Metal Gear Solid 5: Everything you need to know before playing

The launch of the anticipated open-world stealth game Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is finally upon us. Developed by Kojima Productions, The Phantom Pain launches worldwide for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. The game is the first entry into the Metal Gear series to feature an open world brimming with possibilities. Check out the launch trailer above for a glimpse at what to expect.

Players who also went through the prologue Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes on the PS4 can now upload their save data for use in The Phantom Pain. This reportedly carries over Mother Base recruits and costumes, which can be obtained by downloading the save data from the main menu in The Phantom Pain. Data save transfer is not yet available for the Xbox One version of the game, although publisher Konami has confirmed that it will be coming to all other platforms. See the image above for more details on how this will work.

Those picking up the game on PC should make sure they meet the system requirements.

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 7x64, Windows 8x64 (64-bit OS Required)
• Processor: Intel Core i5-4460 (3.40 GHz) or better; Quad-core or better
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 (2GB) or better (DirectX 11 card Required)
• DirectX: Version 11
• Hard Drive: 28 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 7x64, Windows 8x64 (64-bit OS Required)
• Processor: Intel Core i7-4790 (3.60GHz) or better; Quad-core or better
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 (DirectX 11 graphic card required)
• DirectX: Version 11
• Hard Drive: 28 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card (Surround Sound 5.1)

The Phantom Pain will have microtransactions; players will be able to purchase Mother Base Coins which can be used for the game's Forward Operation Base online mode. Forward Operating Base is a secondary base where you can go head-to-head with other players; this is not to be confused with Metal Gear Online, the game's other mode that is coming in October. Coins can be used to speed up gameplay, although Konami has stressed that this is by no means a pay-to-win model. There will be multiple pricing options ranging from $1.65 to $80 for coins. This video below has a more in-depth explanation of how it works.

Konami has addressed queries about the multiplayer mode coming to the game, including the different ways in which players can customise their gear. Got questions about how the Mother Base and Forward Operating Base work? Check out this Q&A.

The detailed story of the Metal Gear series can be a bit confusing at times. If you need a quick reminder to tweak your memory of the plot, this interactive map may be useful.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain will have a companion app that will allow players to use a phone as a second screen displaying an in-game map. The app will also be able to play music as it is unlocked in The Phantom Pain.

Playing The Phantom Pain as your first ever Metal Gear Solid game? These tips for beginners may be helpful to you.

If you're thinking of picking up a PS4 console to play the game, check out this Phantom Pain-themed PS4 console coming to Japan, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Be wary though, it sports a minor typo on its surface.

Finally, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain was very well-received in GameSpot's review, awarded a ten out of ten by reviews editor Peter Brown. He wasn't alone in his praise; the game scored highly with critics at other publications--check out our review round-up for more details.