Chronological MGS Timeline: Master the Metal Gear Series

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 between student and mentor 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 among the medium's most influential titles.

Following Kojima's departure from Konami in 2015 and the apparent conclusion of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Konami has revived the franchise with re-releases and remakes, including 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 operatives. To help both newcomers and veterans navigate this rich universe, we present the Metal Gear Solid series in chronological order.

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Every IGN Metal Gear Review

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Excluding remakes, ports, and remasters, the Metal Gear franchise comprises 17 titles: 11 mainline entries, five handheld games, and one mobile game. However, a significant portion are considered non-canon, diverging from the main storyline or presenting alternate timelines.

2018's Metal Gear Survive, set in a zombie-infested post-apocalypse, is outside the main canon. The PSP's Metal Gear: Acid and Metal Gear: Acid 2 offer alternate timelines. Metal Gear: Ghost Babel (Game Boy Color) retcons Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, removing it from the primary timeline. Metal Gear Mobile and Snake's Revenge are officially deemed non-canon.

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

Optimal Metal Gear Starting Point

We suggest two entry points. For the complete saga, the 2023 Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, containing enhanced versions of Metal Gear Solid 1-3, is ideal. Alternatively, for a more contemporary experience, begin with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

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Note: The following descriptions 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 the Shagohod. He discovers his mentor, The Boss, has defected. After a brutal defeat, Snake must return to Russia, confront The Boss, and stop the Shagohod. He emerges as Big Boss, but 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 escapes and hunts down his former comrades and their leader, Gene. He uncovers Gene's plan to create Army's Heaven, acquiring the necessary resources and later forming FOXHOUND.

Read our review of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops.

3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Four years later, Big Boss leads MSF, defending vulnerable nations. They clash with the Peace Sentinels, who possess nuclear weapons and the Peace Walker mech. Big Boss uncovers The Boss's involvement and confronts 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 rescuing Paz from Camp Omega. He encounters Skull Face and XOF, leading to 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 possesses a devastating 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

Eleven years later, Solid Snake infiltrates Outer Heaven to destroy Metal Gear. He encounters Grey Fox and 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 battles the rogue FOXHOUND at Shadow Moses, confronting 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. Raiden then takes center stage, infiltrating Big Shell, uncovering conspiracies and confronting Ocelot (Liquid Snake).

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 Snake (Old Snake) confronts Liquid Ocelot and his new 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, the cyborg Raiden 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 series' future seemed uncertain, Konami confirmed a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater), releasing August 28, 2025. Further remakes are contingent on player demand.

Complete Metal Gear Playlist

Here's a complete list of Metal Gear games and spin-offs, ordered by release date. (Image gallery follows)

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