Every Mainline Metal Gear Solid Game, Ranked

Hideo Kojima and his creative crew are responsible for crafting one of the most acclaimed video game series in history – Metal Gear Solid. Debuted in 1998, each subsequent installment in the series has managed to surpass its predecessor in various aspects, be it stunning graphics, thought-provoking narratives, or refined gameplay mechanics. To put it simply, every single Metal Gear Solid game is just on the cusp of being exceptional.

Just as anticipated, this creates quite a challenge when arranging the primary Metal Gear Solid series games, but we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for your perusal in the section below.

6) Metal Gear Solid IV: Guns of the Patriots

As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for Metal Gear Solid 4 (MGS4). Far from mediocre, it’s often hailed as one of the greatest games ever crafted. The refined and polished control scheme, coupled with more flexible mission design, makes it a standout. What truly sets it apart, though, is an astonishing array of unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impression. Ambitious in scope, this game showcases the unique genius of Kojima and his team, a testament to their creative prowess.

From another perspective, Kojima utilized this chance to attempt wrapping up every unresolved plot point within the series, which could lead to a complex narrative at times. This is where Kojima truly shines in terms of cutscenes, but some players may yearn for more gameplay in their video games. Nonetheless, MGS4 is undeniably worth experiencing. It’s just the one we’re least eager to revisit again.

5) Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

As a dedicated Metal Gear Solid fan, I’ve always found it peculiar to assess “Peace Walker” due to its unique release timeline. Released on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) when the console was nearing its twilight, it only managed to sell approximately two million copies. Unfortunately, this meant that a significant number of fellow fans missed out on one of the best MGS games ever made.

Konami combined elements from games like Portable Ops (for recruitment), MGS3 (the camouflage system), and MGS4 (easier controls) to create a game that felt like the best parts of the Metal Gear Solid series up until then. It’s also unique in the series for featuring Monster Hunter crossover content, which may have contributed to its popularity.

4) Metal Gear Solid

Back in 1998, the initial “Metal Gear Solid” game left players utterly astounded. There hadn’t been a game with such a cinematic experience prior to this, and it significantly boosted Kojima’s reputation as one of the exceptional filmmaker-like game creators.

In addition, MGS provided fans with some of the most remarkable boss battles within the series. Many consider the Psycho Mantis fight, which showcases an innovative approach to making a boss stand out without needing to be overly challenging, as the best in the game. However, we favor the Sniper Wolf sequence. It’s worth noting that all of FOXHOUND present a formidable challenge for Solid Snake throughout the game.

This one is the original in the series, and in certain aspects, it remains the top choice. Although the following three games might offer better gameplay, no one would be disappointed if someone named Metal Gear Solid as their preferred Metal Gear Solid game.

3) Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes/The Phantom Pain

For many Metal Gear Solid enthusiasts, “The Phantom Pain” stands out as an unusual addition. In a series renowned for its excellent to exceptional stealth gameplay, “MGSV” excels the most. Although the expansive sandbox may have caused some irregularities in mission design, the extraordinary creativity it brings to combat makes it a worthwhile trade-off.

Conversely, playing through The Phantom Pain leaves one with a sense of incompleteness, perhaps due to it being the last game Kojima developed before his departure from Konami. As you progress towards MGSV’s conclusion, it becomes evident that the relationship between them had become strained.

Even though the narrative might be complex and disorganized, it remains an engaging story that’s worth exploring. The open-world gameplay in this richly detailed environment is particularly appealing, making it worth playing for the experience alone.

2) Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Opting for a change in main characters was a daring move that didn’t resonate with everyone, but it underscored Kojima’s penchant for taking chances. It should be noted that Raiden, despite the mixed reactions, has proved to be an outstanding character and has since thrived in the game, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.

The remaining actors deliver outstanding performances too, and Dead Cell members provide an excellent continuation after FOXHOUND. From the encounters with Fatman, Vamp, and the duel against Solidus Snake, many of the boss fights are widely appreciated by fans (Fortune being an exception).

In addition, let’s acknowledge the remarkable level of detail in a 2001 game. The developers went as far as making ice cubes melt at varying speeds based on their proximity to other cubes – a feature that served no practical purpose beyond enhancing realism. Kudos to them for advancing technology, even when it may not have been strictly necessary.

1) Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

In Snake Eater, the Metal Gear Solid series’ best aspects are enhanced even further. The camouflage feature in the jungle was a significant improvement for stealth gameplay. Close Quarter Combat (CQC) introduced fresh tactics for handling adversaries. Additionally, an upgraded health bar necessitated paying attention to Snake’s wounds, thereby introducing an extra dimension to gameplay.

Beyond that point, in our opinion, MGS3 boasts the most impressive assortment of boss fights across the series. The Cobra Unit is home to iconic characters such as The End, The Fury, and The Sorrow, each offering a thrilling battle. What makes The End stand out is that you can engage in a nail-biting sniper confrontation or simply switch off your console for a week, allowing him to succumb to old age.

Following that battle, the players are rewarded with the renowned ladder scene, where they hear a stunning, unaccompanied rendition of the “Snake Eater” theme. Subsequently, you encounter Volgin, The Shagohod, and The Boss, some of the most memorable fights within the game series.

Incorporate an intensely emotional and perfectly timed narrative, which sets it apart as the finest Metal Gear Solid game ever made. Each title on this list is a must-play, but Snake Eater takes the crown for being the unparalleled choice among them all.

2025-07-13 17:10