I only really recommend MG1 or 2 for those who like playing retro games, but most can do without them. If you want to be thorough, you can throw in Metal Gear (MSX) and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (MSX), but MGS1 contains a small novella that summarizes the important bits of that that you can read before you dive into MGS1. MGS1 (PSX) -> MGS2 HD Edition (PS3) or MGS2: Substance (PS2) -> MGS3 HD Edition (PS3) or MGS3: Subsistence (PS2) -> MGS4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3) -> MGS: Peace Walker (PSP) -> MGSV: Ground Zeroes (PC) -> MGSV: The Phantom Pain (PC) Playing the main titles in the release order is the key. Ps: The amount of people in this thread referring to PS1 as PSX is insane.Ī lot of people are going to lead you astray. I've never revisited it unlike every other main title including MGR. PeaceWalker is a waste of time, just watch a story recap if you must but it's not a must play in the slightest. MGSV is a mixed bag, it's the best gameplay in the series but the worst story.
Metal Gear Rising is super fun and a great spin off! Totally different tone and so stupid but amazing to play. I love it but I honestly think you need to be fully onboard the Kojima train before taking the leap. MGS3 is my all time favourite, it can be played on its own without playing the others as it's the origin story and works on its own as it's a contained story that leads to the events of the other games. For the full impact though you need to have played MGS1 or at least know the story I guess. MGS2 is fantastic and was my first full taste of MGS, it got me properly into the series. Nothing wrong with it besides the odd Nintendo references. MGS1 was an incredible innovation for the time but if it doesn't vibe with you, at the very least play Twin Snakes if you have it. I will note that by now all the included PSN codes for MGS1 and VR missions will have expired by now so you'll need to play them some other way. It contains them all besides V and Rising. Best way and only way to play them is via the PS3 only Legacy Collection. Play it in release order if you can as the gameplay evolves naturally through each title and through the years.