Skip to content

Metal Slug 3

Metal Slug 3 is a side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter from SNK, released in 2000. Four playable soldiers, changing vehicles and branching paths lead through five missions full of boss battles. Later versions bring the arcade classic to PC, PlayStation, Xbox and mobile devices.

Compare prices

Developer
Dotemu, SNK
Publisher
SNK Corporation
Genre
Action, Arcade, Shoot ’em up, Shooter
Game modes
2 Spieler Lokal, Couch-Koop, Koop, Multiplayer
Game series
Metal Slug
Steam user reviews
90 % positive · 9,188 reviews
At Steam
View store page
On this page 14 sections

What is Metal Slug 3?

Metal Slug 3 is a side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter from SNK. The 2000 arcade classic lets up to two players fight through five missions. Four playable characters, animated pixel graphics and unusual enemies define the game.

The story begins with a new clash over General Morden. Behind the military backdrop, a science-fiction adventure unfolds with changing locations.

Updated 18.10.2026

Sources

Release

Metal Slug 3 debuted in arcades in May 2000 on SNK's Neo Geo MVS hardware. It arrived on Xbox 360 in 2008 and on smartphones in 2012. The Steam version was released on Feb 14, 2014, and the PlayStation 4 version on Apr 28, 2015.

Other versions came out for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita and Wii, among others. The later ACA NEOGEO releases are standalone releases.

  1. Released in May 2000 in arcades.

    Source

  2. Original Xbox

    Released in May 2004 for the original Xbox in North America.

    Source

  3. Xbox 360

    Source

  4. Android

    Source

  5. iOS

    Source

  6. PC

    Source

  7. PS4

    Source

Updated 18.10.2026

Sources

Platforms

Metal Slug 3 came out for Neo Geo, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox, Xbox 360, Wii, Windows PC, iOS and Android, among others. Game modes and extra features differ depending on the version.

The Xbox 360 version is also backward compatible on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. This does not mean a native Xbox One or Xbox Series release. For Nintendo Switch, there is a separate release under the name ACA NEOGEO METAL SLUG 3.

Updated 18.10.2026

Sources

Gameplay

The soldiers run, jump and shoot through densely packed sections. Enemies attack from several directions. Along the way, you can rescue hostages, pick up heavier weapons and drive armed vehicles.

The so-called Slugs range from tanks to unusual machines such as the Drill Slug. Their special weapons and mobility change the battles against large enemies.

Updated 18.10.2026

Sources
Pixel art of a battle scene from Metal Slug 3.
· SNK Image source

Trailer

Trailer zu Metal Slug 3

This content from www.youtube.com will only load once you consent to advertising and targeting cookies. The provider will receive, among other things, your IP address.

Open at store

DLCs and expansions

The Metal Slug 3 soundtrack is available separately on Steam. It adds to the music, not the playable missions.

ACA NEOGEO METAL SLUG 3 is a standalone version by HAMSTER and not an expansion of the version by SNK and Dotemu.

Updated 18.10.2026

Sources

System requirements

For Metal Slug 3, Steam lists a minimum of a Pentium 4 at 2.4 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Intel HD graphics, DirectX 9.0c and 500 MB storage. Recommended are a dual-core processor at 2 GHz, 2 GB RAM and a GeForce GT 640.

The historical requirements list older Windows versions. The current Steam client requires Windows 10 or later.

The details apply to pc.

Minimum

Operating system
Windows 10 or later for the Steam client
Processor
Pentium 4, 2.4 GHz
RAM
1 GB RAM
Graphics
Intel HD Graphics
DirectX
9.0c
Storage
500 MB

Recommended

Processor
Dual-Core, 2 GHz
RAM
2 GB RAM
Graphics
GeForce GT 640

Editorial details

Updated 18.10.2026

Sources

Play together: couch co-op and online mode

Metal Slug 3 can be played together with a second player. On Steam, both local co-op on one device and online co-op are possible. In mission mode, sections you've already unlocked can be replayed directly.

During dense enemy waves and large bosses, the two characters can cover each other. Online features differ between platform versions.

Updated 18.10.2026

Sources

Five missions with alternative routes

The five main missions don't follow a single fixed route. At several points, you can choose between different paths that lead to other enemies, landscapes and vehicles.

If you play the campaign several times, you'll discover sections that were skipped in earlier runs. On Steam, unlocked missions can also be started individually.

Updated 18.10.2026

Sources
A mission from the side-scrolling arcade shooter Metal Slug 3.
· SNK Image source

Differences between Steam, PlayStation and ACA NEOGEO

The Steam version from SNK and Dotemu offers online co-op, mission select, leaderboards and a gallery of unlockable illustrations. On PlayStation, Metal Slug 3 came out for PS3, PS4 and PS Vita.

ACA NEOGEO METAL SLUG 3, by contrast, is a separate product on Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Windows and mobile devices. The Xbox 360 version of the original game runs on newer Xbox consoles via backward compatibility.

Updated 18.10.2026

Sources

Languages and controls

The Steam version offers on-screen text in English, French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Korean and Simplified Chinese. German on-screen text is not listed for this version.

On PC, the game can be controlled with a gamepad or keyboard. Display and control settings can be adjusted.

Updated 18.10.2026

Sources

Similar games

More from SNK and Dotemu

Game series

Metal Slug 3 belongs to SNK's classic run-and-gun series. Despite the number in the name, it is the fourth major arcade title after Metal Slug, Metal Slug 2 and Metal Slug X.

The game expands the series with longer missions, additional routes and new vehicles. The hand-drawn animations and the deliberately fast arcade gameplay remain key features.

Metal Slug 3 is also part of METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION, a collection announced for 2027 with ten game versions from the series. It is set to release for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

More from Metal Slug

Updated 18.10.2026

Sources
Gameforest in your inbox

Your games. Your updates.

News or new releases for your platforms. You decide what comes through.

What would you like to read?
Your platforms
Only released games with available offers.