Key Story Events & Timelines

Key Story Events & Timelines

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 brings together two seminal entries in the Metal Gear Solid saga: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. These titles, while distinct in their settings and protagonists, are intrinsically linked by their overarching narrative, exploring themes of identity, control, and the cyclical nature of conflict. Understanding their place within the broader Metal Gear timeline is crucial for appreciating the intricate lore and character development that defines the series.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2009 - Fictional Timeline)

Set in 2009, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (often abbreviated as MGS2) takes place three years after the events of the original Metal Gear Solid on Shadow Moses Island. The game initially focuses on Solid Snake, who is investigating a new Metal Gear prototype being transported by a mercenary group known as the Sons of Liberty.

The Big Shell Incident: A Deeper Dive

• Initial Infiltration: The game begins with Solid Snake and Otacon infiltrating a massive offshore decontamination facility called the "Big Shell" to investigate the theft of a new Metal Gear prototype, RAY.
• Raiden's Introduction: Shortly after Snake's infiltration, the facility is seized by a terrorist group calling themselves the "Sons of Liberty," led by a charismatic figure known as Revolver Ocelot (now operating under the alias "Liquid Ocelot"). You is then thrust into the role of Raiden, a new operative tasked with rescuing hostages and neutralizing the terrorists.
• The Patriots' Influence: As Raiden progresses through the Big Shell, it becomes increasingly clear that the Sons of Liberty's actions are part of a much larger, more complex plan orchestrated by a shadowy organization known only as "The Patriots." The Patriots are revealed to be a powerful, unseen entity that has been manipulating global events for decades, controlling information and shaping the course of history through advanced AI and economic influence.
• Identity and Deception: A significant plot twist reveals that the entire Big Shell incident, including Raiden's mission and the Sons of Liberty's actions, was a meticulously planned simulation designed by The Patriots. Raiden himself is a pawn, his memories and identity manipulated to serve their agenda. The game explores themes of digital reality, censorship, and the nature of truth in an information-saturated world.
• Key Characters & Factions:
  • Protagonists: Solid Snake (initially), Raiden (primary playable character).
  • Antagonists: Revolver Ocelot (Liquid Ocelot), Solidus Snake (former US President and leader of the Sons of Liberty), Vamp, Fortune, Fatman.
  • Supporting Characters: Otacon, Mei Ling, Peter Stillman, Emma Emmerich.
  • Factions: Sons of Liberty, The Patriots (unseen).
• Locations: The Big Shell (an offshore decontamination facility), various locations within New York City.

Key Story Beats & Progression (MGS2)

1. Opening Infiltration: Play as Solid Snake, infiltrate the tanker carrying Metal Gear RAY. Confront Revolver Ocelot.
2. Tanker Destruction: The tanker is destroyed, and Snake is presumed dead.
3. Big Shell Infiltration (as Raiden): Two years later, play as Raiden. Infiltrate the Big Shell to rescue hostages and defuse bombs.
4. Encountering the Sons of Liberty: Face off against the unique bosses of the Sons of Liberty, each with their own abilities and motivations.
5. Unraveling the Conspiracy: Discover the true nature of The Patriots and their control over global events.
6. Confronting Solidus Snake: Engage in a final battle with Solidus Snake, Raiden's former mentor and the leader of the Sons of Liberty.
7. The Digital Battlefield: The climax involves a confrontation with the AI controlling the Big Shell and a final escape from the collapsing structure.

Missable Items & Rewards (MGS2)

• Dog Tags: Collecting Dog Tags from guards can unlock various bonuses, including alternate costumes and special items. Many are missable if not acquired during specific encounters.
• Weapon Upgrades: Certain weapon upgrades are tied to specific mission objectives or optional side objectives.
• Codec Frequencies: Discovering hidden Codec frequencies can unlock additional intel and support from allies.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (1964 - Cold War)

Set in 1964 during the height of the Cold War, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (MGS3) serves as a prequel to the entire Metal Gear Solid series. It introduces players to Naked Snake, a FOX operative who would later become known as Big Boss, and explores the origins of the Metal Gear weapon and the complex geopolitical landscape that shaped the series.

