Spoilers for Metal Gear Solid 3, Peace Walker, Metal Gear Solid V, and Metal Gear Solid 4. After Operation Snake Eater in 1964, Naked Snake learns that The Boss’s apparent defection was a U.S.-directed deception and that EVA was a Chinese Philosophers agent. She escapes with the real Philosophers’ Legacy; Snake receives the title Big Boss, then leaves FOX, angry at the way The Boss was sacrificed and disgraced. Their paths later cross the Patriots, but they ultimately take different roles in the series.
First, which Snake does the story mean?
The Snake in Metal Gear Solid 3 is Naked Snake, who later becomes Big Boss. He is not Solid Snake, the clone of Big Boss who appears as Old Snake in Metal Gear Solid 4. Keeping those identities separate makes the later timeline easier to follow. Konami’s series chronology and its story recaps distinguish the characters and their eras.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 (NSW) | $38.79 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots | $21.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Metal Gear Solid The Board Game | $119.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection (Renewed) | $71.53 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain - PlayStation 3 Standard Edition | $17.50 | Buy on Amazon |
What happens immediately after Snake Eater?
After Snake defeats The Boss and retrieves the Philosophers’ Legacy, EVA’s recording reveals the deception behind the mission. The Boss had acted under CIA orders, but the United States needed her to appear to be a traitor so it could protect its standing. EVA, meanwhile, had been working for the Chinese branch of the Philosophers. She had helped Snake, but her mission was to obtain the Legacy—and the microfilm she left behind for him was a fake. She escapes with the real one.
Snake is awarded the title Big Boss, but the recognition does not reconcile him to the operation. He leaves FOX disillusioned by the government’s use of The Boss and the public disgrace imposed on her. Konami’s official story recap sets out these events.
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- This innovative game series was born from the idea of avoiding combat and infiltrating enemy territory undetected
- Title line up: Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2, Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2, Metal Gear Solid 3, Metal Gear (NES/FC version), and Snake’s Revenge
- Digital books: Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2, Metal Gear Solid 3, Metal Gear, and Metal Gear; Screenplay and Master Books included
- Video: Metal Gear Solid; Digital Graphic Novel and Metal Gear Solid 2; Digital Graphic Novel
- Includes Metal Gear Solid: Digital Soundtrack
How do Big Boss and EVA become involved with the Patriots?
After Snake Eater, Zero—with Ocelot’s help—takes control of the Philosophers’ Legacy and reshapes the American branch of the organization into the Patriots. Big Boss joins Zero’s organization for a time and serves as a public symbol. EVA is later found in Hanoi and joins the Patriots as well.
Big Boss breaks with Zero
In 1972, Zero and Para-Medic begin Les Enfants Terribles, a cloning project that creates Solid Snake and Liquid Snake from Big Boss’s DNA; Solidus is created later. Konami identifies EVA as the project’s surrogate mother. Big Boss leaves the Patriots after discovering the project and rejecting Zero’s direction and interpretation of The Boss’s ideals. He meets Kazuhira Miller and forms Militaires Sans Frontières.
Rank #2
- Although little is known, MGS4 is being touted as the final installment in the Metal Gear Solid series.
- Chameleon-like camouflage system, Octacamo, blends Snake into his surroundings.
- Loads of characters from previous Metal Gear Solid installments will return in this final chapter.
- Slated for simultaneous worldwide release in June 2008, Konami has released very few details about MGS4.
- Built for the PS3, the game is expected to be the finest representation of the console's graphics
EVA’s role changes
EVA initially remains with the Patriots, though she and Ocelot lean toward Big Boss’s outlook. Konami’s chronology says she later leaves the organization. Her trajectory is therefore not one of unbroken loyalty to the Patriots.
Where does Big Boss’s story go next?
| Story | Year in the series chronology | What it means for Big Boss |
|---|---|---|
| Peace Walker | 1974 | Big Boss leads Militaires Sans Frontières from its offshore Caribbean headquarters, Mother Base. Konami’s official game page places Snake’s force in Colombia. |
| Ground Zeroes | 1975 | Continues the Big Boss-era story amid the conflict involving Cipher. |
| The Phantom Pain | 1984 | Continues that story and the military organization Konami associates with the future Outer Heaven. |
The dates are fictional chronology, not real-world events. Konami places these chapters in its official series timeline; its Peace Walker page describes the 1974 setting.
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- EPIC CAMPAIGN MODE: Dive into a 14-mission campaign filled with stealth, strategy, and iconic boss battles, bringing the Metal Gear Solid experience to your tabletop.
- FLEXIBLE VR MISSIONS: Choose from 6 free-to-play VR Missions for a quick, intense gaming experience. All gear earned is unlocked for future missions.
- UNIQUE BOSS FIGHTS: Each boss requires different strategies to defeat, offering a diverse and challenging gameplay experience.
- ASYMMETRIC CHARACTER ABILITIES: Play as Solid Snake, Meryl, Otacon, or Gray Fox, each with unique abilities that provide new tactical options in every game.
- SAVE THE WORLD: Assume the role of legendary characters to infiltrate enemy bases and sabotage prototype weapon systems, preventing world-ending threats.
Does EVA return after Metal Gear Solid 3?
Yes. In Metal Gear Solid 4, set in 2014, EVA appears as Big Mama, a resistance leader in Eastern Europe. Konami’s official MGS4 character description identifies Big Mama as the woman who assisted Naked Snake during Operation Snake Eater. MGS4’s central Snake is Old Snake—Solid Snake, not Big Boss.
The official story summary establishes EVA’s Big Mama role, but does not provide a complete account of her ultimate fate. It is safest not to treat that summary as settling what eventually happens to her. Konami’s MGS4 character page identifies the character and her connection to Snake Eater.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
Rank #4
- The Legacy Collection includes Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2, Metal Gear Solid 2: HD Edition, Metal Gear Solid 3: HD Edition, Metal Gear Solid 4 Trophy Edition and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker HD Edition
- Also includes Metal Gear Solid 1 and Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions via included voucher codes
- 92+ Average Metacritic Rating for all games
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