What Order to Play the Metro Games: A Journey Through the Tunnels of Time and Chaos

What Order to Play the Metro Games: A Journey Through the Tunnels of Time and Chaos

The Metro series, developed by 4A Games, is a gripping narrative-driven first-person shooter that immerses players in a post-apocalyptic world. Based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, the series has garnered a dedicated fanbase due to its atmospheric storytelling, intense gameplay, and moral dilemmas. But with multiple entries and a timeline that can be a bit confusing, many players often wonder: what order to play the Metro games? And while we’re at it, let’s also ponder why Artyom never seems to run out of bullets despite the scarcity of resources in the Metro.

The Chronological Order: A Linear Path Through Chaos

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 follow the narrative as it was intended, with each game building upon the events of the previous one.

  1. Metro 2033 (2010)
    The journey begins with Metro 2033, where players step into the boots of Artyom, a young survivor navigating the tunnels of the Moscow Metro after a nuclear war has rendered the surface uninhabitable. The game introduces players to the bleak world of the Metro, where factions vie for control, and mysterious creatures lurk in the shadows. The story is a mix of survival horror and first-person shooter, with a heavy emphasis on resource management and moral choices.

  2. Metro: Last Light (2013)
    The sequel, Metro: Last Light, picks up where Metro 2033 left off. Artyom is now a seasoned survivor, but the stakes are higher as he uncovers a dark secret that could change the fate of humanity. The game expands on the mechanics of its predecessor, offering more refined gameplay, deeper storytelling, and a greater emphasis on player choice. The moral system introduced in Metro 2033 is further developed, with your decisions having a more significant impact on the game’s ending.

  3. Metro Exodus (2019)
    The latest entry in the series, Metro Exodus, takes a bold step by moving the action from the claustrophobic tunnels of the Metro to the vast, open landscapes of post-apocalyptic Russia. Artyom and a group of survivors embark on a journey across the country in search of a new life. The game introduces a semi-open world structure, allowing players to explore and interact with the environment in ways that were not possible in the previous games. Despite the change in setting, Metro Exodus retains the series’ signature atmosphere and storytelling, making it a fitting conclusion to Artyom’s journey.

The Narrative Order: A Deeper Dive into the Metro Universe

For those who want to delve deeper into the lore of the Metro universe, there’s an argument to be made for playing the games in narrative order. This approach involves starting with Metro 2033, followed by Metro: Last Light, and then Metro Exodus. However, there’s a twist: you should also consider reading Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, which serve as the foundation for the games.

  1. Metro 2033 (Novel)
    Before diving into the games, reading the original Metro 2033 novel can provide valuable context and background information. The book offers a more detailed exploration of the Metro’s factions, the political landscape, and the psychological toll of living in such a harsh environment. While the game follows the novel’s main plot, there are differences in how certain events unfold, making the book a worthwhile companion to the game.

  2. Metro 2033 (Game)
    After reading the novel, playing Metro 2033 allows you to experience the story from a different perspective. The game’s first-person viewpoint immerses you in Artyom’s world, making the dangers of the Metro feel more immediate and personal. The moral choices you make in the game can also be compared to the decisions Artyom makes in the novel, offering a deeper understanding of his character.

  3. Metro: Last Light (Game)
    Metro: Last Light continues Artyom’s story, but it also introduces new characters and plotlines that expand on the Metro universe. Playing the game after reading the novel and completing Metro 2033 allows you to appreciate the continuity and evolution of the story. The game’s multiple endings also provide an opportunity to explore different outcomes based on your choices, adding replay value to the experience.

  4. Metro 2035 (Novel)
    While Metro Exodus is the final game in the series, the story doesn’t end there. Metro 2035, the third novel in the series, serves as a direct sequel to Metro: Last Light and provides additional context for the events of Metro Exodus. Reading the novel before playing Metro Exodus can enhance your understanding of the game’s story and characters, making the experience more rewarding.

  5. Metro Exodus (Game)
    Finally, Metro Exodus brings Artyom’s journey to a close. The game’s shift to an open-world format represents a significant departure from the previous entries, but it also allows for a more expansive exploration of the Metro universe. Playing the game after reading Metro 2035 ensures that you have a complete understanding of the story and its themes, making the emotional impact of the ending all the more powerful.

