Master Collection Vol.1 vs Vol.2
The quick answer: Vol.1 covers the 1987–2004 era, Vol.2 covers the 2008–2010 era. They are separate collections, and Vol.2 is the one with MGS4 and Peace Walker.
Quick answer
Vol.1 and Vol.2 are two separate Master Collection releases. Vol.1 (released 2023) contains Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2, Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Vol.2 (released August 27, 2026) contains Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (HD Collection version). If you want MGS4 or Peace Walker on modern platforms, Vol.2 is the collection.
Games in each collection
| Collection | Games | Released |
|---|---|---|
| Vol.1 (2023) | Metal Gear · Metal Gear 2 · Metal Gear Solid · MGS2: Sons of Liberty · MGS3: Snake Eater | 2023 |
| Vol.2 (2026) | MGS4: Guns of the Patriots · Peace Walker (HD Collection version) · + Ghost Babel & soundtrack bonus | August 27, 2026 |
Key differences
- Era: Vol.1 spans the 2D Metal Gear games and MGS1–3; Vol.2 spans the PS3-era MGS4 and PSP-era Peace Walker.
- MGS4's port: Vol.2 marks MGS4's first move away from PlayStation 3 since 2008.
- Online play: Peace Walker separates CO-OPS (2–4 players) from VERSUS OPS (up to 6); Vol.1 is single-player.
- Bonus: Vol.2 ships Metal Gear: Ghost Babel and the Digital Soundtrack Vol.2 with the collection edition.
Should you buy Vol.2 if you own Vol.1?
Yes, if you want MGS4 and Peace Walker on modern platforms — Vol.2 is a distinct release, not an upgrade or add-on to Vol.1. If you are new to the series, start with the where-to-start guide, which covers a sensible play order around Vol.2.
FAQ
Common questions about this topic.
What's the difference between Vol.1 and Vol.2?
Vol.1 (2023) contains Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid, MGS2: Sons of Liberty and MGS3: Snake Eater. Vol.2 (Aug 27, 2026) contains MGS4: Guns of the Patriots and Peace Walker (HD Collection version), plus Ghost Babel bonus content.
Does Vol.2 include the games from Vol.1?
No. The two collections share no main games. Vol.2 has MGS4 and Peace Walker.
Should I buy Vol.1 or Vol.2?
Depends which games you want: MGS1–3 are in Vol.1; MGS4 and Peace Walker are in Vol.2. Newcomers can start with either — see the where-to-start guide for a play order.
Is MGS4 only available through Vol.2?
MGS4's modern release is part of Vol.2 (it is also listed as its own Steam item, MGS4 – Master Collection Version, within the collection). It has no other modern port.