If you want to follow the Metal Gear Solid story, start with Metal Gear Solid (1998), then play Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. For a newer-feeling Kojima game that stands apart from that saga, start with Death Stranding Director’s Cut. There is no single mandatory first game: the right pick depends on whether you want a long-running stealth story, a separate adventure, or a remake with newer presentation.
What Hideo Kojima game should you play first?
For the clearest introduction to Kojima’s best-known series, choose Metal Gear Solid and continue in release order. Push Square’s Master Collection Vol. 1 guide recommends that sequence for a cohesive first run. It is an editorial recommendation, not an official Kojima Productions rule.
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If you would rather begin with a distinct world and a less sprawling story sequence, choose Death Stranding Director’s Cut. Kojima Productions describes the original Death Stranding as a journey to reconnect a divided world, and it does not require prior knowledge of Metal Gear. Its sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is better saved until after the original.
A newcomer’s shortlist, ranked by starting-point usefulness
This is a practical ranking of entry points, not a definitive judgment of every game Kojima has worked on. It weighs how clearly a newcomer can enter the game and whether prior series context matters.
#1 Best Overall
- Metal Gear Solid (1998): Best default pick if you want the core Metal Gear Solid story in the order it was originally presented. Its inclusion in Master Collection Vol. 1 does not make it a remaster: the collection guide describes it as the original PS1 version, with its original audio, visuals and design.
- Death Stranding Director’s Cut: Best alternative if you want a separate setting and connection-focused adventure rather than a long-running stealth saga. Kojima Productions reported that more than 20 million porters had connected across platforms by March 31, 2025. The studio’s wording describes a connected-player figure, not copies sold.
- Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater: A credible starting point if you prefer the saga’s chronological beginning. For newer presentation, consider Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake of the MGS3 story. Tom’s Guide calls Delta an excellent entry point; starting there changes the original release-order experience.
- Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty: A major part of the initial Metal Gear Solid arc, but play it after MGS1. Its direct follow-up status and character shift make more sense when you encounter them in release order.
- Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain: Consider it if open-ended, systems-driven stealth is your main draw. It is not the recommended first choice for following the initial MGS story.
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach: Not the best first Kojima game if you want the story context of its predecessor. The official product page describes Sam and companions embarking on a new mission beyond the UCA, making it a sequel rather than a separate starting route.
Should you start with Metal Gear Solid or Death Stranding?
Choose based on the kind of introduction you want. Metal Gear Solid opens a connected series whose twists and character relationships unfold across installments. Death Stranding Director’s Cut begins a distinct story and is the more straightforward choice if you do not want to commit to the Metal Gear sequence.
| What you value | Start here | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Following the Metal Gear Solid story as audiences first encountered it | Metal Gear Solid (1998) | It begins the recommended release-order sequence: MGS1, MGS2, then MGS3. |
| A separate setting and connection-focused adventure | Death Stranding Director’s Cut | It does not require a Metal Gear background; the sequel continues its world and characters. |
| Chronological beginning of the Metal Gear saga | Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater | It is the chronological entry point, though playing it first changes the release-order reveals. |
| Newer presentation for the MGS3 story | Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater | It is a remake of MGS3, not a new, unrelated entry. |
Do you need to play Metal Gear in chronological order?
No. For a first run focused on story reveals, play Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, then Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. This is the release-order route recommended by the collection guide. Chronological order begins with MGS3, but it changes when you learn information that the original games presented later.
Rank #2
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The trade-off is between release order, which preserves the series’ original reveal sequence, and chronological order, which starts earlier in the characters’ timeline. There is no need to play the two original Metal Gear games first if accessibility is your priority; the cited guide treats them as optional for newcomers.
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If you want the original sequence, the collection guide identifies Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 as containing MGS1, MGS2 and MGS3. It describes the MGS1 version as the original PS1 game, not a remaster. The guide dates from 2023, so check the current collection contents, platform support and regional edition before buying.
Rank #3
- Two Epic Games in One - Featuring hours of endless fun, play through two of the treasured classics in the Metal Gear Solid universe with Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
- Optimized Controls - Utilize the PS Vita's unique touch-screen controls to battle enemies while traversing the landscapes
- Finely Tuned Interface -Tweaked, rebalanced user interface helps maximize the users efficiency
- An Inimitable Universe - Experience some of the greatest gaming design, storytelling and presentation of all-time with the heroic Metal Gear Solid universe
- Transferring - Continue your saved game no matter where you are by transferring your trophies and save-game data back and forth from your PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Vita
If you want to enter at MGS3 with newer presentation, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater retells that game’s story as a remake. That is a valid choice, but it is not the same experience as encountering MGS1 and MGS2 first in release order.
For the separate Death Stranding route, Kojima Productions said in its March 31, 2025 announcement that the Director’s Cut was available on PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, Epic, iOS and Amazon Luna at that time. Storefront availability can change; check the official Kojima Productions announcement and your regional store. The official Death Stranding 2 product page lists PlayStation 5 and Windows PC; do not assume a release on another platform without an official listing.
Rank #4
- Over 60 hours of epic gameplay
- Eight complete games: metal gear, metal gear 2, metal gear solid 1, metal gear solid 2: hd edition, metal gear solid 3: hd edition, metal gear solid 4: trophy edition, metal gear solid: peace walker hd edition, metal gear solid: vr missions
- 2 Exclusive Ashley Wood Bande Desinee Graphic Novels; Upscaled in HD and released for the first time in North America and Latin America
- 92+ Average Metacritic Rating for all games
- 100 PG Artbook - spanning the 25 year history of the acclaimed Metal Gear series
Can you play Death Stranding 2 first?
You can, but it is a sequel, not the strongest introduction to Kojima’s work. The official description follows Sam and companions on a new mission beyond the UCA, and Kojima Productions’ announcement frames the story around whether people should have connected. Play the original first if you want the context of its world and characters.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhy the ranking is about entry points, not a definitive canon
Kojima’s work spans different kinds of games, and a highly regarded sequel or finale can still be a poor first purchase. This list is limited to the most useful routes for a newcomer: the original-release path into Metal Gear Solid, a distinct entry through Death Stranding, and the MGS3 remake for someone who values newer presentation. Kojima Productions described Death Stranding as the first title from his new studio in a 2016 Sony announcement. Kojima said: “Today I am very excited to be able to deliver this teaser trailer of DEATH STRANDING, which marks a fresh new start for Kojima Productions.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Metal Gear Solid Poster Collection: This collection contains 6 high-quality matte posters designed for the legendary 1998 game "Metal Gear Solid", released by Konami and by visionaries Yoji Shinkawa and Hideo Kojima.
- FULL OF PLAY CHARACTERS: Posters showcase iconic game characters like Solid Snake, Liquid Snake, and Meryl Silverburgh, bringing the atmospheric essence of the game to your living space.
- MATTE POSTER PAPER & PREMIUM INK: Each poster is made using premium matt poster paper and ink, ensuring a long lasting aesthetic and visual experience.
- State Of The Art Printing Technology: Posters are made using the latest printing technology to preserve details and colors to the highest standards.
- Special Design and Details: Yoji Shinkawa distinctive design and the visionary touch of Hideo Kojima is visible on every poster and provides game enthusiasts a unique visual experience.
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