Stealth mechanics have become so ubiquitous in video games that it’s easy to forget just how game-changing Metal Gear Solid was when it first released in 1998 for the PlayStation. In an industry obsessed with high scores and gunning down bad guys, Hideo Kojima’s military drama starring sneaky super soldier Solid Snake encouraged a slower, more thoughtful play style that punished gung-ho gunslinging and rewarded patience. Video games haven’t been the same since.
Kojima left Konami in 2015, essentially closing the door on any future mainline Metal Gear Solid games. At least we got some incredible games before the series was unceremoniously retired, and we can revisit those titles anytime we want. After all, it was Solid Snake himself who once said, “Building the future and keeping the past alive are one and the same thing.” Here’s where to play the Metal Gear Solid games today.
Metal Gear Solid Games: Platforms, Physical, Digital & How To Play
The Metal Gear Solid games have been remastered, repackaged, and re-released so many times that you should have no issue finding a way to play most of the franchise.
This list will include all the re-releases, bundles, or expanded editions of each major Metal Gear Solid game so you get the clearest picture of where and how to play the Metal Gear Solid games today.
Metal Gear Solid
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 1 | Original | Physical |
| Japan only expanded edition (Metal Gear Solid: Integral) | Physical | |
| PlayStation2 | Original PS1 release (via backwards compatibility) | Physical |
| PlayStation 3 | PS one Classics re-release | Digital |
| Original PS1 release (via backwards compatibility) | Physical | |
| Game Archives re-release (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (Japan only) | Digital | |
| PlayStation Portable | PS one Classics re-release | Digital |
| PlayStation Vita | PS one Classics re-release | Digital |
| PC | GOG.com | Digital |
The original Metal Gear Solid was released in 1998 for the PS1 and is playable on both the PS2 and PS3 via backwards compatibility (“fat” models only). Unopened physical copies can be found online, though they’re not always available (or cheap), so you may have to wait a bit until they are. Even pre-owned copies aren’t that easy to obtain, but are much cheaper.
The PS1 version of the game has also been re-released digitally as part of the PS one Classics series and can be downloaded from the PlayStation Store for the PS3, PSP, and PS Vita.
Those who purchased a Japanese version of the Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection were given a product code for downloading the Game Archives version of this game. In all other versions of the HD Collection, Metal Gear Solid is replaced with Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.
Metal Gear Solid: Integral
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 1 | Original release (Japan only) | Physical |
| PlayStation 2 | Original PS1 release (via backwards compatibility) | Physical |
| PlayStation 3 | Original PS1 release (via backwards compatibility) | Physical |
| PC | Original release | Physical |
| GOG re-release | Digital |
Metal Gear Solid: Integral is an expanded version of the first Metal Gear Solid game released for the PS1 in Japan in 1999. It was later released outside of Japan for the PC in 2000. The most notable change in this edition is the inclusion of a third disc filled with hundreds of VR training missions. That disc would eventually be released separately outside of Japan for the PS1 as Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions (Metal Gear Solid: Special Missions in PAL regions).
The PS1 version of Metal Gear Solid: Integral is playable on PS2 and PS3 machines that support backwards compatibility (fat models), but you’ll need a Japanese console since the game is region locked. Used physical copies can be found online, but prepare to spend upwards of $100 for brand-new copies.
Physical copies of the 2000 PC version of Metal Gear Solid are very difficult to find online. You can download and play a digital version of Integral (without the name) on GOG with added support for modern hardware and resolutions, support for multiple game controllers, quicksave functionality, and an optional first-person mode.
Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 1 | Original release (Japan only) | Physical |
| Released as part of Metal Gear Solid: Integral (Japan only) | Physical | |
| PlayStation 2 | Original release (via backwards compatibility) | Physical |
| Part of PS1 Metal Gear Solid: Integral (via backwards compatibility) | Physical | |
| PlayStation 3 | PS one Classics re-release | Digital |
| Original release (via backwards compatibility) | Physical | |
| Part of PS1 Metal Gear Solid: Integral (via backwards compatibility) | Physical | |
| PlayStation Vita | PS one Classics re-release | Digital |
| PC | GOG.com (part of Metal Gear Solid re-release) | Digital |
Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions is the standalone release of the third disc of Metal Gear Solid: Integral. In PAL regions (where it’s known as Metal Gear Solid: Special Missions), it can only be played if you own a copy of Metal Gear Solid. If you own a copy of Metal Gear Solid: Integral, then you already have access to the VR training missions found on this disc.
This game is playable on PS2 and PS3 machines that support backwards compatibility (fat models).
VR Missions was re-released digitally as part of the PS one Classics series and can be downloaded from the PlayStation Store for the PS3 and PS Vita.
New physical copies of this game are hard to find, but it shouldn’t be hard to get your hands on a pre-owned one.
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| GameCube | Original release | Physical |
| Wii | GameCube version (via backwards compatibility) | Physical |
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes is a remake of the original Metal Gear Solid released for the GameCube in 2004. The Twin Snakes recreates the original game using the Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty engine, resulting in a gameplay experience that’s more accessible but very different from the PS1 original.
Unopened copies of this game are very difficult to find online, and pre-owned copies can go for as much as a new game today.
The original release of The Twin Snakes is also playable on Nintendo Wii models produced before 2011 via backwards compatibility.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 | Original release | Physical |
| PlayStation 3 | Original PS2 release (via backwards compatibility) | Physical |
| NVIDIA Shield | Remaster | Digital |
| PC | Original release | Physical |
Polarizing at the time of release, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty has since become a fan favorite and lauded as one of director Hideo Kojima’s best games. This is one of the easier Metal Gear Solid games to find pre-owned physical copies of online. New, unopened copies will definitely take a bit of searching, though.
Originally released on the PS2, Sons of Liberty can also be played on a fat PS3 via backwards compatibility.
In 2017, the game was made available digitally on the Google Play Store as METAL GEAR SOLID 2 HD, but is only playable on NVIDIA Shield devices.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 | Original release | Physical |
| PlayStation 3 | Original PS2 release (via backwards compatibility) | Physical |
| Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) | Both | |
| PlayStation 4 | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via PS Now) | Digital |
| PlayStation 5 | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via PS Now) | Digital |
| Xbox | Original release | Physical |
| Xbox 360 | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) | Both |
| Xbox One | 360 Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via backwards compatibility) | Both |
| Xbox Series X | S | 360 Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via backwards compatibility) | Both (digital only on S) |
| PlayStation Vita | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) | Both |
| PC | Original release | Physical |
| GOG re-release | Digital |
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance is the expanded edition of Sons of Liberty that includes several new game modes, VR training missions, and some visual upgrades. This was the first Metal Gear Solid game to release on a non-Sony home console.
You should have no trouble finding physical copies of this game for the PS2 or Xbox. Physical copies of the PC version are almost impossible to find.
In 2020, the PC version of Substance was made available digitally from GOG’s online shop.
Substance was released as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PS Vita. This version is a remaster of the original game in 720p.
Physical copies of the PS Vita and PS3 versions of HD Collection are available on Amazon at fairly low prices. The Xbox 360 version is much more difficult to find.
You can also stream Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection to your PS4, PS5, or PC with a subscription to PS Now, Sony’s on-demand game service.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 | Original release | Physical |
| PlayStation 3 | Original PS2 release (via backwards compatibility) | Physical |
| Nintendo 3DS | 3D re-release | Both |
| NVIDIA Shield | Remaster | Digital |
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater takes us back to the 1970s to explore the story of Big Boss, Solid Snake’s “father” and the big bad of the first two games in the Metal Gear series from the late ‘80s.
Physical copies of this game are all over the internet, and you should have zero issue finding a new or pre-owned copy.
