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Choose Splinter Cell if you want stealth itself to be the main event: studying patrols, planning an infiltration, using gadgets and trying to stay unseen. Choose Metal Gear Solid if you want stealth woven into a broader, more cinematic espionage saga. Neither is objectively better; the best fit depends on which part of stealth games you most want to play.
How the stealth feels
Splinter Cell: plan the infiltration
Ubisoft describes Splinter Cell as a stealth-shooter series centered on operative Sam Fisher, dating to 2002. Its intended appeal is deliberate covert work: observe a situation, make a plan, use gadgets and outsmart enemies creatively. That design emphasis comes from Ubisoft’s 2021 interview about the remake, so it is best read as the team’s account of the series’ identity—not as a verdict on every game. Ubisoft’s franchise page and remake interview provide the publisher’s descriptions.
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Metal Gear Solid: stealth inside a larger saga
Konami presents Metal Gear as tactical espionage: infiltrate enemy fortresses using stealth, while following a cinematic story. If you enjoy a strong narrative frame alongside the act of sneaking, that combination may be the bigger draw. Konami’s Master Collection Vol.1 page describes both the stealth premise and the series’ cinematic storytelling.
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These are useful differences in emphasis, not a direct head-to-head gameplay evaluation. The recommendation here is a preference-based reading of what the publishers say about each series.
#1 Best Overall
Which series should you start with?
| If you want… | Start with… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Infiltration, planning and gadgets as the main attraction | Splinter Cell | Ubisoft’s description emphasizes focused stealth action and Sam Fisher’s covert-operations role. |
| A cinematic espionage story and an entry point into the older games | Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 | It includes the first two Metal Gear games, Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3, plus bonus material. |
| A standalone modern remake rather than a collection | Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater | It is a remake of the 2004 game and offers modern and classic control styles, according to Konami. |
| Metal Gear Solid 4 or Peace Walker on newer platforms | Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.2 | Konami announced that the collection launched on 27 August 2026. |
What you can play on current platforms
Metal Gear collections and remake
Konami lists Master Collection Vol.1 for PS5, Nintendo Switch, Steam PC and Xbox Series X|S, and says physical releases exist for most platforms. Its Vol.2 announcement lists Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam, with a launch date of 27 August 2026. Check the listing for your region and platform before buying; formats and availability can vary. Vol.1 details and Konami’s Vol.2 announcement give the publisher’s platform information.
Konami’s European product page lists Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Steam, with a European release date of 28 August 2025. That regional page does not establish availability or edition details in every country, so confirm the local listing. See Konami’s Delta page.
Rank #2
- EPIC CAMPAIGN MODE: Dive into a 14-mission campaign filled with stealth, strategy, and iconic boss battles, bringing the Metal Gear Solid experience to your tabletop.
- FLEXIBLE VR MISSIONS: Choose from 6 free-to-play VR Missions for a quick, intense gaming experience. All gear earned is unlocked for future missions.
- UNIQUE BOSS FIGHTS: Each boss requires different strategies to defeat, offering a diverse and challenging gameplay experience.
- ASYMMETRIC CHARACTER ABILITIES: Play as Solid Snake, Meryl, Otacon, or Gray Fox, each with unique abilities that provide new tactical options in every game.
- SAVE THE WORLD: Assume the role of legendary characters to infiltrate enemy bases and sabotage prototype weapon systems, preventing world-ending threats.
Splinter Cell availability and online caveat
Ubisoft lists Splinter Cell: Blacklist for PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii U. Its page says the game’s multiplayer and co-op features are no longer functional. The page does not confirm current store availability or compatibility with newer consoles, so check the specific platform and edition rather than assuming a modern console can run it. Ubisoft’s Blacklist page has the listed platforms and online-service notice.
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Ubisoft’s remake interview, published 15 December 2021, said the project was in very early development. The developers said they wanted to preserve the early games’ spirit and linear structure. That announcement does not establish the remake’s current progress, release date or platforms, so it is not a reliable basis for planning a purchase. Read the dated Ubisoft interview.
Rank #3
- THE POWER OF FOX ENGINE - Ground Zeroes showcases Kojima Productions' stunning FOX Engine, a true next-generation game engine which revolutionizes the Metal Gear Solid experience.
- INTRODUCTION TO OPEN WORLD DESIGN - The first Metal Gear Solid title to offer open world gameplay. Ground Zeroes offers total freedom of play: how missions are undertaken is entirely down to the user.
- UNRESTRICTED STEALTH - Imagine classic Metal Gear gameplay but with no restrictions or boundaries. Players use intelligence and cerebral strategy to sneak their way through entire missions, or go in all guns blazing.
- MULTIPLE MISSIONS AND TASKS -Ground Zeroes boasts a central story mode and Side-Ops missions ranging from tactical action, aerial assaults and "covert" missions that will be sure to surprise.
- REDESIGNED INTERFACE - Ground Zeroes users will benefit from a clean in-game HUD that shows the minimal amount of on-screen data to give a more intense gaming experience.
A note on the series’ scale
Konami Group Corporation reported that the Metal Gear series had sold more than 60 million copies in its 2024 report. This is a company-reported figure from that report, not a comparison with Splinter Cell or a measure of current sales. Konami’s investor-relations materials are the source.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- OWN YOUR PLAY STYLE: Splinter Cell Blacklist builds on the stealth roots of the franchise, while exploring new directions to embrace the realms of action and adventure. Players can define their personal play styles and be rewarded for those choices.
- TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Fans of stealth will be happy to make the most of Sam's sneaking abilities to abduct and carry enemies, while Killing in Motion allows the player to strike with surgical precision by marking and executing multiple enemies in one fluid motion.
- SPIES VS. MERCS RETURNS: Spies vs. Mercs is back with a new take on asymmetrical gameplay. Players will be able to face off in teams of 4 while creating their very own Spy or Merc according to their playstyles via thorough customization elements. The original Classic Spies vs. Mercs experience also makes its long awaited comeback for the fans.
- COOP: Co-Op is back and bigger than ever with 14 maps & 4 mission types. While you play you also earn in-game currency and unlock additional weapons or gadgets via specialized missions assigned by Grim, Briggs, Charlie and Kobin.
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