Metal Slug Beginner Guide: Weapons, Hostages, Vehicles, and Mission Survival

The original arcade game uses a joystick and three action buttons: fire, jump, and grenade. Hold a direction while firing to control the shot angle, crouch under suitable attacks, and jump over hazards or onto vehicles. At very close range, the character automatically uses a melee attack instead of the handgun.

Grenades are limited and create immediate space. Save them for armored targets, crowded ledges, and bosses rather than throwing them at single ordinary soldiers.

The default handgun has unlimited ammunition. Special weapons such as the Heavy Machine Gun, Rocket Launcher, Flame Shot, and Shotgun have limited shots, displayed by the game. Use their range and damage where they prevent risk, then expect to return to the handgun when ammunition runs out.

Rescued prisoners can leave weapons, grenades, or score items. Free them when the path is safe, but do not stand in enemy fire waiting for a reward animation.

The Metal Slug tank adds a rapid-fire cannon and heavier explosive firepower while absorbing damage that would defeat the soldier instantly. Keep it moving, use its jump to clear terrain, and leave it when remaining inside would trap you in an unavoidable attack.

Vehicle health is a resource. Protecting the tank can make a boss easier, but chasing a damaged vehicle into a dangerous position can cost the entire life.

Metal Slug rewards rescuing every prisoner and collecting score items, but a first clear should prioritize survival. Watch where soldiers enter, where a vehicle fires from off-screen, and which destructible object creates cover or opens a safer route.

During bosses, move until the attack pattern is readable. Fire continuously only when the route remains safe, and use grenades during stable openings rather than while scrambling away from damage.