returning fan, here’s how to navigate the Metal Gear Solid series.
Jump to:
- How to play in chronological order
- How to play by release order
Every IGN Metal Gear Review
19 Images
Excluding remakes, ports, or remasters, the Metal Gear series comprises 17 games: 11 mainline titles, five handheld entries, and one mobile game. However, not all of these are considered canon, as some deviate from the main storyline, creating alternate timelines and unique takes on the universe.
For instance, Metal Gear Survive (2018) unfolds in an apocalyptic world plagued by a zombie virus and is not part of the main canon. The PSP's Metal Gear: Acid and Metal Gear: Acid 2 also venture into alternate timelines, telling new stories. The Game Boy Color's Metal Gear: Ghost Babel presents an alternate-universe sequel that disregards the events of Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, thus falling outside the official timeline. Lastly, Metal Gear Mobile and Snake’s Revenge have been deemed non-canon by both the community and Hideo Kojima himself.
This leaves us with 11 games that form the core Metal Gear Saga, spanning from the 1960s to the late 2010s. Let's explore the chronological order of these main storyline games.
Which Metal Gear Should You Play First?
For those looking to dive into the entire saga, we recommend starting with the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 released in 2023, which includes the definitive versions of Metal Gear Solid 1–3. For those who prefer a more modern entry point or have less patience for older games, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain offers a contemporary starting point.
Prime Day Deal### Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 (PS5)
5See it at AmazonMetal Gear Games in Chronological Order
These blurbs contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.
1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
The first chapter in the saga's timeline, and the next to receive a modern remake, Snake Eater follows Naked Snake, a US Special Forces operative, during the Cold War. Tasked with rescuing a Russian scientist from the Soviet Union to prevent the creation of a weapon of mass destruction called the Shagohod, Snake is stunned to find his mentor, The Boss, has defected to the Soviets.After a fierce confrontation, Naked Snake is left for dead in the jungle but survives and is sent back to Russia to confront The Boss and stop the Shagohod. By the end of his journey, Snake assumes the name Big Boss, becoming a legend. However, the secrets he uncovers leave him disillusioned with his mission and the government.
Read our Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater review or get updates on the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake.
2. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
Six years after his battle with The Boss, Big Boss's story continues in Portable Ops. Captured and tortured by his former unit, FOX, which has gone rogue, Big Boss escapes and sets out to clear his name by pursuing FOX's leader, Gene. He discovers Gene's plan to establish a mercenary nation called Army's Heaven and uses the amassed resources to form FOXHOUND upon returning to the US.Read our Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops review.
3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Four years after Portable Ops, Big Boss has left FOXHOUND to form Militaires Sans Frontières (MSF) with Kazuhira Miller. They defend nations unable to protect themselves and face off against the Peace Sentinels in Costa Rica. Big Boss learns of The Boss's involvement and uncovers a nuclear-capable mech called the Peace Walker. The game concludes with Big Boss confronting his former ally Paz, a Cipher agent.Read our Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker review.
4. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
Months after Peace Walker, Ground Zeroes serves as a prologue to The Phantom Pain. Big Boss learns Paz survived their previous encounter and is being interrogated by Cipher at Camp Omega. He infiltrates the base, encountering XOF led by Skull Face. The mission ends with Motherbase's destruction, leaving Big Boss near death.Read our Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes review.
5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Nine years later, The Phantom Pain begins with Big Boss awakening in a Cyprus hospital. Surviving an assassination attempt, he leads the Diamond Dogs to stop XOF, now led by Skull Face, who aims to unleash a parasitic weapon. The game ends with Big Boss setting the stage for Outer Heaven, a haven for soldiers.Read our Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain review.
6. Metal Gear
Eleven years later, the first game in the series, Metal Gear, introduces Solid Snake, a FOXHOUND rookie sent to Outer Heaven to destroy a nuclear-capable mech called Metal Gear. He discovers Big Boss's betrayal, leading to a confrontation.Read our Metal Gear review.
7. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
Four years later, Solid Snake returns to stop Big Boss, who is building a new Metal Gear in Zanzibar Land. Snake battles through enemy forces to destroy the weapon and confront Big Boss.See more about Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake.
8. Metal Gear Solid
Six years after Metal Gear 2, Solid Snake is sent to Shadow Moses to stop his former unit, FOXHOUND, from using a new Metal Gear to launch nuclear attacks. He battles iconic foes like Revolver Ocelot and Psycho Mantis, ultimately facing Liquid Snake. The game ends with Snake presumed dead but escaping alive.Read our Metal Gear Solid review or explore more of the best PS1 games.
9. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Two years later, Sons of Liberty opens with a rogue Solid Snake infiltrating an oil tanker to uncover a new Metal Gear. The tanker is destroyed, and Snake is framed. Two years later, Raiden, a FOXHOUND agent, is sent to Big Shell, a facility hijacked by the Sons of Liberty. He uncovers secrets and teams up with Solid Snake, who is after Revolver Ocelot, now possessed by Liquid Snake's will.Read our Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty review or check out more of the best PS2 games.
10. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Three years after Sons of Liberty, Guns of the Patriots marks Solid Snake's final mission. Now rapidly aging due to cloning and the FOXDIE virus, Old Snake aims to assassinate Liquid Ocelot, who is leading a new Outer Heaven. Snake confronts his mortality and nemesis in a climactic battle.Read our Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots review.
11. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Four years after Guns of the Patriots, Revengeance focuses on Raiden, now a cyborg working for Maverick Security Consulting. Attacked by Desperado Enforcement, Raiden uncovers sinister secrets and sets out to deliver justice.Read our Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance review.
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?
Though it once seemed that the Metal Gear series had concluded, Konami has confirmed a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, titled Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Revealed with a cinematic trailer during PlayStation's 2023 summer showcase, the game will be rebuilt from the ground up, set to release on August 28, 2025, as announced in Sony's February 2025 State of Play.While no new original entries have been confirmed, Virtuous Studios, the developer behind Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, has suggested that remakes of other Metal Gear games might be considered based on player demand.
Metal Gear Games: Complete Playlist
Here are all the standalone Metal Gear games and spin-offs, in order of release. Log in to rank them, mark games owned, completed, or create a game plan for what to play next. See All!
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
For more lists like these, also see Assassin's Creed Games in Order and a list of Far Cry Games in order.
