How to Play Metro Games in Order: A Journey Through Post-Apocalyptic Moscow and Beyond

How to Play Metro Games in Order: A Journey Through Post-Apocalyptic Moscow and Beyond

The Metro series, based on Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, is a gripping narrative-driven first-person shooter franchise that immerses players in a post-apocalyptic world. With its atmospheric storytelling, intense survival mechanics, and morally complex decisions, the series has garnered a dedicated fanbase. If you’re new to the Metro universe or simply want to revisit the games in the correct order, this guide will walk you through the sequence, offering insights into the lore, gameplay, and the best way to experience the series.

1. Understanding the Metro Timeline

The Metro games are set in a dystopian future where nuclear war has devastated the surface of Earth. Survivors have taken refuge in the Moscow Metro system, forming factions and struggling to survive in a world filled with mutated creatures, hostile humans, and scarce resources. The games follow the story of Artyom, a young survivor who becomes a key figure in the fight for humanity’s future.

The series consists of three main games:

  • Metro 2033 (2010)
  • Metro: Last Light (2013)
  • Metro Exodus (2019)

Each game builds upon the previous one, both in terms of narrative and gameplay mechanics. Playing them in order is essential to fully appreciate the story and character development.

2. Starting with Metro 2033

Metro 2033 is the first game in the series and serves as the foundation for the entire franchise. Based on Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novel of the same name, it introduces players to the bleak world of the Moscow Metro and its inhabitants.

Key Features:

  • Story: Artyom, a young man from the VDNKh station, embarks on a mission to warn the rest of the Metro about a new threat: the Dark Ones, mysterious beings with psychic abilities.
  • Gameplay: The game emphasizes survival horror elements, with limited ammunition, scarce resources, and a focus on stealth and exploration.
  • Atmosphere: The claustrophobic tunnels, eerie sound design, and haunting visuals create an immersive experience.

Why Start Here?

Playing Metro 2033 first allows you to understand the world-building, the factions, and the moral dilemmas that define the series. It also sets up Artyom’s character arc, which continues in the subsequent games.

3. Continuing with Metro: Last Light

Metro: Last Light picks up where Metro 2033 left off, delving deeper into the conflict between humans and the Dark Ones. While it is a direct sequel, it also expands on the lore and introduces new characters and factions.

Key Features:

  • Story: Artyom discovers that not all Dark Ones were destroyed, and he must navigate the political tensions within the Metro while uncovering the truth about these enigmatic beings.
  • Gameplay: The game refines the mechanics of its predecessor, offering more polished combat, improved stealth, and a greater variety of weapons and equipment.
  • Choices: Player decisions have a significant impact on the story, leading to multiple endings.

Why Play This Next?

Metro: Last Light builds on the foundation of Metro 2033, providing a more nuanced narrative and deeper character development. It also introduces gameplay improvements that make the experience more engaging.

4. Concluding with Metro Exodus

Metro Exodus marks a departure from the claustrophobic tunnels of the Metro, taking players to the surface and beyond Moscow. This installment explores new environments and introduces open-world elements while maintaining the series’ signature atmosphere.

Key Features:

  • Story: Artyom and a group of survivors embark on a journey across post-apocalyptic Russia, searching for a new home and uncovering the truth about the outside world.
  • Gameplay: The game features larger, more open levels, with a focus on exploration, crafting, and survival. The day-night cycle and dynamic weather add to the immersion.
  • Character Development: Artyom’s relationships with his companions play a central role, adding emotional depth to the story.

Why End Here?

Metro Exodus provides a satisfying conclusion to Artyom’s journey, tying together the themes and conflicts introduced in the previous games. Its expanded scope and refined gameplay make it a fitting finale to the trilogy.

5. Additional Content and Enhancements

In addition to the main games, the Metro series offers enhanced versions and DLCs that enrich the experience:

  • Metro 2033 Redux and Metro: Last Light Redux: These remastered versions include improved graphics, updated gameplay mechanics, and all previously released DLCs.
  • The Two Colonels and Sam’s Story: These DLCs for Metro Exodus provide additional perspectives and expand on the game’s lore.

Why Explore These?

The Redux versions are ideal for newcomers or returning players who want to experience the games with modern enhancements. The DLCs offer fresh narratives and gameplay opportunities, making them worthwhile additions to the series.

6. Tips for Playing the Metro Games

To fully immerse yourself in the Metro universe, consider the following tips:

  • Play on Hardcore Difficulty: The series is best experienced with limited resources and heightened tension.
  • Use Headphones: The atmospheric sound design is a key element of the games’ immersion.
  • Read the Journals: Collectible notes and diaries provide additional context and backstory.
  • Make Moral Choices: Your decisions impact the story and endings, so think carefully.

7. The Legacy of the Metro Series

The Metro games are more than just shooters; they are narrative-driven experiences that explore themes of survival, morality, and humanity’s resilience. By playing them in order, you can fully appreciate the evolution of the series and the depth of its storytelling.

Q: Do I need to read the Metro novels to understand the games? A: While the games are based on Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, they are self-contained and can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the books. However, reading the novels can provide additional context and enrich your understanding of the world.

Q: Are the Metro games suitable for casual players? A: The Metro series is known for its challenging gameplay and mature themes, which may not appeal to all casual players. However, the Redux versions offer adjustable difficulty settings, making them more accessible.

Q: Will there be more Metro games in the future? A: While there has been no official announcement, the success of Metro Exodus and the rich lore of the series suggest that more games could be developed in the future.

Q: Can I play Metro Exodus without playing the previous games? A: While Metro Exodus can be enjoyed as a standalone game, playing Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light first will enhance your understanding of the story and characters.

Q: What platforms are the Metro games available on? A: The Metro series is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, with the Redux versions and Metro Exodus also being compatible with next-gen consoles.