What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If you like Metal Gear Solid for stealth, start with Splinter Cell for covert tactical infiltration or HITMAN World of Assassination for disguise-driven, open-ended missions. They share a stealth focus, but they are not interchangeable: Metal Gear is the pick when you want its cinematic storytelling and series continuity. Choose based on the kind of stealth you want to play.
Which series is the closest fit?
| Series | Best fit if you want… | What its official descriptions emphasize |
|---|---|---|
| Splinter Cell | Covert operations and tactical infiltration | Stealth action centered on elite covert agent Sam Fisher. Ubisoft describes the original game as cinematic stealth action. Ubisoft’s series page |
| HITMAN World of Assassination | Planning, disguises, experimentation, and replayable missions | Stealth sandboxes that allow different approaches, with disguises and creative tools. IO Interactive’s World of Assassination page |
| Metal Gear Solid | Stealth action combined with cinematic story and series continuity | Konami presents the Master Collection as a way to experience the early games in the series. Konami’s Master Collection Vol. 1 page |
These are distinctions based on publisher descriptions, not the results of a controlled gameplay comparison. If what you most enjoy is avoiding detection and managing enemy awareness, try Splinter Cell. If you prefer studying a location and testing multiple plans, try HITMAN. If the characters, story, and history of Metal Gear are as important as stealth, stay with the series.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
METAL GEAR SOLID | MASTER COLLECTION Vol. 2 - PlayStation 5 | $49.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER TACTICAL ED – PS5 | $37.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 - PS5 | $33.59 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 (Xbox Series X|S) | $35.34 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance | $16.97 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What to play in Splinter Cell
Start with the original for the series’ covert-agent premise
Ubisoft describes the original Splinter Cell as cinematic stealth action starring Sam Fisher, an elite covert agent. Ubisoft lists the PC release date as 18 February 2003. It is the straightforward place to start if you want to see the series’ foundational premise, though its age and availability on your preferred platform may matter.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Choose Blacklist with its platform and co-op limits in mind
Splinter Cell: Blacklist is an older stealth-action thriller featuring Sam Fisher. Ubisoft lists it for PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii U. Its online multiplayer and co-op modes are no longer functional, so do not choose it expecting those online features to work. Check Ubisoft’s Blacklist page for its platform listing and service notice.
#1 Best Overall
- GAME LIST: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (HD Collection version), Metal Gear: Ghost Babel. Versions for other regions of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (HD Collection version) can be downloaded separately from the store. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker supports online play for up to 6 players.
- DIGITAL BOOKS: Metal Gear Solid 4: Screenplay Book, Metal Gear Solid 4: Master Book, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Screenplay Book, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Master Book. All are accessible via the in-game Start Menu.
- METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol.1 SAVE-DATA BONUS*: If a user has saved data for any title included in METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol.1, you can receive in-game items usable in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (HD Collection version) respectively. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Bonus: Gold Camouflage. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (HD Collection version) Bonus: GOLD Uniform.
What to play in HITMAN
Pick World of Assassination for sandbox missions
HITMAN World of Assassination brings together content from HITMAN, HITMAN 2, and HITMAN 3. IO Interactive describes it as a stealth sandbox built around freedom of approach. The appeal is less about reproducing Metal Gear’s covert-agent fiction and more about using disguises and tools to explore different ways through a mission.
Content and modes can vary by platform and edition. IO Interactive’s announcement for the Switch 2 Signature Edition specifically highlights stealth-based sandboxes, disguises, creative tools, and replayability; that edition is platform-specific. Before buying, check the contents of the exact version for your platform rather than assuming every edition includes the same missions or modes. Review IO Interactive’s World of Assassination information.
Rank #2
- The story, characters, voice acting, gameplay, and music that made the original a sensation return, remade for modern consoles
- This evolutionary leap breathes new life into every cutscene, and rebuilds every corner of the world
- Incredible new graphics bring the wild growth of the jungles, forests, and swamps to life in exquisite detail
- Characters are rendered in fine detail so that facial wrinkles, pores, & separate eye & iris movements are visible, allowing for rich animations
- Any injuries to his actual body will leave their mark permanently, telling a story of each player's unique journey
If you want more Metal Gear
Master Collection Vol. 1 covers the early series
METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol. 1 includes the original Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid (including VR Missions/Special Missions), and HD Collection versions of Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3. Konami also lists digital screenplays and master books, digital graphic novels, and a soundtrack. Its Europe English product page gives a release date of 24 October 2023 and lists PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Steam. Confirm the region, platform, and included version before purchase. See Konami’s collection details.
Recommended Free Tools
Delta: Snake Eater is a remake, not a new series entry
METAL GEAR SOLID Delta: Snake Eater is a remake of the 2004 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Konami’s Europe English page lists PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Steam. Check Konami’s Delta: Snake Eater page for the listed platforms.
Rank #3
- Title Lineup:Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid (Including VR Missions/Special Missions), Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (HD Collection version), Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (HD Collection version), Metal Gear (NES/FC version), Snake's Revenge
- Video: Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel, Metal Gear Solid 2: Digital Graphic Novel
- Digital book: Metal Gear Solid: Screenplay Book, Metal Gear Solid: Master Book, Metal Gear Solid 2: Screenplay Book, Metal Gear Solid 2: Master Book, Metal Gear Solid 3: Screenplay Book, Metal Gear Solid 3: Master Book, Metal Gear & Metal Gear 2: Screenplay Book, Metal Gear & Metal Gear 2: Master Book
- Soundtrack: Metal Gear Solid: Digital Soundtrack
Vol. 2 is listed with a future release date
Konami’s Europe English page lists METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol. 2 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC/Steam, with a release date of 27 August 2026. It lists Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, the HD Collection version of Peace Walker, digital books, and soundtrack content. Because the listed date is in the future as of 7 October 2026, check the page for current release and platform details. See Konami’s Vol. 2 page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A useful stealth habit when returning to Metal Gear
Konami’s support guide advises moving slowly, lowering your stance, and using cover to reduce the chance of being seen; enemies also react to noise. These basics are useful if you are revisiting the series or learning its stealth systems for the first time. Read Konami’s Master Collection support guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Rising's stealth elements will emphasize Raiden's considerable speed and agility through what Matsuyama describes as "hunting stealth."
- Gameplay will focus on two key elements: swordfighting, and a style of stealth that is more fast-paced and action-oriented.
- "Cutting" entails sophisticated swordplay that lets players engage in third person melee combat, as well as precisely slash enemies and objects "at will" along a geometrical plane using a "free slicing" mode.
Rank #4
- This innovative game series was born from the idea of avoiding combat and infiltrating enemy territory undetected
- Title line up: Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2, Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2, Metal Gear Solid 3, Metal Gear (NES/FC version), and Snake’s Revenge
- Digital books: Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2, Metal Gear Solid 3, Metal Gear, and Metal Gear; Screenplay and Master Books included
- Video: Metal Gear Solid; Digital Graphic Novel and Metal Gear Solid 2; Digital Graphic Novel
- Includes Metal Gear Solid: Digital Soundtrack
How to choose
- Choose Splinter Cell for the covert-agent fantasy and tactical infiltration.
- Choose HITMAN World of Assassination for disguises, flexible plans, and replayable sandbox missions.
- Choose Metal Gear if cinematic storytelling and continuing the series matter as much as stealth.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
