How to Launch Directly into MGS1, Setting Up Memory Card Reading, Controls, and Other Tips

This guide contains instructions on how to install a community mod that allows you to launch directly into MGS1, instructions on how to set up memory card reading, a list of the control mappings for the game, instructions on how to change your controller input to P2, instructions on how to save the game, and a hint on how to find Meryl's Codec frequency.

What does this guide contain?

The contents of this guide are some tips and tricks I wish I had known before playing Metal Gear Solid for the first time. There are no visible spoilers for the game, any and all spoilers are covered by spoiler text.

How to Launch Directly Into MGS1

What is the Community Patch Mod?

The Community Patch Mod for Metal Gear Solid was created by nuggslet. Before a recent update, it was also used to adjust things like resolution, etc. This is no longer needed after a recent update, its only purpose in this guide is its feature to launch directly into MGS1 without having to go to the main menu every time. You can find it here on Github[github.com].

Disclaimer: I did not create this mod and am not responsible for maintaining or resolving any issues with it. Please direct all questions to the Github page so the developer of the mod can be aware of any issues.

Installation Instructions (Copied from Github Page)

• Grab the latest release of MGSM2Fix from the Github page. You can find it here[github.com].
  
• Make sure to download the correct zip for the game. A separate fix is required for Bonus Content as it's 64 bit, while MGS1 is 32 bit.
  
• Extract the contents of the release zip in to the game folder.
  (e.g. "steamapps\common\MGS1" or "steamapps\common\MGS Master Collection Bonus Content" for Steam).
  
• If you are on a Steam Deck or using Linux, open up the Steam properties of MGS1 and put WINEDLLOVERRIDES="d3d11=n,b" %command% in the launch options.

Configuring Which Game to Launch Into.

Once you've installed the mod, you will need to go into the "MGMS2Fix.ini" file that is located within your games install directory and modify the 'StartGame' line under the 'Launcher' section to true.

Setting up Memory Card Reading -IMPORTANT-

Metal Gear Solid originally came out on the Playstation 1 in 1998, and save data for all the games played on the system were stored on a memory card (that could only hold 128 kilobytes). Metal Gear Solid has some interesting interactions with this save data, and Konami has created a way for players to create "Virtual Save Data" to interact with the game itself. Here's how:

1. Navigate to the Metal Gear Solid game (Not Integral) in the launcher.


2. Click on "Edit Save Data"


3. Click "Add Virtual Saved Data"


4. Add a few games!


Feel free to add whatever games to your "virtual save data" that you'd like to. Some suggestions are: Azure Dreams, Castlevania, and Vandal Hearts. However, be aware that you are taking up a slot on the game's limited save slot system. I wouldn't insert more than 5 fake virtual saves.

SPOILER ALERT - Do not read unless you want something major spoiled
One of the boss fights in the game will involve the boss reading your saved game data. The boss can comment on other games you have on your memory card, which is why we are adding virtual data for fake savefiles of other games.

What are the controls?

Should I play this game with mouse & keyboard or a controller?

While the game has keyboard & mouse controls, they are janky, basically unsupported, impractical, and unintuitive. I would highly recommend playing with a controller if possible. The game also makes a decent use of a controller's ability to vibrate, so without using one you would be missing out on those interactions.

That being said...

Controller Mapping

The mapping on your controller is done using Steam Input. Here are the most important controls listed for a generic Xbox gamepad:

• X - Use weapon
  
• Y - Go into first person mode
  
• A - Crouch/Get into crawl mode
  
• B - Punch & Kick AND Interact (sometimes) AND Use item (sometimes)
  
• LB + RB - Opens launcher menu
  
• Settings Icon - Opens Codec
  
• Start Icon - Pauses Game
  
• Directional pad - Used to navigate the Codec menu
  
• Joysticks - Move Solid Snake AND Navigate items/weapons menu
  
• LT - Open items menu
  
• RT - Open weapons menu

Keyboard and Mouse Controls

I couldn't find a definitive list of keyboard and mouse controls, and the game doesn't actually allow you to view/change them. Instead of copying from another guide, I would highly recommend you check out this other Steam guide written by <<Just An Ouro Kronii Simp>>

Box Art

In case you ever need to reference it...



SPOILER ALERT - Do not read unless you want something spoiled
Metal Gear Solid does quite a few fourth wall breaks that are pretty cool. One of them is hiding the Codec code for Meryl on the back of the game box. Of course, buying the game on Steam does not give you the box, and nobody would ever think to look at the game's images on the store page to find it. I've put the box here to hopefully give someone a real chance of finding it (instead of looking it up on a walkthrough)

How to change yourself to the P2 controller slot

In case you ever need to change yourself to the P2 controller slot...

1. Open the Master Collection menu (LB + RB on an Xbox controller) and go to "Controller Settings"


2. Go down to "Controller Connection" and change to "Connect as P2"


SPOILER ALERT - Do not read the text below unless you want major spoilers
When Solid Snake fights Psycho Mantis, he will be using telekinesis to read your mind and predict all of your attacks, preventing you from hitting him. On the original playstation, you could simply plug your controller into the 'Player 2' slot, preventing Psycho Mantis from reading your mind and allowing you to hit him. Obviously things are a little different now, but it's nice that Konami added in this option for the Master Collection.

How do I save the game?

The game does mention how to save, but it could possibly be missed if you weren't paying attention or maybe you forgot. To save the game you need to open the Codec and call Mei-Ling. She will always give you the option to save your game.

Misc Notes

To be filled in as needed...

The End

Thanks for reading through this guide! I hope it provided some useful information before you start playing Metal Gear Solid.