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

How to Play the 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 that immerses players in a post-apocalyptic world. With its atmospheric storytelling, intense survival mechanics, and morally complex choices, the series has garnered a dedicated fanbase. If you’re new to the franchise or revisiting it, playing the games in the correct order is essential to fully appreciate the story. This guide will walk you through the chronological order of the Metro games, their connections, and how to approach them for the best experience. Along the way, we’ll also explore some unconventional ideas, like how playing the games in reverse order might reveal hidden layers of storytelling—though that’s more of a thought experiment than a recommendation.


1. Start with Metro 2033 (2010)

The journey begins with Metro 2033, the first game in the series. Set in the tunnels of the Moscow Metro after a nuclear apocalypse, you play as Artyom, a young survivor tasked with saving his home station from mysterious creatures known as the Dark Ones. The game introduces players to the bleak, oppressive world of the Metro, where survival depends on scavenging resources, managing ammunition, and making tough moral decisions.

  • Key Themes: Survival, fear of the unknown, and the struggle between hope and despair.
  • Gameplay Mechanics: Stealth, resource management, and exploration.
  • Why Start Here?: Metro 2033 sets the foundation for the series, introducing the world, characters, and core gameplay mechanics. It’s essential for understanding Artyom’s motivations and the stakes of the story.

2. Continue with Metro: Last Light (2013)

The sequel, Metro: Last Light, picks up after the events of Metro 2033. Artyom is now a seasoned Ranger, grappling with the consequences of his actions in the first game. The story delves deeper into the political tensions between factions in the Metro, as well as the lingering threat of the Dark Ones.

  • Key Themes: Redemption, the cost of war, and the nature of humanity.
  • Gameplay Mechanics: Improved combat, expanded stealth options, and more dynamic environments.
  • Why Play This Next?: Last Light builds on the narrative and gameplay of 2033, offering a more polished experience while advancing the overarching story. It also introduces new characters and factions that play crucial roles in the series.

3. Conclude with Metro Exodus (2019)

The third installment, Metro Exodus, takes a bold step by moving the story beyond the confines of the Metro. Artyom and a group of survivors embark on a cross-country journey aboard a train called the Aurora, seeking a new life outside of Moscow. The game features larger, open-world environments and a more personal story about hope and perseverance.

  • Key Themes: Exploration, freedom, and the resilience of the human spirit.
  • Gameplay Mechanics: Open-world exploration, crafting, and survival elements.
  • Why End Here?: Exodus provides a satisfying conclusion to Artyom’s story, tying together themes and character arcs from the previous games. It also offers a fresh perspective on the post-apocalyptic world, showing that there’s still beauty and hope amidst the devastation.

4. Consider the Enhanced Editions

For the best experience, consider playing the enhanced versions of the games:

  • Metro 2033 Redux: A remastered version with improved graphics, gameplay tweaks, and all DLCs.
  • Metro: Last Light Redux: Similarly enhanced, with updated visuals and additional content.
  • Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition: A next-gen upgrade with ray tracing and improved performance.

These versions not only look better but also provide a more consistent experience across the series.


5. Dive into the DLCs and Expansions

Each game in the series has DLCs that expand the story and gameplay:

  • Metro 2033: Focuses on the core story, with no major DLCs.
  • Metro: Last Light: Includes story-driven DLCs like The Chronicles Pack, which offers additional perspectives on the events of the game.
  • Metro Exodus: Features two major story expansions, The Two Colonels and Sam’s Story, which provide deeper insights into the world and characters.

Playing the DLCs after completing the main games adds depth and context to the overall narrative.


6. Explore the Novels and Other Media

The Metro series is based on Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, which provide additional context and backstory:

  • Metro 2033: The original novel that inspired the first game.
  • Metro 2034: A companion novel that explores different characters and events in the Metro.
  • Metro 2035: The final book in the trilogy, which ties into the events of Metro Exodus.

Reading the novels can enhance your understanding of the world and its lore.


7. Experiment with Different Playstyles

The Metro games encourage multiple playstyles, from stealthy and non-lethal approaches to aggressive combat. Replaying the games with different strategies can reveal new story elements and endings, adding replayability.


8. Reflect on the Series’ Themes

The Metro series is more than just a set of games—it’s a meditation on humanity’s capacity for both destruction and hope. As you play through the series, take time to reflect on the moral choices, the world-building, and the characters’ journeys.


9. Join the Community

The Metro fanbase is passionate and creative. Engage with the community through forums, fan art, and discussions to share your experiences and insights.


10. Consider the Reverse Order Experiment

While playing the games in chronological order is the recommended approach, some fans have theorized that playing them in reverse (Exodus to 2033) could offer a unique perspective on the story. This unconventional method might highlight how Artyom’s journey is one of regression rather than progression, though it’s more of a philosophical exercise than a practical way to experience the series.


FAQs

Q: Can I play Metro Exodus without playing the previous games? A: While Exodus is more standalone than the other games, playing 2033 and Last Light first will provide crucial context and emotional weight to the story.

Q: Are the Metro games available on all platforms? A: Yes, the games are available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. The Enhanced Editions are optimized for next-gen consoles.

Q: How long does it take to complete the entire series? A: Each game takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete, depending on your playstyle. Including DLCs, the entire series can take around 40-50 hours.

Q: Is the Metro series suitable for casual gamers? A: The games can be challenging, especially on higher difficulties, but they offer adjustable settings to accommodate different skill levels.

Q: Will there be more Metro games in the future? A: While there’s no official announcement, the success of Exodus suggests that the series may continue in some form.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on Artyom’s harrowing journey through the Metro and beyond. Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning fan, the Metro series offers a rich, immersive experience that’s not to be missed.