Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 launches August 27, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, Switch, and PC for $49.99. The headliner: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is finally escaping its PS3 prison after 18 years. But is the full package worth it?
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
The real reason to buy this collection. MGS4 has been locked to the PS3 since 2008 — no remaster, no port, no backward compatibility. If you've played through MGS1-3 (via Vol. 1 or the Delta: Snake Eater remake) and never experienced Old Snake's final mission, this alone justifies the purchase.
MGS4 is a divisive game even among fans. The gameplay is the best in the series — the refined gunplay, OctoCamo system, and set pieces are incredible. But the cutscenes are long. We're talking 30-40 minute uninterrupted cinematics. If you love Kojima's storytelling, it's the ultimate payoff to the entire saga. If you just want to play, keep your finger near the skip button.
BUYMetal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Originally a PSP game, Peace Walker is the missing link between MGS3 and MGSV. It introduced the Mother Base building and soldier-recruitment mechanics that defined MGSV. The HD version here supports online co-op for up to 6 players — and the boss fights were designed for co-op, which makes them significantly more fun with friends.
As a solo experience, the mission-based structure feels handheld-era (because it is). Missions are short, bosses are tanky, and the grind for S-ranks is real. But the story is essential Kojima lore, and recruiting soldiers to build your army is addictive.
BUYMetal Gear: Ghost Babel
A Game Boy Color game from 2000 that tells an alternate-timeline story from the original Metal Gear Solid. Included here as bonus content with modern QOL features (screen filters, rewind, customizable controls). It's a curiosity more than a main attraction, but surprisingly good for a GBC game.
DEPENDSWhat's Missing?
Fans have noted the absence of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Portable Ops. Rising was developed by PlatinumGames, not Kojima Productions, which likely complicates licensing. Portable Ops is the most-requested omission. A Vol. 3 focusing on these titles isn't out of the question given Konami's current revival strategy.
Should You Buy Vol. 1 First?
If you haven't played the Metal Gear Solid series before, yes — start with Vol. 1. It includes MGS1, MGS2, and MGS3 (plus the original MSX Metal Gear games). Playing MGS4 without the context of 1-3 is like watching a series finale without seeing the show. The Vol. 1 has also received visual updates and QOL patches since its rocky 2023 launch.
The Verdict
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2
BUYIf you're a Metal Gear fan who never had a PS3 (or whose PS3 died), this is a day-one purchase. MGS4 on modern hardware is worth the price alone. If you're new to the series, buy Vol. 1 first, play through it, then pick this up. If you only care about Ghost Babel, wait for a sale.
For more pre-order coverage, check our GTA 6 Everything We Know guide or our Best Games of 2026 So Far roundup.