What Metal Gear Game Should I Start With

Start with Metal Gear Solid (the first one in the series with that title).

So, you’re ready to dive into the complex world of espionage and giant robots, but you’re wondering, “what metal gear game should i start with?” It’s a common question given the series’ intricate timeline. Many would suggest starting with the original Metal Gear Solid.

This title introduces key characters and lore that help make sense of the series, while not being too hard on newcomers. Playing it allows you to appreciate the evolution of gameplay and storytelling. It is a great entry point.

What Metal Gear Game Should I Start With?

So, you’re curious about the world of Metal Gear, huh? That’s awesome! It’s a series packed with awesome characters, crazy stories, and gameplay that’s both sneaky and action-packed. But with so many games, knowing where to jump in can feel like trying to find a specific grain of sand on a beach. Don’t worry! We’re here to help you figure out the best starting point for your Metal Gear journey.

Understanding the Metal Gear Timeline

Before we dive into specific games, it’s good to have a basic understanding of the series’ timeline. Metal Gear isn’t like a regular book series where you just go in order. It hops around in time quite a bit, and the game released first isn’t necessarily the first chronologically. Knowing this can help you make a decision about where to begin.

Chronological Order vs. Release Order

Let’s break this down a little further:

Chronological Order: This is the order the story unfolds in the Metal Gear universe. If you’re a stickler for keeping the story straight from the beginning, this is the route to consider.
Release Order: This is the order the games were actually released to the public. This order often means better graphics and gameplay mechanics as you go on, but jumping back to older games after experiencing the newer ones can feel a little clunky.

Here’s a basic timeline showing the main games in chronological order, to give you a sense of the story’s progression:

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear (Often referred to as MG1)
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (Spin-off, but still relevant to the universe)

Notice the mix? It’s not a straight line from 1 to 10, this is why it can be a bit confusing. Let’s make it clearer for beginners.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – A Popular Starting Point

Many people suggest starting with Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. There are some solid reasons why:

Why MGS3 is a Good Choice:

Origin Story: It’s essentially the beginning of the entire Metal Gear saga. You play as Naked Snake (who later becomes Big Boss), and you witness the formation of the events that create the whole series. You don’t need to know anything going in.
Simpler Controls: It has a more straightforward control system compared to some of the later games. It’s not overly complex for new players, but also has depth to enjoy as you learn it.
Engaging Story and Characters: The story is well-written and filled with emotion, and the characters are incredibly memorable. It’s a great way to get hooked on the world of Metal Gear.
Standalone Experience: While it’s a prequel, Metal Gear Solid 3 works as its own story. You can understand and enjoy it fully without having played any other game in the series.
Beautiful Setting: The jungle environment is immersive and exciting to explore.

Potential Drawbacks of Starting with MGS3

Of course, every game has its good and bad parts, and you should know what these are before choosing this as the beginning point:

Older Graphics: It is an older game. Even in the HD remasters, it has visuals that are dated when compared to some newer games, such as Metal Gear Solid V.
Clunkier Gameplay: Compared to newer entries, the gameplay can feel less fluid, this can feel a little jarring if you have experience with modern action/stealth games.

Metal Gear Solid (PS1) – The Classic Entry

The original Metal Gear Solid, released on the PlayStation 1, is another viable starting point. It’s where many people were first introduced to Solid Snake.

Why MGS1 is a Good Option:

Introduces Core Themes: This game introduces the core themes and characters that the series revolves around.
Defines Gameplay: It laid the foundation for the sneaking and tactical gameplay the series is known for.
Iconic Moments: From the Psycho Mantis boss fight to the stealth sections, this game is packed with iconic gaming moments.
Solid Starting Point for Release Order: If you care about playing things in the order they came out, this is where you have to begin.

Potential Drawbacks of Starting with MGS1

Very Old Graphics: It’s a very old game by today’s standards. The graphics can be off-putting to newer gamers.
Outdated Gameplay: The controls and camera system are quite dated and can feel clunky for players used to modern game mechanics.
Can Be Harder: This title also presents a greater challenge to new players due to the lack of the quality of life and design changes that came in later games.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain – A Modern Option

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the most recent mainline entry. It provides a very different experience compared to some of the older titles.

Why MGSV is a Good Option:

Modern Gameplay: Its gameplay is incredibly smooth and fluid, and is a blast to play.
Open World Design: The game gives you a massive, open world to explore, which is a first for the series.
Amazing Graphics: The game is visually impressive, offering stunning graphics and detailed environments.

Potential Drawbacks of Starting with MGSV

Story Disconnect: It’s a continuation of the story rather than a start, and jumping into it without prior knowledge can be confusing.
May Miss Important Details: Because it’s set much later in the timeline, you’ll miss out on important backstory and character development.
Complex Narrative: The story can be confusing if you haven’t played the other titles to understand all of the nuances.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker – A bridge between stories

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker often gets overlooked, but it sits chronologically between MGS3 and MGSV. It provides some more backstory to Big Boss’s story.

Why Peace Walker can be a decent start:

Big Boss story progression: It explains what happens to Big Boss after the events of MGS3.
Mobile and Console: It was released on PSP but also has console versions, meaning that its access is widespread.
More gameplay depth: The game introduces the base building mechanic which is later seen in MGSV.

Why Peace Walker might not be ideal:

Dated Graphics: The visuals are dated and can feel less impressive.
PSP roots: Its design choices such as its repetitive mission structure have their roots in its PSP origins.
Story-wise, best played after MGS3: The story elements can lose much of their impact if played without context.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance – A Spin-Off Option

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is very different to mainline entries. It is very action-focused and doesn’t focus on sneaking, though it’s canon and in the same timeline. It is also a great game in its own right.

Why you might start here:

Fresh Gameplay: It has a fast-paced, action-packed combat system unlike any other in the series.
Stand-alone plot: While it has links to the overall Metal Gear timeline, it stands mostly on its own.
Great music: The game boasts an incredibly fun soundtrack.

Why you might avoid it:

Very different gameplay: It doesn’t represent core Metal Gear gameplay at all, which could give you a wrong idea of the series.
Minor Story relevance: While canon, it’s not essential to the overarching story and isn’t necessary for understanding the mainline entries.

Which One Should You Pick?

Okay, so let’s recap with some recommendations.

Recommendations for Beginners

For Story First: Start with Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. It offers the best blend of story, gameplay, and entry point.
For Classic Experience: Start with the original Metal Gear Solid (PS1). It has aged, but is still a great choice.
For Modern Gameplay: If you really prioritize smooth, modern controls and open world gameplay, give Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain a go, but be aware of the story’s potential confusion.
Avoid Starting With: Games like Metal Gear Solid 2 and 4, as they have complex stories that are best enjoyed after playing other games.

The good news is that you will most likely enjoy any game you choose. Each has its own charms. It will be a long and fulfilling journey through an amazing series!

Ultimately the choice of which game you start with is up to you. However, it is my opinion that you should start with Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, as that is where much of the overall story begins. After that, you will have more than enough context to continue onward with the rest of the series.

The Beginner's Guide to the Metal Gear Series

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, if you want to understand the whole story, begin with Metal Gear Solid. This game perfectly introduces core concepts and characters. It gives you a good base for the others. The gameplay is also less complex compared to later entries, making it beginner-friendly.

For a more modern experience, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain offers great open world gameplay. It might be confusing to the story initially, but its mechanics are accessible. The choice on “what metal gear game should i start with” depends on your priorities, but the original Metal Gear Solid is a great start.