The original version of this game is only playable on the PS2 (or a fat PS3 via backwards compatibility). An expanded three-disc version, Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence, was released in 2006. If you’re going to play this game, Subsistence is the way to go (more on that version later down the list).
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D is the 2012 re-release of Snake Eater for the Nintendo 3DS. This version adds a few features to take advantage of the 3DS’ ability to project 3D images.
Brand-new and used physical copies of Snake Eater 3D are available on Amazon and eBay for around $40. You can also download the game digitally from the Nintendo eShop on your 3DS.
In 2017, the game was made available digitally on the Google Play Store as METAL GEAR SOLID 3 HD FOR SHIELD TV, but is only playable on NVIDIA Shield devices.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 | Original release | Physical |
| PlayStation 3 | Original PS2 release (via backwards compatibility) | Physical |
| Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) | Both | |
| PlayStation 4 | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via PS Now) | Digital |
| PlayStation 5 | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via PS Now) | Digital |
| PlayStation Vita | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) | Both |
| Xbox 360 | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) | Both |
| Xbox One | 360 Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via backwards compatibility) | Both |
| Xbox Series X | S | 360 Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via backwards compatibility) | Both (digital only on S) |
| PC | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via PS Now) | Digital |
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence is the three-disc expanded edition of Snake Eater. This contains the full game and a slew of features and bonus content. If you’re looking to play Snake Eater, this is the version to get.
The first disc, Subsistence, contains the full game plus a few additional features, most notably the first version of the over-the-shoulder camera angle that the series would adopt from here onward.
The second disc, Persistence, contains a Duel Mode (Boss Rush) and the series’ first online multiplayer component, Metal Gear Online (MGO). Official servers for MGO were deactivated in 2007.
The third disc, Existence, contains a three-and-a-half hour cut of all of the cinematics in Snake Eater, as well as a trailer for Metal Gear Solid 4.
You should have no problem finding used and new physical copies of Subsistence for the PS2 online. This version is also playable on a fat PS3 via backwards compatibility.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence was remastered and included as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PS Vita. The HD Collection version of Subsistence does not include content from the second disc (Persistence).
Physical copies of the PS Vita and PS3 versions of HD Collection are available on Amazon at fairly low prices. The Xbox 360 version is much more difficult to find.
You can also stream Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection to your PS4, PS5, or PC with a subscription to PS Now, Sony’s on-demand game service.
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Portable | Original release | Physical |
| PlayStation Vita | Re-release | Digital |
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops is the handheld-only sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater that follows Big Boss after he breaks away from the US government.
Brand-new physical copies of this game are readily available in online shopping platforms.
You can also download a digital copy of the game from the PlayStation Store on PS Vita.
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Portable | Original release | Physical |
| PlayStation Vita | Re-release | Digital |
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus is a standalone expansion to Portable Ops. It includes new characters, maps, game modes, and weapons, as well as a campaign that takes place shortly after the events of Portable Ops.
Brand-new physical copies of this game are readily available in online shopping platforms.
You can also download a digital copy of the game from the PlayStation Store on PS Vita.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Portable | Original release | Physical |
| PlayStation 3 | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) | Physical |
| PlayStation 4 | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via PS Now) | Digital |
| PlayStation 5 | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via PS Now) | Digital |
| PlayStation Vita | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) | Both |
| Xbox 360 | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) | Both |
| Xbox One | 360 Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via backwards compatibility) | Both |
| Xbox Series X | S | 360 Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via backwards compatibility) | Both (digital only on S) |
| PC | Remaster (as part of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection) (via PS Now) | Digital |
In Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Big Boss is asked to save Costa Rica from an unknown invading force that is threatening to explode a nuclear warhead.
Brand-new and pre-owned physical copies of the PSP version of this game are easy enough to find on Amazon and eBay.
