Users wrote

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is praised for its huge open world and freedom in how to complete missions, including base management and recruitment. The game offers deep systems, many ways to tackle problems, and strong cinematic presentation and direction. It remains visually impressive and plays well years after release. However, reviewers frequently criticize the unfinished ending, repetitive mission structure, online monetization, and some PC control issues.

Last updated: 2026-03-01

Most Mentioned Advantages

• Open-world stealth sandbox with base management (9 mentions) - The game gives you huge freedom to plan and execute missions in many ways. You can infiltrate missions using stealth, gadgets, or direct action. The Mother Base system lets you recruit soldiers, build facilities, and place outposts across the map. This freedom creates deep, replayable tactics and a sense of strategic progression.
• Cinematic presentation and Kojima's direction (8 mentions) - The game features cinematic cutscenes and a film-like presentation. It has a distinct 1980s vibe that adds atmosphere. The direction and world-building feel bold and memorable. The combination of these elements contributes to a unique stealth experience.
• Massive content and replayability (7 mentions) - The game includes a huge amount of content: main missions, side missions, and base management tasks. You can approach missions with different strategies, gear, and routes. The large map and many systems offer long hours of gameplay and variety. You can replay missions with different playstyles to see alternative outcomes.
• Cardboard box stealth and flexible tools (6 mentions) - The game offers quirky stealth options, including the famous cardboard box. You can approach missions in many ways and tailor your tactics with a wide array of gadgets. This playful, flexible toolkit adds creative, satisfying options to stealth play. The variety of methods makes each mission feel different.
• Visuals and performance hold up (6 mentions) - The graphics still look strong after many years, and the game runs well on modern hardware and Steam Deck. The environment is detailed and the cutscenes are well done. The overall presentation remains polished.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

• Unfinished/ambiguous ending (12 mentions) - The story ends without clear closure because Kojima left Konami. Several chapters feel rushed or incomplete, leaving questions unanswered. This is a common critique across many reviews.
• Open-world repetition and filler (9 mentions) - The open world can feel empty with many repetitive outposts and missions. Side quests and base expansion can diverge into repetitive tasks, reducing pacing. The world is large but not always densely filled with meaningful content.
• In-game monetization and online mode (9 mentions) - Microtransactions and paid in-game currency (MB coins) in the online base-raiding system are widely criticized. The monetization can feel intrusive, especially in a single-player game that should stand on its own.
• Quiet's character and content handling (6 mentions) - Quiet is disliked by many reviewers for her portrayal and role in the story. Some feel her presence is unnecessary or poorly integrated into the narrative. This contributes to dissatisfaction with the story.
• PC controls and interface issues (6 mentions) - Keyboard and mouse controls on PC are not well supported, with limited binding options and some navigation problems. This can make PC play awkward for some players. The experience is better with a controller.