The iconic Metal Gear saga, a masterclass in espionage thrillers from Hideo Kojima and Konami, boasts some of gaming's most memorable moments. From Snake's daring ascent of Shadow Moses's rainy cliffs 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, frequently cited as pivotal in the medium's history.

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, such as 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, eyepatched protagonists. To help both newcomers and veterans navigate this expansive universe, we present the chronological order of the core Metal Gear Solid games.

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Chronological OrderRelease OrderHow Many Metal Gear Games Are There?

Every IGN Metal Gear Review

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Excluding remakes, ports, and remasters, the Metal Gear franchise encompasses 17 games: 11 mainline titles, five handheld installments, 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 world, is outside the main continuity. The PSP's Metal Gear: Acid and Metal Gear: Acid 2 are alternate-timeline spin-offs. Metal Gear: Ghost Babel (Game Boy Color) is another alternate-universe sequel, disregarding the events of Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. Metal Gear Mobile and Snake's Revenge are officially deemed non-canon.

This leaves 11 games within the core narrative, spanning from an alternate 1960s to the late 2010s. Let's explore this chronological order.

Where to Begin Your Metal Gear Journey?

Two entry points are recommended. For the complete saga, the 2023 Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 offers the best versions of Metal Gear Solid 1-3. Alternatively, for a more modern experience, start with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

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Metal Gear in Chronological Order

(Minor spoilers ahead)

1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Set during the Cold War, Snake Eater introduces Naked Snake, a US Special Forces operative tasked with retrieving a Soviet scientist. His mission takes a dramatic turn when he discovers his mentor, The Boss, has defected. This leads to a pivotal confrontation, after which Naked Snake becomes Big Boss.

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 later, Big Boss confronts his rogue FOX Unit. Imprisoned and accused of treason, he escapes and hunts down his former comrades, uncovering their leader's plan to create a mercenary army. This sets the stage for his future actions.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops.

3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Four years later, Big Boss leads Militaires Sans Frontières (MSF) against the Peace Sentinels in Costa Rica. He uncovers a connection to The Boss and a powerful weapon, the Peace Walker, ultimately confronting a Cipher agent.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

4. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes

A prologue to The Phantom Pain, Big Boss infiltrates Camp Omega to rescue Paz, discovering the XOF and its leader, Skull Face. The attack on Motherbase leaves Big Boss near death.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes.

5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Nine years later, a severely wounded Big Boss (now Venom Snake) leads the Diamond Dogs against Skull Face and his parasitic weapon. The game concludes with Big Boss's plans for Outer Heaven.

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

6. Metal Gear

Solid Snake's first mission involves infiltrating Outer Heaven to destroy Metal Gear. A confrontation with Big Boss reveals the truth behind Outer Heaven's creation.

Read our review of Metal Gear.

7. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake

Solid Snake confronts Big Boss again in Zanzibar Land, facing a new Metal Gear and his army.

See more about Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake.

8. Metal Gear Solid

Solid Snake infiltrates Shadow Moses to stop FOXHOUND's threat, battling iconic antagonists like Revolver Ocelot and Psycho Mantis.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid or see more of the best PS1 games.

9. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Solid Snake and Raiden investigate the Big Shell incident, uncovering 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

An aging Solid Snake ("Old Snake") embarks on his final mission against Liquid Ocelot and the remnants of Outer Heaven.

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

11. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Raiden, now a cyborg, confronts Desperado Enforcement, uncovering a larger conspiracy.

Read our review of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.

Metal Gear Games: Release Order

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)

The Future of Metal Gear

While the series' future remains uncertain without Kojima's involvement, Konami has confirmed Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake slated for release on August 28, 2025. The possibility of further remakes hinges on player demand.

Complete Metal Gear Game Playlist

Here's a complete list of standalone Metal Gear games and spin-offs, in release order.

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