8.5 /10 24

Metro Exodus represents a bold evolution for the acclaimed survival shooter series, finally liberating players from the claustrophobic tunnels of the Moscow Metro. Released to critical acclaim and significantly enhanced for next-gen hardware, it occupies a unique space between linear narrative shooters and open-world survival sims. In 2026, it remains a graphical benchmark, particularly with its fully ray-traced Enhanced Edition. Readers will discover how this semi-open world structure refreshes the formula without sacrificing the suffocating tension the series is famous for, offering a mature, slow-burn apocalypse that stands apart from more arcade-like competitors.

How to Play Metro Exodus

Metro Exodus is a first-person survival shooter that emphasizes resource management, stealth, and environmental storytelling over run-and-gun action. The pace is deliberate, requiring players to check maps manually and clean weapons to prevent jamming.

1. Controls – The scheme is weighty and realistic. Movement feels grounded, and weapon handling requires managing recoil and sway. The learning curve is moderate, rewarding patience over twitch reflexes.
2. Progression – Unlike traditional XP systems, progression is gear-based. You explore sandbox levels to find suit upgrades (better armor, motion detectors) and weapon attachments, which can be swapped in the field.
3. Combat/Mechanics – The core loop alternates between stealth and loud firefights. Ammunition is scarce, serving as currency. The ‘Tikhar’ air rifle and ‘Helsing’ crossbow allow for silent takedowns, while crafting on the fly is essential for survival.
4. Tips – Always holster your weapon when approaching neutrals to avoid conflict. Clean your guns at every workbench; a dirty gun will jam at the worst possible moment.

Who Should Play Metro Exodus

This title is designed for players who crave immersion and narrative depth over high scores or multiplayer leaderboards. It demands attention to detail and emotional investment.

• The Immersion Seeker – If you turn off the HUD to get lost in a world, this is your game. The lack of artificial markers makes exploration organic and rewarding.
• The Survivalist – Players who enjoy managing gas mask filters, counting bullets, and scavenging for scrap metal will find the economy satisfyingly tight on higher difficulties.
• The Narrative Fan – Those who appreciated the storytelling in games like The Last of Us or BioShock will enjoy the character-driven journey of the Aurora crew.
• Skip if – You prefer fast-paced, arcade shooters like Doom Eternal or want a purely linear experience without crafting mechanics.

Metro Exodus Platform Performance

The game pushes hardware to its absolute limit, featuring one of the industry’s best implementations of Ray Tracing. The ‘Enhanced Edition’ is the definitive way to play.

Metro Exodus System Requirements

To run the Enhanced Edition on PC, a Ray Tracing capable card is mandatory. The standard edition is more forgiving but lacks the transformative lighting.

Similar Games to Metro Exodus

If the bleak atmosphere and tactical survival of the Russian wasteland appeal to you, these titles offer comparable experiences with their own unique twists.

• S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 – The spiritual sibling; offers a similar Eastern European setting but with a harder focus on simulation and difficulty.
• Fallout 4 (Survival Mode) – A more RPG-heavy take on the post-apocalypse, offering base building and deeper stats but less horror.
• Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus – Shares the narrative focus and first-person perspective but leans much harder into action and sci-fi elements.
• Far Cry 2 – An older title, but its commitment to physical maps, jamming guns, and hostility mirrors Metro’s design philosophy.

Metro Exodus vs Competitors

Compared to other open-world shooters, Metro focuses on density and atmosphere rather than map size. It offers a curated sandbox rather than a checklist of chores.

Metro Exodus Story & World

The narrative picks up after the ‘Redemption’ ending of Last Light. Artyom, convinced that life exists outside Moscow, leads a group of Spartan Rangers on a hijacked train, the Aurora, across post-apocalyptic Russia. The story is structured as a year-long journey, with each season represented by a distinct open region—from the swampy Volga to the scorched Caspian desert. The writing excels in the quiet moments between missions, where players can sit with crew members, listen to guitar sessions, and bond with Artyom’s wife, Anna. It’s a grounded, poignant tale of hope and the cost of survival.

Metro Exodus Multiplayer & Online

Metro Exodus is a strictly single-player experience, a rarity in the modern AAA landscape. 4A Games dedicated all resources to the campaign.

• Single Player Only – No competitive modes or co-op are available.
• No Live Service – The game features no microtransactions, battle passes, or daily logins.
• Leaderboards – Absent; the focus is entirely on personal immersion.
• Cross-Play – Not applicable.

Metro Exodus DLC & Expansions

The Expansion Pass adds two substantial story chapters that are highly recommended, as they offer different gameplay flavors and close narrative gaps.

• The Two Colonels – A linear, classic Metro-style chapter focusing on Miller’s journey in Novosibirsk. Features the flamethrower.
• Sam’s Story – A massive open sandbox level featuring Sam, a US Marine, trying to get home. Adds new weapons and mechanics.
• Expansion Pass – Bundles both DLCs, often available at a significant discount.
• Free Updates – The ‘Enhanced Edition’ was a free upgrade for all PC owners of the base game.

Metro Exodus Community & Support

Despite being a single-player title, the community remains active, focusing on lore discussions, technical troubleshooting, and photography mode sharing.

• Official Discord – Active hub for fans of the Metro universe and books.
• Steam Community – Extensive guides for achievements and ‘Ranger Hardcore’ difficulty strategies.
• Mod Support – Officially released ‘Exodus SDK’ allows full modding support, enabling community-created levels.
• Updates – Development has ceased as the studio moves to the next project, but the game is stable.