Can I understand Metal Gear Solid 5 Without Playing Metal Gear Solid 4?

[Seliph]

I've recently built a very nice gaming PC that can play every single Metal Gear game except for MGS4. To my understanding, the games all have an overarching plot and each game references each other in some way. Are there any important plot points or character introductions in 4 that would make me feel totally lost in 5 without me knowing of them?

Also, should I play them by their number (e.g playing MGS1 and then MGS2 and then MGS3 etc) or should I play them based on their chronological timeline (playing MGS3 first and then Peace Walker and then MGS5 etc)?

 

[Holybond]

I think you should play Metal Gear Solid 3 at the very least.

 

[Seliph]

I think you should play Metal Gear Solid 3 at the very least.

Well I can play that and all of the other games, just not MGS4

 

[Holybond]

There will be some things referenced to both MGS 3 and Peace Walker. That may or may not take away from the game for you. Nothing a wikia read can't fix, but if you're not in a rush why not? If you don't care then go for MGS 5.

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

There will be some things referenced to both MGS 3 and Peace Walker. That may or may not take away from the game for you. Nothing a wikia read can't fix, but if you're not in a rush why not? If you don't care then go for MGS 5.

MGS 4 isn't too directly involved in MGS 5. So you shouldn't have a problem. Then again maybe another more knowledgeable person on the MGS Lore can chime in. I know enough to get by. I've started and beat 3, played some of peace walker, beat 4, and almost done with 5.

 

[KevinLSX]

I played snake eater and now currently playing mgs5.

 

[Seliph]

I played snake eater and now currently playing mgs5.

Are there any major references or plot things you don't get so far?

 

[KevinLSX]

Not so far. Ive only had mgs5 for about 2 weeks now. havnt played much too. Only snake eater reference Ive seen is ocelot

 

[Holybond]

Are there any major references or plot things you don't get so far?

There are things in MGS 5 referenced from MGS 3. Hence why I'm telling you to play that at the very least.

 

[Seliph]

There are things in MGS 5 referenced from MGS 3. Hence why I'm telling you to play that at the very least.

Right, I plan to play that. I'm playing every one except for 4 because I don't have a ps3 and emulating it is currently impossible.

 

[Holybond]

Right, I plan to play that. I'm playing every one except for 4 because I don't have a ps3 and emulating it is currently impossible.

Go get e'm. Have fun!

 

[WiiUBricker]

To answer the OP’s question, yes, you can safely play MGS5 before MGS4.