In 2013, Peace Walker was re-released as a digital download for the PlayStation Vita. You can find it on the PlayStation Store for the Vita.
An HD remaster of Peace Walker was included in the international version of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection. The Japanese release of the collection contains a product code for the first Metal Gear Solid instead of Peace Walker.
Physical copies of the PS Vita and PS3 versions of HD Collection are available on Amazon at fairly low prices. The Xbox 360 version is much more difficult to find.
You can also stream Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection to your PS4, PS5, or PC with a subscription to PS Now, Sony’s on-demand game service.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 3 | Original release | Physical |
| PlayStation 4 | Original PS3 release (via PS Now) | Digital |
| PlayStation 5 | Original PS3 release (via PS Now) | Digital |
| PC | Original PS3 release (via PS Now) | Digital |
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots marked the return of Solid Snake as the leading protagonist and was released in 2008 for the PS3. This is the first mainline Metal Gear Solid game that didn’t get an expanded edition.
If you’re thinking of playing the game on your PS3, there are tons of physical copies of this game online, both used and new.
You can also stream Guns of the Patriots to your PS4, PS5, or PC with a subscription to PS Now, Sony’s on-demand game service.
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 3 | Original release | Both |
| PlayStation 4 | Original release | Both |
| Original PS4 release (via PS Now) | Digital | |
| Definitive Experience re-release | Both | |
| PlayStation 5 | Original PS3 release (via PS Now) | Digital |
| Xbox 360 | Original release | Both |
| Xbox One | Original release | Both |
| Original 360 release (via backwards compatibility) | Physical | |
| Definitive Experience re-release | Both | |
| PC | Original release | Both |
| Original PS4 release (via PS Now) | Digital | |
| Definitive Experience re-release | Digital |
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes was originally developed as the opening mission for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, but was later released as a standalone title after The Phantom Pain was delayed.
Brand-new physical copies of Ground Zeroes for the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One are widely available online for under $20. You can get used copies for less than $10 in many cases. Physical copies of the PC version aren’t nearly as easy to find, and you’d be better off downloading the game digitally.
The game is available digitally on both the Sony and Microsoft digital storefronts and on PC via Steam and GOG.
In addition, Ground Zeroes (along with The Phantom Pain) is included in the Metal Gear Solid V: The Definitive Experience collection on PC, PS4, and Xbox One with backwards compatibility on PS5 and Xbox Series X | S.
Ground Zeroes can also be streamed to your PS4, PS5, or PC with a subscription to PS Now, Sony’s on-demand game service.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
| Console | Version | Physical / Digital |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 3 | Original release | Both |
| PlayStation 4 | Original release | Both |
| Original PS4 release (via PS Now) | Digital | |
| Definitive Experience re-release | Both | |
| PlayStation 5 | Original PS3 release (via PS Now) | Digital |
| Xbox 360 | Original release | Both |
| Xbox One | Original release | Both |
| Original 360 release (via backwards compatibility) | Physical | |
| Definitive Experience re-release | Both | |
| PC | Original release | Both |
| Original PS4 release (via PS Now) | Digital | |
| Definitive Experience re-release | Digital |
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the biggest Metal Gear Solid game ever, with two open world maps to explore and multiple online multiplayer game modes.
Unopened copies of The Phantom Pain for the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One can be bought on Amazon for under $20. Pre-owned copies are dirt cheap (less than $5, in many cases). You can also download digital editions of the game from the Microsoft or PlayStation Stores, though these will usually be at full price.
Both Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain are also available to purchase in the Metal Gear Solid V: The Definitive Experience collection, which is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One with backwards compatibility on PS5 and Xbox Series X | S.
Physical copies of the PC version are much harder to find, so we’d recommend getting a digital copy of the game via Steam or GOG.
As with Ground Zeroes, The Phantom Pain also can be streamed to your PS4, PS5, or PC with a subscription to PS Now, Sony’s on-demand game service.
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