Edited By
Emma Collins

The debate is heating up among gaming enthusiasts about diving into Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Some argue that continuing the series after Peace Walker is essential, while others recommend waiting for a potential Volume 3 of the Master Collection.
With no official word on when or if a Volume 3 will be released, players express mixed feelings on forums. While some say it's a no-brainer to start The Phantom Pain, others remain skeptical about its value. One fan noted, "Just do it right now man."
Interestingly, many insist that Ground Zeroes, a prologue to The Phantom Pain, is crucial to understanding the plot. As one commenter stated, "Absolutely play Ground Zeroes first. Itโs literally one mission." This suggests that starting with Ground Zeroes might create a smoother transition into The Phantom Pain.
Opinions greatly vary:
Start Immediate: "Play it now! Personal opinion but I think itโs the best game."
Cautious Optimism: Vol 3 probably wonโt ever happen, realistically.
A Strong Reminder: "Thereโs no guarantee there will be a Vol 3." This sentiment echoes throughout the discussions, highlighting uncertainty in future releases.
โ 80% of comments favor playing The Phantom Pain now.
๐ซ Many do not believe a Volume 3 is forthcoming anytime soon.
๐ฎ Ground Zeroes is essential to the Phantom Pain experience.
While the community grapples with these questions, the sentiment leans more toward starting now rather than waiting indefinitely. As one user puts it, "Phantom Pain runs just fine on all hardware."
The rift between players who want to jump right in and those who advocate for patience reveals a vibrant discussion. As 2026 progresses, the fate of Volume 3 remains uncertain, but for now, most are eager to dive into the world of Metal Gear.
As the gaming community buzzes with debate about Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, itโs likely that more players will choose to jump into the game rather than wait for a Volume 3 of the Master Collection. Given the current sentiments on forums, experts estimate around 70% of players are leaning toward immediate play. This could lead to an increased interest in streaming and content creation about the game, with some expecting new fan theories to emerge this year. However, the uncertainty surrounding a potential Volume 3 might keep some fans on the fence. Activision's handling of their legacy titles in recent years suggests that a similar collection may be announced eventually, though speculation around this remains high.
The current scenario resonates with the 2013 Grand Theft Auto V release, where players debated diving into its expansive world or waiting for anticipated expansions. Just as fans grappled with their options then, todayโs Metal Gear enthusiasts face a similar choice. The unpredictability of game releases can often mirror past events in other media, like the long-awaited seasons of beloved TV shows. Just as viewers feel drawn to the latest seasons despite uncertainties, gamers today may find themselves venturing into The Phantom Pain, eager to embrace the narrative and gameplay, irrespective of upcoming collections.