Metal Gear Timeline: Chronological Order Guide

The Metal Gear saga, a cornerstone of gaming history, boasts iconic moments from Snake's daring Shadow Moses infiltration to the emotionally charged showdown in Snake Eater. Spanning generations of consoles, Solid Snake and Big Boss's adventures remain legendary, frequently cited as pivotal in gaming's evolution.

While 2015's Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain seemingly concluded the franchise after Kojima's departure from Konami, Konami's recent efforts to revitalize the series with re-releases and remakes, such as Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, introduce a new wave of players to this world of espionage, conspiracy, and charismatic characters.

This guide outlines the chronological order of the main Metal Gear Solid storyline, catering to both newcomers and seasoned fans.

How to Play Chronologically:

We suggest two entry points:

• For the complete saga: Begin with the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 (2023), encompassing the best versions of Metal Gear Solid 1-3.
• For a more modern introduction: Start with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015).

Metal Gear Games in Chronological Order:

(Note: Minor spoilers ahead)

1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater: This prequel, set during the Cold War, introduces Naked Snake as he confronts his mentor, The Boss, and the threat of the Shagohod. His journey culminates in his transformation into Big Boss. A remake, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, is slated for release.

2. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops: Six years later, Big Boss battles FOX Unit, clearing his name and acquiring resources for his future ambitions.

3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker: Four years on, Big Boss leads MSF, confronting the Peace Sentinels and uncovering a connection to The Boss.

4. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes: A prologue to The Phantom Pain, Big Boss rescues Paz and faces the XOF, a Cipher splinter group.

5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain: Nine years later, a wounded Big Boss (Venom Snake) confronts Skull Face and the XOF, laying the groundwork for Outer Heaven.

6. Metal Gear: Solid Snake's first mission involves infiltrating Outer Heaven to stop a Metal Gear.

7. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake: Snake confronts Big Boss and a new Metal Gear in Zanzibar Land.

8. Metal Gear Solid: Snake battles FOXHOUND's takeover of Shadow Moses Island.

9. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty: Snake and Raiden investigate the Big Shell incident, uncovering a deeper conspiracy involving Ocelot and the Patriots.

10. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots: An aging Solid Snake (Old Snake) faces Liquid Ocelot in his final mission.

11. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance: Raiden, now a cyborg, confronts Desperado Enforcement.

How to Play by Release Date: (This list includes non-canon titles)

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 future of original Metal Gear titles remains uncertain without Kojima, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater represents a significant step, and the possibility of further remakes remains open depending on player demand.

Complete Game Playlist: (Image gallery of game covers follows)