METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES

   When Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes launched, it was met with mixed reactions. Some saw it as a mere prologue to The Phantom Pain, while others recognized it as a tightly crafted stealth experience with immense replayability. Now, playing it on the Steam Deck in 2024, it’s clear that Ground Zeroes is much more than just a preview—it’s an intricate, open-ended stealth sandbox that feels just as polished and engaging as it did on release.

Performance on Steam Deck – A Flawless Port

   First things first: Ground Zeroes runs beautifully on the Steam Deck. At default settings, it locks in at 60 FPS almost constantly, with only the rarest dips during effects-heavy moments like explosions or heavy rainfall. The game’s excellent optimization means you won’t need to tweak much, though lowering shadows and capping the framerate to 30 FPS can help extend battery life if needed.

   Load times are near-instant thanks to the Steam Deck’s SSD, making mission restarts and retries seamless. The controls translate exceptionally well to the Deck’s layout, with smooth aiming, responsive movement, and even optional gyro aiming for added precision. The touchscreen works for menus, making it easier to navigate loadouts and mission briefings.

   But while the Steam Deck runs it flawlessly, what really matters is the game itself—and Ground Zeroes still holds up as one of the most refined stealth experiences out there.

Gameplay – A Small but Deep Tactical Sandbox

   At its core, Ground Zeroes is about one thing: tactical freedom. You step into the boots of Snake (aka Big Boss), tasked with infiltrating the heavily fortified Camp Omega to extract key targets. The way you approach this mission is entirely up to you, and that’s where the game shines.

   You could sneak through the base undetected, using cover, distractions, and well-timed movement to avoid guards. Or you might take out enemies silently, hiding their bodies to keep suspicions low. Maybe you go loud, stealing weapons and vehicles to cause chaos. The game doesn’t punish experimentation—it encourages it.

Snake’s toolset gives you plenty of tactical options:

• Stealth & Distractions – Crawl through the mud, hug walls, and throw empty magazines to mislead enemies.
• CQC & Interrogation – Grab enemies to choke them out, knock them unconscious, or force them to spill valuable intel.
• Binocular Tagging – Mark enemies from afar to track their movement.
• Weapon Variety – Silenced pistols, assault rifles, sniper rifles, and grenades let you choose between stealth or all-out assault.
• Vehicles & Turrets – Drive jeeps, hijack enemy trucks, or use mounted guns for a more direct approach.
• Dynamic AI – Guards respond to sounds, react to environmental changes, and even adjust their patrols if they sense something’s off.

   The game’s real beauty lies in its open-ended mission design. Camp Omega may be a single map, but it’s packed with different routes, hidden pathways, vantage points, and secrets. Every playthrough can feel different depending on how you choose to tackle it.

Mission Structure & Replayability

   While the main campaign can be completed relatively quickly—often in under two hours—the depth of Ground Zeroes comes from its Side Ops and sheer replay value. Once the main mission is done, additional objectives open up, giving you new reasons to return to Camp Omega. These missions introduce fresh challenges, from eliminating high-value targets to recovering classified intel, often with unique conditions like time limits or restricted weaponry.

   Beyond structured missions, the game actively rewards experimentation. Can you complete it without being seen? Can you do it with only non-lethal methods? Can you speedrun it in under ten minutes? The sheer number of ways to approach the game makes it one of the most replayable stealth experiences out there.

The Atmosphere & Storytelling

   While Ground Zeroes doesn’t rely heavily on cutscenes like previous Metal Gear games, it still delivers a gripping atmosphere. The setting—an ominous, rain-soaked prison camp—feels oppressive and alive, with guards chatting over radios, searchlights sweeping the area, and helicopters looming overhead. Every sound and visual cue adds to the tension, making each step feel deliberate and meaningful.

   Even though it’s a short experience, Ground Zeroes maintains Metal Gear’s signature depth in environmental storytelling. Exploring Camp Omega, you’ll find tapes, notes, and clues that hint at the larger story leading into The Phantom Pain. The minimalist approach to exposition makes the game feel immersive rather than overwhelming, allowing players to engage with the narrative at their own pace.

Is It Worth Playing in 2024?

   Absolutely. While Ground Zeroes was originally seen as a brief introduction to The Phantom Pain, it stands on its own as one of the best-designed stealth games ever made. The sheer freedom it offers, combined with its tight mechanics and immersive atmosphere, makes it a must-play for both longtime Metal Gear fans and newcomers to the series.

   Playing it on the Steam Deck feels like the perfect way to experience it. The game runs flawlessly, looks fantastic, and plays smoothly with the Deck’s controls. Whether you’re diving in for the first time or revisiting it after years, Ground Zeroes remains an incredible stealth sandbox that rewards patience, creativity, and strategy.

   If you love tactical espionage action, don’t let its short length deter you—Ground Zeroes is a game you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.