If you have even a passing interest in stealth games, now is the time to fire up Steam: Metal Gear Solid — Master Collection Version is completely free to play until 28 July at 1 AM SGT, no purchase required. This is not a demo — the full package is unlocked, including the original 1998 campaign, the VR Missions expansion, and the Japan-exclusive Integral edition. The giveaway is Konami’s warm-up act for something bigger: Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, which drops on 27 August 2026 and is already open for pre-order.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 — What’s Inside
Volume 2 bundles three titles — two of them making their modern-platform debut:
- Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots — the PS3-exclusive that launched in 2008 finally escapes PlayStation, arriving on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 for the first time.
- Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (HD Collection version) — the PSP co-op stealth gem, polished up for modern screens.
- Metal Gear: Ghost Babel — included as bonus digital content, with new screen filters and a rewind function making its handheld-era design friendlier to modern play.
The collection releases on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 simultaneously on 27 August.
New Features and Technical Upgrades
Switch 2 owners are getting the definitive portable version of MGS4, which has never run on handheld hardware before. On Nintendo Switch 2 the game runs at up to 60 FPS, rendering at 1440p docked and 1080p in handheld mode — a marked jump over the original PS3 release. Peace Walker on Switch 2 reaches 1080p and also hits 60 FPS. Both titles offer selectable image modes (Adjusted and High Resolution) when docked on Switch 2, so players can tune for fidelity or framerate.
Across the board, Konami has added fully customisable button mapping — a welcome quality-of-life addition for a series that historically had some unusual control decisions. Ghost Babel gets a rewind function, making it much more approachable for newcomers who didn’t grow up with the Game Boy Color original.
Pre-Order Bonuses and Digital Extras
Pre-ordering unlocks two in-game costumes: the Cardboard Camouflage Uniform for MGS4 and the Love Cardboard Uniform for Peace Walker. (Apparently the cardboard box is eternal.) Players who have save data from Vol. 1 can also claim additional in-game bonus items.
Beyond the games themselves, the collection includes a full Screenplay Book (in-game text from MGS4 and Peace Walker), a Master Book covering story and characters, a Digital Soundtrack Vol. 2, and a Database cataloguing the series’ sprawling lore.
What About MGS1 — Is It Worth Playing Right Now?
Short answer: yes. The 1998 original holds up far better than you might expect — the stealth mechanics, boss fights, and fourth-wall-breaking writing are all still remarkable. If you’ve never played it, the free weekend (until 28 July, 1 AM SGT) is the best possible entry point into the franchise before Vol. 2 lands. And if you enjoy it, the Master Collection Version stays at 50% off ($9.99 USD) through the promotion window.
Singapore PC gamers can grab the free weekend on Steam now. Pre-orders for Vol. 2 are live on Steam and through major game retailers and electronics chains. For more upcoming game launches, check out our Game News section.
