The Metal Gear franchise stands as a testament to longevity in the video game industry, captivating players for over three decades with its innovative stealth gameplay and intricate storytelling. Hideo Kojima, the series’ mastermind, pushed the boundaries of narrative design, weaving a complex tapestry of events spanning decades. Understanding the Metal Gear timeline, however, can be daunting for newcomers, especially with numerous spin-offs, remakes, and title changes. This guide clarifies the optimal way to experience the Metal Gear saga, outlining both release and chronological order.
Solid Snake hides behind a wall in Metal Gear Solid.
Experiencing Metal Gear as Intended: Release Order
While not a perfectly smooth progression due to remakes, playing the Metal Gear games in their release order generally provides the intended narrative experience. This approach allows players to uncover the story’s mysteries, surprises, and shifting timelines as they were originally presented, gradually piecing together Kojima’s intricate web of events. For those seeking the authentic journey veteran fans experienced, this is the recommended path. Note that while remakes are mentioned, the original release date is prioritized.
- Metal Gear (1987)
- Snake’s Revenge (1990)
- Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1990)
- Metal Gear Solid (1998) / Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (2004)
- Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel (2000)
- Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001)
- Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004) / Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (2025)
- 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)
Unraveling the Timeline: Chronological Order
the-best-stealth-games-of-all-time
The Metal Gear chronology is notoriously convoluted. While a definitive timeline exists, even seasoned fans struggle to perfectly align all the pieces. Playing chronologically offers a more linear narrative experience but can create jarring shifts in graphics and gameplay mechanics between entries. This method might diminish the impact of plot twists and reveals that rely on context from other games. However, it remains a viable option for those prioritizing a straightforward chronological narrative. This list focuses on the core Metal Gear canon, excluding non-canonical entries and alternate timelines.
- Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater / Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (1964)
- Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (1970)
- Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (1974)
- Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes (1975)
- Metal Gear Survive (1975)
- Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain (1984)
- Metal Gear (1995)
- Snake’s Revenge (1998)
- Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1999)
- Metal Gear Solid / Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (2005)
- Metal Gear Mobile (2005-2007)
- Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2007-2009)
- Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2014)
- Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (2018)
Conclusion
Whether you choose to follow the release order or chronological order, the Metal Gear series offers a rich and rewarding experience. Each approach provides a unique perspective on the overarching narrative and the evolution of its gameplay. Consider your priorities – experiencing the story as it unfolded or following a linear timeline – and choose the path that best suits your preferences.
