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

The Metro series, developed by 4A Games and based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, is a gripping first-person shooter that combines survival horror, stealth, and storytelling. Set in the post-apocalyptic ruins of Moscow, the series offers a unique blend of atmospheric environments, intense combat, and thought-provoking narratives. For newcomers, the question of what order to play the Metro games is crucial to fully appreciate the story and gameplay evolution. This article will guide you through the optimal sequence to experience the Metro series, while also exploring some tangential yet intriguing aspects of the franchise.

1. Release Order: The Traditional Path

The most straightforward way to experience the Metro series is to play the games in the order they were released. This approach allows you to witness the evolution of the series’ graphics, gameplay mechanics, and storytelling.

Metro 2033 (2010)

The journey begins with Metro 2033, the first game in the series. Set in the year 2033, the game follows Artyom, a young survivor living in the Moscow Metro system after a nuclear war has devastated the surface. The game introduces players to the harsh realities of life in the Metro, where humanity clings to survival amidst mutant creatures, hostile factions, and the ever-present threat of radiation.

Metro 2033 is a survival horror game at its core, with a strong emphasis on resource management, stealth, and atmospheric storytelling. The game’s claustrophobic environments, combined with its haunting soundtrack, create a sense of dread that lingers long after you’ve put down the controller.

Metro: Last Light (2013)

The sequel, Metro: Last Light, picks up where Metro 2033 left off. Artyom, now a seasoned survivor, is tasked with uncovering the truth about a mysterious Dark One, a creature thought to be extinct. The game expands on the original’s mechanics, offering more polished gameplay, improved graphics, and a deeper exploration of the Metro’s political and social dynamics.

Last Light also introduces new characters and factions, adding layers of complexity to the story. The game’s moral choices, which affect the ending, encourage players to think carefully about their actions and the consequences they may have on the world around them.

Metro Exodus (2019)

The most recent entry in the series, Metro Exodus, takes a bold step forward by moving the action from the confines of the Metro to the vast, open landscapes of post-apocalyptic Russia. Artyom, now a member of the Spartan Order, embarks on a journey across the country in search of a new life beyond the Metro.

Exodus introduces a semi-open world structure, allowing players to explore large, interconnected areas at their own pace. The game retains the series’ signature survival elements, such as scavenging for resources and crafting ammunition, while also introducing new mechanics like weapon customization and vehicle travel.

2. Chronological Order: A Narrative-Driven Experience

For those who prioritize story continuity, playing the games in chronological order—following the timeline of the narrative—can provide a more cohesive experience.

Metro 2033 (2010)

As the first game in the series, Metro 2033 sets the stage for the entire saga. Playing it first allows you to fully immerse yourself in the world and understand the motivations of the characters, particularly Artyom, who serves as the protagonist throughout the series.

Metro: Last Light (2013)

Following Metro 2033, Last Light continues Artyom’s story, delving deeper into the mysteries of the Metro and the fate of humanity. Playing these two games back-to-back ensures that you experience the narrative as it was intended, with each game building on the events of the previous one.

Metro Exodus (2019)

Finally, Metro Exodus serves as the culmination of Artyom’s journey. By this point, you’ll have a deep understanding of the character and the world he inhabits, making the game’s emotional beats and narrative twists all the more impactful.

3. Gameplay Evolution: From Survival Horror to Open-World Exploration

Another way to approach the Metro series is by considering the evolution of its gameplay mechanics. Each game introduces new elements that build on the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering a progressively more complex and engaging experience.

Metro 2033: The Survival Horror Foundation

Metro 2033 is a survival horror game through and through. The game’s emphasis on resource scarcity, stealth, and atmospheric tension creates a sense of vulnerability that keeps players on edge. The limited ammunition, the need to conserve filters for your gas mask, and the constant threat of mutants all contribute to a gameplay experience that is as challenging as it is immersive.

Metro: Last Light: Refining the Formula

Last Light takes the survival horror elements of Metro 2033 and refines them. The game introduces more varied enemy types, improved AI, and a greater emphasis on moral choices. The addition of new weapons and gadgets also adds depth to the gameplay, allowing players to approach situations in different ways.

Metro Exodus: Expanding the Horizon

With Exodus, the series takes a significant leap forward by introducing open-world elements. The game’s large, explorable areas offer a sense of freedom that was absent in the previous titles. However, the core survival mechanics remain intact, ensuring that the transition to a more open structure doesn’t dilute the series’ identity.

4. Thematic Exploration: Humanity’s Struggle for Survival

Beyond the gameplay and narrative, the Metro series is also a profound exploration of themes such as survival, morality, and the resilience of the human spirit. Each game approaches these themes in different ways, offering a multifaceted look at life in a post-apocalyptic world.

Metro 2033: The Fragility of Civilization

Metro 2033 paints a bleak picture of a world where civilization has crumbled, and humanity is reduced to living in the shadows. The game explores the fragility of societal structures and the lengths to which people will go to survive. The various factions within the Metro, each with their own ideologies and agendas, serve as a microcosm of the broader human condition.

