The “Metal Gear” series, renowned for its intricate storytelling and engaging gameplay, features a variety of mechanized behemoths known as Metal Gears. Here are the top 9 best actual Metal Gears in the series, ranked based on their impact on the series, design, and player experience.

1.Metal Gear REX (Metal Gear Solid) –Often considered the quintessential Metal Gear, REX’s nuclear capability and iconic design remain a benchmark within the series. Its battle showcases a pivotal moment in gaming history where the protagonist Solid Snake faces off against his brother.

2.Metal Gear RAY (Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty) –Designed to hunt down and destroy other Metal Gears, RAY was a significant departure from the traditional tank-like designs. Its agile and organic appearance, alongside its role in the massive conflict of MGS2’s climax, makes it unforgettable.

3.Sahelanthropus (Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain) –The most advanced Metal Gear in terms of chronology within the storyline, Sahelanthropus could stand upright and was incredibly versatile. It represented a huge leap in both technology within the game world and the awe-inspiring moments that players expect from a final boss.

4.Metal Gear ZEKE (Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker) –As the first fully customizable Metal Gear in the series, ZEKE allowed players to personally build and outfit their walking tank with parts collected during missions, adding a personal touch to their war machine.

5.Metal Gear Excelsus (Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance) –With its massive size and blade-wielding capabilities, Excelsus offered a unique challenge by taking on more characteristics of a conventional mech compared to its predecessors.

6.TX-55 Metal Gear (Metal Gear)-The original Metal Gear introduced us to the concept of giant robotic threats. Although less advanced than later models, it set the stage for everything that followed.

7.Shagohod (Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater) –Not a true Metal Gear but often included in discussions due to its similar design intention – as a nuclear-equipped tank – Shagohod was an impressive adversary due to its sheer presence and role in Cold War tensions within MGS3.

8.Metal Gear RAXA (Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops) –This bipedal nuclear-armed tank was memorable for its distinct look and being one of the important narrative points in Big Boss’s early storyline.

9.Outer Heaven UG (Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots) –While technically not called Metal Gears, these UGs were inspired by past designs and played an important role during Old Snake’s final mission by representing a culmination of the militarization trend seen throughout the series.

These machines encapsulate much of what has made “Metal Gear Solid” an exemplary series when it comes to blending story with action-packed gameplay. Each one brought new features to the table while pushing forward Kojima’s message about war, humanity, and our relationship with technology.