Metal Gear Solid 4's Master Collection Vol. 2 Release Will Be Missing 1 Big Feature

Konami has confirmed that the version of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots featured in the Master Collection Vol. 2 will not include the multiplayer from the original game. Metal Gear Online was originally bundled with Metal Gear Solid 4 back in 2008 before its servers were shut down in 2012. It has now been confirmed that it will not be making a comeback in the re-release.

After almost 18 years, Metal Gear Solid 4 is set to be free of its PS3 exclusivity. The announcement came during the February 12, 2026, State of Play broadcast, where it was revealed the game would feature alongside Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker and Metal Gear: Ghost Babel as part of the Master Collection Vol 2. Many thought that MGS4 was destined to remain a PlayStation 3 exclusive forever, but Konami has surprised everyone by bringing it to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and both Nintendo Switch console on August 27, 2026. While it’s great to see the game make a big return, there is one thing not making the jump to the new release.

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Over on the official Konami website, a small, tucked-away piece of text has confirmed the bad news about Metal Gear Solid 4‘s multiplayer component. “METAL GEAR SOLID 4: Guns of the Patriots – Master Collection Version of the Patriots does not include METAL GEAR ONLINE,” it reads. Players could previously hop into Metal Gear Online for competitive 16-player action, with a variety of fun game modes on offer. However, including it in this bundle and bringing the servers back from the dead proved to be too much of an ask for Konami, which has instead gone down the single-player route in this instance. It’s unclear how many players would actually play a revived version of Metal Gear Online, as well as how many would stick around after the nostalgia factor has worn off. It’s possible Konami has already weighed this up when making its decision on MGS4‘s multiplayer.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)

Those wanting a multiplayer component won’t be totally left in the dark with Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol 2. Although MGS4 is a no-go, Konami has already confirmed that co-op missions and a Versus Ops game mode will be present in Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. The co-op missions support two to four players, while Versus Ops allows up to six players to hop in together. Crossplay will not be available for Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, although Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 users can play together via local wireless play. It’s still going to be a great way to experience two excellent Metal Gear Solid games, so while Metal Gear Online would have been a nice addition, it certainly doesn’t feel mandatory.

Although news of Metal Gear Solid 4‘s lack of multiplayer will be a massive disappointment to some gamers, the re-release has plenty for fans to look forward to. The new version will include a higher internal resolution and frame rate, as well as customizable button control settings. Gamers can pre-order the collection for access to the Cardboard Camouflage in Metal Gear Solid 4. After years of rumors regarding the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol 2, it’s good to finally know exactly what to expect. If nothing else, it should prove to be the definitive way to experience a great Metal Gear Solid experience that many will have missed out on thanks to its PlayStation 3 exclusivity.