Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Choose Splinter Cell if you want stealth itself to be the main event: observe patrols, plan a route, use gadgets and try to avoid detection. Choose Metal Gear Solid if you want stealth folded into a broader, more cinematic espionage saga. Neither is objectively better; the better fit depends on which part of the experience you want most.
How the stealth feels
Splinter Cell: plan the infiltration
Ubisoft identifies Splinter Cell as a stealth-shooter series dating to 2002, centered on operative Sam Fisher. The series’ stated design priorities put the player’s attention on reading a situation, choosing an approach and using tools to overcome obstacles.
In a 15 December 2021 interview about the remake, Creative Director Chris Auty described the intended experience as one where players “observe the situations, make their plan, use their gadgets, and outsmart the enemy creatively.” That is the development team’s description of the series’ design identity, not a guarantee that every installment plays identically.
Metal Gear Solid: stealth within a larger saga
Konami presents Metal Gear Solid as a combination of infiltrating enemy strongholds and experiencing a cinematic story. If you want covert play alongside a more overtly dramatic espionage narrative, the series is the more natural starting point.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
Which series is right for you?
| If you want… | Start with… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Stealth, route planning and gadget-based problem-solving as the focus | Splinter Cell | Ubisoft’s descriptions emphasize stealth action, observation, planning and creative use of gadgets. |
| Stealth combined with a cinematic espionage story | Metal Gear Solid | Konami describes its collection as pairing infiltration with the series’ cinematic story. |
| A broad way into the older Metal Gear games | Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 | It collects entries from the original Metal Gear through Metal Gear Solid 3. |
| A standalone modern take on Snake Eater | Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater | It is a remake of the 2004 game, with modern and classic control styles listed by Konami. |
This is a preference guide based on the publishers’ descriptions, not a head-to-head gameplay test or a claim that one series is universally superior.
Where to start with each series
Starting with Splinter Cell
Begin with a Splinter Cell game if the draw is Sam Fisher’s focused covert-operations premise and the challenge of planning around detection. Ubisoft’s 2021 remake interview describes the intended priorities, but does not establish the remake’s current progress, release date or platforms. The announcement said the project was in very early development at the time.
Rank #2
- 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.
For a concrete older entry, Ubisoft’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist page lists PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii U. It also says the game’s multiplayer and co-op features are no longer functional. The page does not confirm present-day store availability or compatibility with newer consoles, so check the listing for your platform before buying.
Starting with Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 is the broad entry point for the older games. Konami lists Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3, along with bonus material. The listed platforms are PS5, Nintendo Switch, Steam PC and Xbox Series X|S; Konami says physical releases exist for most platforms. Check the specific regional listing for format and platform details.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteRank #3
- THE POWER OF FOX ENGINE - Ground Zeroes showcases Kojima Productions' stunning FOX Engine, a true next-generation game engine which revolutionizes the Metal Gear Solid experience.
- INTRODUCTION TO OPEN WORLD DESIGN - The first Metal Gear Solid title to offer open world gameplay. Ground Zeroes offers total freedom of play: how missions are undertaken is entirely down to the user.
- UNRESTRICTED STEALTH - Imagine classic Metal Gear gameplay but with no restrictions or boundaries. Players use intelligence and cerebral strategy to sneak their way through entire missions, or go in all guns blazing.
- MULTIPLE MISSIONS AND TASKS -Ground Zeroes boasts a central story mode and Side-Ops missions ranging from tactical action, aerial assaults and "covert" missions that will be sure to surprise.
- REDESIGNED INTERFACE - Ground Zeroes users will benefit from a clean in-game HUD that shows the minimal amount of on-screen data to give a more intense gaming experience.
For a more current standalone option, Konami lists Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Steam. Its European product page gives a release date of 28 August 2025; that date and platform listing do not establish availability in every country or edition.
If you want Metal Gear Solid 4 and Peace Walker on modern platforms, Konami announced that Master Collection Vol.2 launched on 27 August 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam. Confirm the platform and regional edition in the store you use.
Rank #4
- OWN YOUR PLAY STYLE: Splinter Cell Blacklist builds on the stealth roots of the franchise, while exploring new directions to embrace the realms of action and adventure. Players can define their personal play styles and be rewarded for those choices.
- TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Fans of stealth will be happy to make the most of Sam's sneaking abilities to abduct and carry enemies, while Killing in Motion allows the player to strike with surgical precision by marking and executing multiple enemies in one fluid motion.
- SPIES VS. MERCS RETURNS: Spies vs. Mercs is back with a new take on asymmetrical gameplay. Players will be able to face off in teams of 4 while creating their very own Spy or Merc according to their playstyles via thorough customization elements. The original Classic Spies vs. Mercs experience also makes its long awaited comeback for the fans.
- COOP: Co-Op is back and bigger than ever with 14 maps & 4 mission types. While you play you also earn in-game currency and unlock additional weapons or gadgets via specialized missions assigned by Grim, Briggs, Charlie and Kobin.
What the sales figure does—and doesn’t—tell you
Konami Group Corporation’s 2024 report says the Metal Gear series had sold more than 60 million copies. That is a company-reported figure for the series as of that report; it is not a comparison with Splinter Cell sales or a measure of current sales.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
