Is Metal Gear Online Worth Your Time?

Metal Gear Online has finally been added to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. It pulls all of the amazing open-world stealth gameplay into several different team-based multiplayer modes. Whether that’s a straight-up Team Death Match, or some mode that has you sneaking around trying not to be seen, you’ll get a taste of what Metal Gear Solid has always been about.

Even with the extreme popularity of Metal Gear Solid and its most recent iteration, there are still individuals who will be on the fence about whether or not this is something worth diving into. For that purpose we’ve put together a small list of reasons for why Metal Gear Online may be just what you need in your life. 

Did You Enjoy Metal Gear Solid V: TPP?

If you picked up Metal Gear Solid V: TPP last month and enjoyed every new built of tactical stealth action, then you’re probably going to enjoy the occasional mayhem that is MGO. Metal Gear Online takes all of the same gadgets, weapons, and skills and throws them into multiplayer matches for players to approach confrontations the way they see fit.

Enjoy mowing things down with D-Walker in the campaign? Why not share that sentiment with up to 15 other players in Metal Gear Online? Or perhaps you grew tired of the sometimes shoddy (and amazingly blind) AI so you want to test your skills on players just as committed to being the Big Boss as you are.

Sure, there won’t be any of the crazy story tidbits that go along with a Metal Gear Solid campaign, but you’ll at least have the chance of playing as one of the game’s main characters within matches. There is absolutely nothing funnier than seeing someone freeze in confusion as you walk towards them as Big Boss himself.

Is Splinter Cell’s Multiplayer More Your Thing?

Maybe you’ve never really played a Metal Gear Solid and even managed to avoid the hype that was The Phantom Pain. There is a good chance that Tom Clancey’s Splinter Cell is more your thing due to its intense focus on stealth over mayhem. That is perfectly understandable.

There are those who play stealth games because they prefer a slower, more methodical approach to confrontation. Splinter Cell: Blacklist’s Spies vs. Mercs forced one team to really on stealth and wits while going against fully armed opponents. If that’s what appeals to you, then Metal Gear Online’s Cloak and Dagger Rush game mode is right up your alley.

Two teams of six battle it out for intel but the catch is that only one team has use of deadly weapons. The Attackers must rely on stealth if they want to emerge victorious against the brutish defenders. This is true tactical espionage at its finest. No need to worry about a crazy bullet fest in this mode. 

Stealth in General

So you’re a fan of multiplayer shooters but are tired of the first person scene. The twitch reflexes needed, and the breakneck speed of that action most shooters provide can be a bit tiresome. If you’re looking for something slower, something that rewards the player that doesn’t run around like a maniac, and you’re tired of being yelled at for camping, then MGO is exactly what the doctor ordered.

If you’ve never played Metal Gear Solid V: TPP the controls may take a bit getting used to, but they offer a bevy of stealth options so you can mix it up between sneaking and gunplay or be a shadow throughout the entire experience.  Camping is an inherent part of the gameplay so you don’t have to worry about being yelled at for it. In fact, some of the more reckless players will be chastised which is a pleasant change of pace.

Keep in mind, though, that gameplay won’t always be slow. There will be times when you need to act quickly and that breaks up the monotony of the stealth gameplay. Metal Gear Online provides a healthy mix of varying action to keep things interesting. So enjoy your new stealthy world, but don’t worry about having to give up all of the action. 

Customization Is a Big Deal

Sometimes the only thing that matters is to be able to play how you want, and that includes altering how you look, as well. Metal Gear Online scratches both of those itches quite well. First are the game modes that players can choose from when setting up their matches. You can have your typical TDM if that’s all you’re into, or you can play with stealth options that force players to be the infiltrators the game tried to mold them into. Scattered around these game modes are things such as mortars and D-Walkers that provide the option of turning things completely around in exchange for the safety of silence.

Then there’s your gear. As you progress in MGO and level up your soldier, you will be granted access to better gear and upgrades for your existing gear. These range from different explosives and gun types, to attachments such as scopes and flashlights (which can blind opponents). As long as you’re willing to carry the weight, there are tons of options for you to perfectly tailor your gameplay experience. Wanna be super stealthy but also sport a grenade launcher? Go right ahead, there is absolutely nothing stopping you (except for sanity, perhaps).

You can even customize the look of your soldier with different outfits and color schemes. Why you would want to run around like a peacock is something you need to figure out for yourself, but know that you have the options to do so.

Metal Gear Online has quite a few thing going for it. It may not be for everyone, but if even one of these categories piqued your interest, then you should definitely give MGO a try. If not for yourself, do it for Big Boss. He’ll be proud.

For more features, tips, tricks, and guides on Metal Gear Online and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain check out our constantly expanding wiki.