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METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE

Review · Action · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One · PC

METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE

Reviewed: 01 May 2026

PlayStation 4 · Xbox One · PC

Konami Digital Entertainment · 2016

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

77 /100

Automated review

METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE is an action game that develops problem solving and strategic thinking, but is intended for mature players.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 69 · R 13
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

69

Risk (RIS)

13

Daily limit

–

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.86
B2Social-emotional
0.37
B3Motor
0.75

METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE offers a rich and complex narrative combined with deep strategic gameplay. Players engage in problem-solving, critical thinking, and spatial awareness as they plan and execute stealth infiltrations in a vast open world. The game encourages learning and adapting tactics, fostering cognitive development. Its multiplayer component also provides opportunities for teamwork and communication.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.07
R2Monetization
0.04
R3Social risk
0.33

While offering significant cognitive benefits, the game contains mature content including high levels of violence, strong language, and references to substances. Its competitive online multiplayer mode may expose players to social comparison and competitive toxicity. Although the game itself has no manipulative monetization, online play requires a platform subscription.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.33
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.67
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.33

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Not yet assessed·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

ReviewedMay 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE safe for kids?

Ludograph gives METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE a rating of 77/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE?

We don't publish a daily session budget for METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE?

While offering significant cognitive benefits, the game contains mature content including high levels of violence, strong language, and references to substances. Its competitive online multiplayer mode may expose players to social comparison and competitive toxicity. Although the game itself has no manipulative monetization, online play requires a platform subscription.