The Metal Gear Solid series revolutionized standard action gaming with its tactical stealth approach. Let’s see if any other title can match this genre’s gem!
In 1998, most action video games resembled action movies from that period – loud, often dumb, and repetitive. However, the arrival of the first Metal Gear Solid showed that a successful existence of a game that rewards patience and tactical thinking is possible.
No other title combines a mature plot with absurd solutions as beautifully as this series. Also, no other game requires a strategic approach from the player instead of chaotic running around with a gun.
Being aware of that fact, we understand it is impossible to offer an identical recommendation – but some games on our list share many fan-favorite features. Therefore, consider our recommendations if you crave a decent alternative to the MGS series!
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Undefeated | 2015-04-03 | Adventure | Aldorlea Games |
 | Signalis | 2022-10-27 | Indie | rose-engine |
 | Shadow Tactics Blades Of The Shogun | 2016-12-06 | Indie | Mimimi Games |
 | Metal Gear Rising Revengeance | 2014-01-09 | Action & Shooter | PlatinumGames |
 | Sniper Elite 5 | 2022-05-26 | Shooter | Rebellion |
 | Sniper Elite 4 | 2017-02-13 | Adventure | Rebellion Developments |
 | Sniper Elite 3 | 2014-06-27 | Shooter | Rebellion Developments |
 | Hitman Absolution | 2012-11-19 | Action & Shooter | IO Interactive |
 | Death Stranding Directors Cut | 2022-03-30 | Action | Kojima Productions |
 | Alpha Protocol | 2010-05-27 | Action & Shooter | Obsidian Entertainment |
 | Ghost Of Tsushima Directors Cut | 2024-05-16 | Adventure | Sucker Punch Productions |
 | The Last Of Us Part I | 2023-03-28 | Adventure | Naughty Dog |
 | Shadow Of The Tomb Raider Definitive Edition | 2018-09-14 | Adventure | Eidos Montréal |
 | Deus Ex Human Revolution Directors Cut | 2013-10-25 | Action & Shooter | Eidos Montréal |
 | The Pathless | 2021-11-16 | Action | Giant Squid |
 | Rebel Cops | 2019-09-17 | Strategy | Weappy Studio |
Sniper Elite series
| Release date: | 2022-05-26 |
| Genre: | Shooter |
| Developer: | Rebellion |
Like MGS, the Sniper Elite series requires focus on tactics and planning each move. If this aspect was your favorite in MGS, play this game!
It’s World War II, and Karl Fairburne — an agent of the American secret services — is doing everything in his power to complete a series of challenging missions behind enemy lines. In this game, any mistake can result in instant defeat, so prepare your creativity to discover alternative solutions. The game’s open world and complex level design allow for multiple methods of completing challenges – expect phenomenal replayability!
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Ghost of Tsushima
| Release date: | 2024-05-16 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Sucker Punch Productions |
This game is like MGS but set in feudal Japan. Master your stealth skills to change the course of history on Tsushima Island!
Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world game set in 1274 when the Mongols invaded and defeated the local samurai forces. Playing this title, you can change the island’s fate using your stealth skills against the brutal invader. Slash them with your katana, eliminate them by surprise, and uncover bits of the touching plot to save your people and prove you truly deserve the name Ghost of Tsushima.
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The Pathless
| Release date: | 2021-11-16 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Giant Squid |
Enough stealth – it’s time for a little something for fans of demanding action games. Get ready for a truly enchanting experience!
You are the Hunter, a masterful bow-wielding heroine aspiring to save a mythical island from the evil plans of a creature known as the Godslayer.
This game features no map, so prepare for an intuitive, fast-paced exploration of breathtaking locations, challenging puzzles, flying, and a beautiful soundtrack. As in most soulslike titles, you must learn pieces of the plot to finally figure out how to help this place and its inhabitants.
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Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint
| Release date: | 2019-10-17 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Ubisoft Paris |
As players on Reddit note, this game is just like MGS but deprived of horror features. Play it if you require a similar but slightly lighter alternative!
When a rogue military unit takes over the island of Auroa, the world awaits its final doom. Only Nomad from the Ghost Squad can change this situation for the better. Explore the open map, plan your actions, learn more about your opponent, and fight to beat your mortal enemy. It is the perfect recommendation for all fans of the military stealth genre!
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Rebel Cops
| Release date: | 2019-09-17 |
| Genre: | Strategy |
| Developer: | Weappy Studio |
If you loved the tactical aspect of Metal Gear Solid, this game is a definite must-play!
When a mafia leader takes over your town, it’s time for you and the other cops to restore the once-lost peace. However, enemy forces are stronger, so you must do everything to eliminate the opponent by surprise. Plan your every move, earn a reputation among the locals, and watch your people develop their skills. But be careful – every shot can be lethal, so do your best to keep your modest forces alive.
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Shadow Of The Tomb Raider
| Release date: | 2018-09-14 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Eidos Montréal |
This installation makes Lara Croft more stealth-oriented, so it is ideal if you need an alternative to your favorite MGS series.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider presents a noticeably more mature version of the iconic heroine than previous titles, so prepare for challenging gameplay that requires some thinking – just like the MGS series. Explore the jungle, discover secrets, craft, fight, and sneak to see the consequences of every decision. In this game, everything you do matters!
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Death Stranding
| Release date: | 2022-03-30 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Kojima Productions |
Although Death Stranding is not a standard tactical espionage like MGS, you will feel the classic atmosphere of the story created by Hideo Kojima.
It’s the future, and the mysterious Death Stranding blurred the lines between the reality of living and the dead, resulting in bizarre events scattered across the game world. In this complicated situation, you play as Sam Bridges – a delivery guy connecting separate communities. Prepare yourself, as this complex story is full of non-obvious solutions and surprising plot twists!
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Conclusion
None of these games are perfect Metal Gear Solid doppelgangers. However, they share many of the juiciest features that fans of the series love and seek in other titles. Moreover, we assure you that every recommendation on this list is perfect for gamers who like to think, so prepare for the challenge!