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

The Metro series, based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, has captivated gamers with its immersive storytelling, atmospheric environments, and intense survival mechanics. For newcomers, deciding the order to play these games can be a bit confusing, especially with the release of multiple titles and expansions. This article will guide you through the optimal order to experience the Metro games, while also exploring some unconventional perspectives on how to approach this post-apocalyptic saga.
1. The Chronological Order: Following the Storyline
The most straightforward way to experience the Metro series is to play the games in the order they were released. This ensures that you follow the narrative as it was intended, with each game building upon the events of the previous one.
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Metro 2033 (2010): The first game in the series introduces players to Artyom, a young survivor living in the Moscow Metro after a nuclear apocalypse. The game sets the tone for the series, emphasizing survival, moral choices, and the eerie atmosphere of the underground tunnels. Playing this first is essential to understanding the world and its characters.
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Metro: Last Light (2013): A direct sequel to Metro 2033, Last Light continues Artyom’s journey as he faces new threats, both human and supernatural. The game expands on the lore and introduces more complex gameplay mechanics. It’s a must-play after completing the first installment.
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Metro Exodus (2019): The third main entry in the series takes Artyom beyond the confines of the Metro, exploring the surface of post-apocalyptic Russia. Exodus offers a more open-world experience while maintaining the series’ signature tension and storytelling. Playing this last ensures you’ve fully experienced Artyom’s evolution.
2. The Narrative Depth Approach: Adding the Novels
For those who want a deeper understanding of the Metro universe, consider incorporating Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels into your journey. The games are heavily inspired by the books, and reading them can provide additional context and backstory.
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Read Metro 2033 Before Playing the Game: The novel provides a richer understanding of Artyom’s motivations and the world-building. It’s a great way to enhance your experience of the first game.
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Read Metro 2034 Before Last Light: While Last Light isn’t a direct adaptation of Metro 2034, the novel introduces key characters and themes that appear in the game. It’s an excellent companion piece.
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Read Metro 2035 Before Exodus: Metro 2035 serves as a bridge between Last Light and Exodus, offering insights into Artyom’s decision to leave the Metro. Reading it before playing Exodus adds emotional weight to the story.
3. The Gameplay Evolution Order: From Linear to Open-World
If you’re more interested in the gameplay evolution of the series, consider playing the games in an order that highlights their mechanical progression.
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Start with Metro 2033 Redux: The Redux version of Metro 2033 offers updated graphics and gameplay improvements, making it a smoother entry point for modern players. Its linear structure is perfect for easing into the series.
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Move to Metro: Last Light Redux: Like its predecessor, Last Light Redux refines the gameplay mechanics and introduces more dynamic combat and stealth options. It’s a natural next step after 2033.
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End with Metro Exodus: Exodus represents a significant shift in the series, with its semi-open world and more exploration-focused gameplay. Playing it last allows you to appreciate how far the series has come.
4. The Non-Linear Experience: Playing Exodus First
For a truly unconventional approach, consider starting with Metro Exodus. While this might seem counterintuitive, it offers a unique perspective on the series.
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Why Start with Exodus? Exodus’s open-world design and surface exploration provide a fresh take on the Metro universe. By starting here, you’ll experience the world from a broader perspective before diving into the claustrophobic tunnels of the earlier games.
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Going Back to the Roots: After Exodus, playing Metro 2033 and Last Light can feel like uncovering the origins of the story. This reverse order can make the earlier games feel like prequels, adding a layer of mystery to Artyom’s journey.
5. The Survivalist’s Path: Focusing on Difficulty
For players who thrive on challenge, consider playing the games in order of increasing difficulty.
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Metro 2033 on Normal Difficulty: Start with the original game to get a feel for the mechanics and world. The normal difficulty provides a balanced experience.
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Metro: Last Light on Hardcore: Once you’re comfortable with the gameplay, ramp up the challenge with Last Light’s hardcore mode. This mode emphasizes resource management and survival, making every decision count.
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Metro Exodus on Ranger Hardcore: For the ultimate test, tackle Exodus on Ranger Hardcore. This mode removes most HUD elements and increases enemy lethality, requiring precision and strategy.
6. The Thematic Playthrough: Exploring Moral Choices
The Metro series is known for its moral choice system, which affects the game’s ending. To fully explore this aspect, consider a thematic playthrough.
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Play Metro 2033 with a Focus on Stealth and Compassion: Make choices that prioritize saving lives and avoiding unnecessary violence. This approach aligns with the game’s themes of hope and humanity.
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Play Metro: Last Light with a More Aggressive Approach: Experiment with a playstyle that embraces combat and tough decisions. This will give you a different perspective on the story and its consequences.
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Play Metro Exodus with a Balanced Approach: In Exodus, strive for a mix of stealth, combat, and moral choices. This will allow you to experience the full range of the game’s narrative possibilities.
FAQs
Q: Can I play Metro Exodus without playing the previous games?
A: While you can enjoy Exodus as a standalone game, playing the previous titles will provide a deeper understanding of the story and characters.
Q: Are the Redux versions worth playing?
A: Absolutely. The Redux versions offer improved graphics, gameplay, and additional content, making them the definitive way to experience the first two games.
Q: How long does it take to complete the entire Metro series?
A: On average, each game takes about 10-15 hours to complete, depending on your playstyle. The entire series can take around 30-45 hours.
Q: Are the Metro games suitable for casual players?
A: While the games can be challenging, they offer multiple difficulty settings, making them accessible to players of all skill levels.
Q: What platforms are the Metro games available on?
A: The Metro series is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, including next-gen consoles.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on a memorable journey through the haunting and immersive world of the Metro series. Whether you choose to play in release order, explore the novels, or experiment with unconventional approaches, the Metro games offer a rich and rewarding experience for all types of players.