Metro: Last Light: The Cost of War

Last Light delves deeper into the consequences of war, both on a personal and societal level. The game’s moral choices force players to confront difficult questions about the nature of humanity and the price of survival. The presence of the Dark Ones, who represent a potential path to redemption, adds a layer of hope to an otherwise grim narrative.

Metro Exodus: The Search for a New Beginning

Exodus shifts the focus from survival to the search for a new beginning. Artyom’s journey across Russia is not just a physical one but also a metaphorical quest for hope and renewal. The game’s open-world structure allows players to experience the beauty and danger of the post-apocalyptic landscape, reinforcing the idea that even in the darkest times, there is always the possibility of a brighter future.

5. The Importance of Atmosphere and Immersion

One of the defining features of the Metro series is its ability to create a deeply immersive atmosphere. From the claustrophobic tunnels of the Metro to the desolate landscapes of the surface, each game excels at drawing players into its world.

Sound Design and Music

The series’ sound design is a key component of its immersive quality. The eerie silence of the Metro, punctuated by the distant growls of mutants or the creaking of metal, creates a sense of unease that permeates every moment of gameplay. The haunting score, composed by Alexey Omelchuk, further enhances the atmosphere, adding emotional weight to key moments in the story.

Visual Design and Environmental Storytelling

The visual design of the Metro series is equally impressive. The detailed environments, from the decaying stations of the Metro to the irradiated wastelands of the surface, are filled with subtle clues about the world’s history and the fate of its inhabitants. Environmental storytelling plays a significant role in the series, with players often piecing together the story through visual cues rather than explicit exposition.

6. The Role of Player Choice and Morality

Another standout feature of the Metro series is its emphasis on player choice and morality. Each game presents players with decisions that can have far-reaching consequences, both for the characters and the world around them.

Moral Choices and Multiple Endings

In Metro 2033 and Last Light, players are often faced with moral dilemmas that affect the game’s ending. These choices are not always clear-cut, forcing players to weigh the potential outcomes of their actions. Exodus continues this tradition, with player decisions influencing the fate of Artyom and his companions.

The Impact of Stealth and Combat

The way players approach combat also has a moral dimension. Choosing to sneak past enemies or use non-lethal methods can lead to a more positive outcome, while resorting to violence may have darker consequences. This mechanic encourages players to think carefully about their actions and consider the ethical implications of their choices.

7. The Future of the Metro Series

With the success of Metro Exodus, the future of the Metro series looks bright. While there has been no official announcement regarding a new game, the series’ rich lore and compelling characters provide ample material for future installments.

Potential Directions for the Series

One possible direction for the series is to explore other parts of the world affected by the nuclear war. While the games have primarily focused on Russia, the global nature of the apocalypse opens up the possibility of stories set in other countries. Alternatively, the series could delve deeper into the mysteries of the Metro, uncovering new factions, creatures, and secrets.

The Role of Technology in Future Games

As technology continues to advance, future Metro games could push the boundaries of immersion even further. Enhanced graphics, more sophisticated AI, and innovative gameplay mechanics could all contribute to a more engaging and realistic experience. Virtual reality, in particular, could offer a new way to experience the claustrophobic tunnels and vast landscapes of the Metro universe.

8. Conclusion: The Best Order to Play the Metro Games

Ultimately, the best order to play the Metro games depends on your priorities. If you value experiencing the evolution of the series’ gameplay and graphics, the release order is the way to go. If you’re more interested in following the narrative in chronological order, starting with Metro 2033 and progressing through Last Light to Exodus is the best approach.

Regardless of the order you choose, the Metro series offers a rich, immersive experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. From its atmospheric environments and compelling storytelling to its challenging gameplay and moral dilemmas, the series is a standout in the world of post-apocalyptic gaming.

Related Q&A

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 Last Light first will provide a deeper understanding of the story and characters.

Q: Are the Metro games based on books? A: Yes, the Metro games are based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, starting with Metro 2033. The games expand on the books’ universe while staying true to their themes and atmosphere.

Q: Is Metro Exodus open-world? A: Metro Exodus features a semi-open world structure, with large, interconnected areas that players can explore at their own pace. However, it retains the series’ survival elements and linear storytelling.

Q: How long does it take to complete each Metro game? A: The length of each game varies, but on average, Metro 2033 takes about 10-12 hours to complete, Last Light around 12-15 hours, and Exodus approximately 15-20 hours, depending on playstyle and exploration.

Q: Are there multiple endings in the Metro games? A: Yes, both Metro 2033 and Last Light feature multiple endings based on the player’s moral choices. Metro Exodus also has different endings influenced by player decisions throughout the game.

Q: What platforms are the Metro games available on? A: The Metro games are available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. Metro Exodus is also available on next-gen consoles, with enhanced graphics and performance.