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Deciding the best play order for metal gear solid games

New Players Seek Guidance on Metal Gear Solid Play Order | Confusion Surrounds Game Sequence

By

Marcus Villanueva

Aug 24, 2025, 09:24 AM

Edited By

Alex

2 minutes of duration

Various covers of Metal Gear Solid games including Peace Walker, MGS2, MGS3, and MGS4 on a shelf

A wave of excitement among gaming newcomers is stirring as players discuss the best sequence to play the Metal Gear Solid series. With conflicting suggestions clogging forums, many fans are puzzled about where to start.

Understanding the Play Order Dilemma

Gamers wanting to dive into the beloved franchise face a challenge. Several enthusiasts are debating whether to jump straight into the original games or explore the franchise chronologically.

Readers have been vocal in their recommendations. One common suggestion is to follow the release order:

  1. Metal Gear Solid

  2. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

  3. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

  4. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Some expressed confusion regarding when to fit Peace Walker into the mix, with one commenter stating, "Thanks, that really helped! I was confused because lots of people put Peace Walker after MGS4."

In contrast, another voice emphasized, "The lore is revealed as you go, making the gameplay transition seem natural."

Community Opinions on the Game Order

The discussions underscore the vibrant community surrounding this iconic series. Three main themes were highlighted:

  • Release vs. Chronological Order: Most prefer sticking to release order for a smoother gameplay experience.

  • Gameplay Mechanics: Many note the evolution of gameplay across titles, suggesting that starting with early games helps newcomers adjust.

  • Lore Understanding: Some argue for a chronological approach to grasp the story arcs fully.

"The gameplay mechanics evolve naturally, so starting with the original builds familiarity," shared one passionate gamer.

While many support the conventional release order, a segment of the community continues to vie for a chronological exploration. The sentiment remains predominantly positive, primarily fueled by nostalgia and enthusiasm for the saga.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Most players recommend starting with the release order.

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Many feel gameplay mechanics develop better through this sequence.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Just play in release order!" is a common piece of advice.

With the game world constantly evolving, will the debate over the ideal play order for Metal Gear Solid persist? As newcomers enter the landscape, opinions may shift, but the timeless appeal of the series remains undeniable.

Future Play Dynamics in Metal Gear Solid

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that as more players join the Metal Gear Solid community, the discussion around play order will evolve. With streaming platforms and influencers promoting various interpretations, expect a rise in diverse playthrough experiences, potentially leading to a mixed approach combining both chronological and release order. Experts estimate around 70% of newcomers will still lean towards the traditional release order due to its established success, while about 30% may experiment with different sequences for a unique understanding of lore and mechanics. This shift could spark more critical discussions on game design and storytelling, reinforcing the community's passion.

Echoes from the Film World

Consider the way modern film franchises experiment with viewing sequences, much like the Metal Gear Solid debate. For instance, the "Star Wars" saga has been enjoyed in both release and chronological orders, yet fans remain split on which offers the best experience. This phenomenon highlights how the audienceโ€™s connection to narrative and gameplay can shape engagementโ€”a reflection reminiscent of how fans debate film scenes. Just as enthusiasts weigh their viewing choices with emotional investment, gamers face a similar quest for the best entry point into their favorite series, revealing deeper ties between storytelling mediums across the decades.