How to Play the Metal Gear Solid Games in Chronological Order: The Full MGS Timeline

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 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 apparent conclusion of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Konami has revitalized the franchise with re-releases and remakes, such as the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. This renewed interest introduces a new wave of players to the world of covert operations, shadowy government conspiracies, and charismatic, eyepatched heroes. To help both newcomers and seasoned fans navigate this extensive universe, we present the chronological order of the core Metal Gear Solid games.

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Excluding remakes, ports, and remasters, the Metal Gear universe 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.

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 and unique narratives. Metal Gear: Ghost Babel (Game Boy Color) presents an alternate universe, disregarding the events of Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. Finally, Metal Gear Mobile and Snake's Revenge are officially deemed non-canon.

This leaves 11 games forming the core storyline, spanning a fictional alternate history from the 1960s to the late 2010s.

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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Note: The following descriptions may contain minor spoilers.

1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Chronologically first and soon to receive a modern remake, Snake Eater follows Naked Snake during the Cold War. His mission: extract a Soviet scientist to prevent the creation of Shagohod, a weapon of mass destruction. He discovers his mentor, The Boss, has defected. After a brutal defeat, Snake must return, confront The Boss, and stop Shagohod, ultimately becoming the legendary Big Boss, yet deeply disillusioned.

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 must clear his name, hunt down his former comrades, and ultimately thwart Gene's plan to establish Army's Heaven, a mercenary nation. This sets the stage for the formation of FOXHOUND.

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. The conflict reveals The Boss's involvement and the threat of nuclear weapons wielded by the Peace Walker mech. The game culminates in a confrontation with 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 rescue Paz from Camp Omega, only to face a devastating attack by XOF, led by Skull Face, resulting in the destruction of 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 (Venom Snake) leads Diamond Dogs against XOF and Skull Face, who are developing a devastating parasitic weapon. The game concludes with Big Boss establishing Outer Heaven.

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

6. Metal Gear

Eleven years after The Phantom Pain, Solid Snake's first mission involves infiltrating Outer Heaven to destroy Metal Gear. He encounters Grey Fox and ultimately confronts Big Boss.

Read our review of Metal Gear.

7. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake

Four years later, Snake confronts Big Boss and a new Metal Gear in Zanzibar Land.

See more about Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake.

8. Metal Gear Solid

Six years later, Snake infiltrates Shadow Moses to stop FOXHOUND's threat of nuclear annihilation, facing off against Ocelot, Psycho Mantis, Grey Fox, and Liquid Snake.

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 Metal Gear Ray's theft, and then the narrative shifts to Raiden's mission at Big Shell, revealing a complex plot involving Ocelot and the Patriots.

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") confronts Liquid Ocelot and his 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, battles 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, Konami has confirmed Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake launching August 28, 2025. The developers have also expressed openness to remaking other entries based on player demand.

Complete Metal Gear Playlist

Here's a complete list of standalone Metal Gear games and spin-offs, in release order. [Link to playlist would go here]

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(For similar game order lists, see Assassin's Creed and Far Cry.)