The Chaos Order: Why Not Play Them Backwards?

Now, let’s entertain a more unconventional approach: playing the Metro games in reverse order. Why? Because sometimes chaos is the best way to experience a story. Imagine starting with Metro Exodus, where Artyom is already a hardened survivor, and then working your way back to Metro 2033, where he’s just a naive young man trying to survive. This reverse order could offer a unique perspective on Artyom’s character development, as you witness his transformation in reverse.

  1. Metro Exodus (2019)
    Starting with Metro Exodus would throw you into a world where Artyom is already a seasoned survivor, leading a group of people on a perilous journey across Russia. The game’s open-world structure and emphasis on exploration would provide a stark contrast to the more linear gameplay of the previous entries. You’d experience the culmination of Artyom’s journey before understanding how he got there.

  2. Metro: Last Light (2013)
    Next, you’d play Metro: Last Light, where Artyom is still navigating the tunnels of the Metro but has already faced significant challenges. The game’s darker tone and more complex moral dilemmas would feel like a step back in time, as you uncover the events that shaped Artyom into the leader he becomes in Metro Exodus.

  3. Metro 2033 (2010)
    Finally, you’d return to Metro 2033, where Artyom is just beginning his journey. Playing the game last would allow you to see how far he’s come, as you witness his initial struggles and the choices that set him on the path to becoming the hero of Metro Exodus. This reverse order could offer a fresh perspective on the series, making you appreciate Artyom’s growth in a new way.

The Moral Order: Playing Based on Your Choices

Another way to approach the Metro series is to play the games based on the moral choices you make. The series is known for its moral system, where your actions and decisions can lead to different outcomes. Playing the games with a focus on morality could offer a unique experience, as you explore the consequences of your choices across the entire series.

  1. Metro 2033 (2010)
    Start with Metro 2033, where you’ll face your first moral dilemmas. Will you spare the lives of your enemies, or will you eliminate them to ensure your survival? Your choices in this game will set the tone for your journey, influencing how you approach similar situations in the later games.

  2. Metro: Last Light (2013)
    In Metro: Last Light, your moral choices become even more significant. The game introduces a more complex moral system, where your actions can lead to multiple endings. Will you strive to be a hero, or will you succumb to the harsh realities of the Metro? Your decisions in this game will have a lasting impact on the story, shaping the world you’ll encounter in Metro Exodus.

  3. Metro Exodus (2019)
    Finally, Metro Exodus brings your moral journey to a close. The game’s open-world structure allows for more freedom in how you approach situations, but your past choices will still influence the outcome. Will you continue to uphold your moral code, or will the challenges of the surface world force you to make difficult decisions? Playing the games with a focus on morality offers a unique way to experience the series, as you explore the consequences of your actions across multiple entries.

Q: Can I play Metro Exodus without playing the previous games?
A: While Metro Exodus can be enjoyed as a standalone game, playing the previous entries will provide a deeper understanding of the story and characters. The game references events from Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light, so playing them in order will enhance your experience.

Q: Are the Metro games based on the novels?
A: Yes, the Metro games are based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky. Metro 2033 and Metro 2035 directly inspired the games, while Metro: Last Light and Metro Exodus expand on the story and characters introduced in the books.

Q: How long does it take to complete the Metro series?
A: The length of each game varies, but on average, Metro 2033 takes about 10-12 hours to complete, Metro: Last Light takes around 12-15 hours, and Metro Exodus can take anywhere from 15-20 hours, depending on how much you explore.

Q: Are there multiple endings in the Metro games?
A: Yes, both Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light feature multiple endings based on the moral choices you make throughout the game. Metro Exodus also has multiple endings, influenced by your actions and decisions during the journey.

Q: Is the Metro series suitable for casual gamers?
A: The Metro series is known for its challenging gameplay and intense atmosphere, which may not be suitable for all casual gamers. However, the games offer different difficulty levels, allowing players to adjust the experience to their preferences.