Operation: Snake Eater - A Mission of Espionage and Betrayal

• The Virtuous Mission: The game begins with Naked Snake on a mission to rescue a Soviet rocket scientist, Dr. Nikolai Stepanovich Sokolov, who is defecting to the West. This mission quickly goes awry when the legendary Soviet soldier The Boss and her elite Cobra Unit betray Snake and the US.
• Infiltration of Tselinoyarsk: Snake is sent back into the Soviet jungle of Tselinoyarsk to complete his mission, retrieve Sokolov, and eliminate The Boss. This operation is codenamed "Snake Eater."
• Survival and Camouflage: MGS3 places a significant emphasis on survival mechanics. Players must hunt for food, manage Snake's stamina and health, and utilize a vast array of camouflage patterns to blend into the environment and evade enemy patrols.
• The Philosophers and the Legacy: The narrative delves into the history of "The Philosophers," a secret organization that amassed a vast fortune and wielded immense influence over global affairs. The story explores the concept of "legacy" and how the actions of those in the past continue to shape the present.
• Key Characters & Factions:
  • Protagonist: Naked Snake (later Big Boss).
  • Antagonists: The Boss, Volgin, The Cobra Unit (The Pain, The Fear, The End, The Fury, The Sorrow), Ocelot.
  • Supporting Characters: Major Zero, Para-Medic, Sigint, EVA.
  • Factions: FOX Unit, GRU (Soviet military intelligence), The Philosophers.
• Locations: The dense jungles and military bases of Tselinoyarsk, Soviet Union.

Key Story Beats & Progression (MGS3)

1. The Virtuous Mission: Infiltrate Tselinoyarsk to rescue Sokolov. Confrontation with The Boss and the Cobra Unit.
2. Operation: Snake Eater: Naked Snake is deployed again to eliminate Sokolov and retrieve a stolen nuclear device.
3. Survival in the Jungle: Navigate the treacherous jungle environment, hunt for food, and utilize camouflage.
4. Battles with the Cobra Unit: Engage in epic boss battles against each member of The Boss's elite Cobra Unit.
5. Confronting The Boss: A deeply emotional and pivotal confrontation with Snake's mentor, The Boss.
6. The Philosophers' Legacy: Uncover the truth about The Philosophers and their vast financial assets.
7. The Birth of Big Boss: Witness the events that transform Naked Snake into the legendary Big Boss.

Item/Reward Tables & Strategies (MGS3)

Survival Items & Their Uses:

Recommended Loadouts & Strategies:

• Early Game: Focus on acquiring a good variety of camouflage patterns and learning the hunting mechanics. The Tranq. Gun is essential for non-lethal takedowns.
• Boss Strategies:
  • The End: Utilize camouflage and patience. Aim for headshots with the D.D. Sniper Rifle. If he falls asleep, you can sneak up on him.
  • The Fear: Use the Thermal Goggles to track him. Shoot his poison darts and lure him into traps.
  • The Fury: Use the Water Sprinkler to douse his flames. Stay mobile and use cover.
  • Ocelot: Master the CQC system and utilize the environment for cover.
• CQC (Close Quarters Combat): This system is vital for disarming enemies, performing stealth takedowns, and initiating throws. Practice it extensively.
• Camouflage: Experiment with different camouflage patterns to maximize your stealth. The "Moss" pattern is excellent for blending into foliage, while "Splitter" is good for open areas.

Common Pitfalls & Missables (MGS3)

• Food Spoilage: Food items can spoil over time, making them useless or even harmful. Consume them promptly.
• Poisonous Plants/Snakes: Be cautious when foraging. Some plants and snakes are poisonous and can inflict status effects.
• The End's Sniper Rifle: If you defeat The End in a specific way during your first encounter, you can acquire his powerful sniper rifle early. However, missing this opportunity means you'll have to face him again later.
• EVA's Motorcycle Chase: This sequence requires precise driving and shooting. Failing it can lead to a game over.