Kojima Productions has created Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes as an entry experience and prologue to the events of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. It will serve to introduce key gameplay components that will be fully realised in the fifth, full Metal Gear Solid epic, and act as a bridge between the linearity of existing titles and the full open-world environments of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes charts a rescue mission as users infiltrate a Cuban prison camp, and sets in motion a series of events that culminate in the stunning plotlines of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. The prelude showcases key advances to the series made possible by its use of Kojima Productions’ FOX Engine, with a large open environment, and missions where time of day and weather have a dynamic effect on the game and its missions. These elements will play a vital part in the story set up in Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, while familiarising users with the possibilities they offer ahead of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

Fans who purchase Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes early on will receive exclusive DLC for use within The Phantom Pain. The DLC will only be available in the first batch of the retail version and for a limited period of time for the digital version. The DLC provides players with additional resources for a Mother Base area that will be available in The Phantom Pain. Mother Base is introduced during the events of Ground Zeroes and plays a central role in the forthcoming Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Unlocked through downloadable code, the added staff for Mother Base will give Ground Zeroes players an edge when they take on The Phantom Pain.

In addition, anyone that purchases Ground Zeroes will be able to unlock exclusive content within the game to carry-over to The Phantom Pain. Prisoners of war and VIPs rescued in Ground Zeroes will be added to the Mother Base staff in The Phantom Pain, providing Ground Zeroes players an early in-game advantage; character skins will also be able to be carried over.

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes will also bring the game to life by featuring a second-screen iDROID app, which replicates Big Boss’ in-game communication/map device. Downloadable via iOS, Android and Xbox Smart Glass systems for FREE, the iDROID app syncs the main action to a secondary device. Users can call up maps, summon air support, or play any of the cassette tapes found throughout Camp Omega.

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes will be available for PS3/X360 (£29.99/$29.99, digital retail £19.99/$19.99) and PS4/XOne (£29.99/$29.99, digital retail £29.99/$29.99).