Metro Games Order: Playthrough Guide & DLC

To experience the Metro series in both story and release order, play Metro 2033, then Metro: Last Light, then Metro Exodus, including each game’s story DLC after its base game. This order follows the chronological narrative of Artyom’s journey and the release timeline, ensuring you understand the characters, factions, and world evolution without spoilers.

Background: The Metro Universe

The Metro series is based on Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novel Metro 2033, which depicts a post-apocalyptic Moscow where survivors live in the metro tunnels after a nuclear war. The games were developed by 4A Games and published by THQ (initially) and later Deep Silver. The first game, Metro 2033, released in 2010 for PC and Xbox 360, followed by Metro: Last Light in 2013, and Metro Exodus in 2019. Each game continues Artyom’s story, with the second game’s events taking place about a year after the first, and the third game set two years after Last Light. The series is known for its atmospheric horror, survival mechanics, and moral choices that affect the ending.

How the Story Connects

The games are a direct narrative sequence. Metro 2033 introduces Artyom, a resident of the VDNKh station, who is tasked with warning the entire metro about the Dark Ones—a mysterious mutant race. The ending (canonically the “Ranger� ending) sets up Last Light, where Artyom is haunted by his actions and must deal with the aftermath of the Dark Ones’ destruction. Last Light explores the political factions of the metro, including the Red Line and the Fourth Reich, and introduces the character of Pavel, a Red Line soldier. Metro Exodus then takes Artyom and a group of Rangers on a journey across post-apocalyptic Russia on a locomotive called the Aurora, leaving the metro tunnels for the first time. The DLCs—Last Light’s “Developer Pack� (cosmetic) and “Faction Pack� (side missions), and Exodus’s “The Two Colonels� and “Sam’s Story�—are best played after finishing the main campaign of their respective games, as they expand on side characters and events that reference the main plot.

Recommended Play Order

For the best experience, follow this order:

• Metro 2033 (Redux) – Play the base game first. The Redux version (released 2014) includes improved graphics and gameplay tweaks, and is the definitive way to play on modern systems.
• Metro: Last Light (Redux) – Continue with the sequel. Again, the Redux version is recommended.
• Metro Exodus – Play the base game, then the two story DLCs: “The Two Colonels� and “Sam’s Story.� These are best experienced after finishing the main story, as they provide closure and alternate perspectives.

If you own the original 2010/2013 versions, they are still playable but lack the quality-of-life improvements of the Redux editions. The Redux versions are often bundled together as the “Metro Redux� package.

How to Choose Between Redux and Original

For new players, the Redux versions are the clear choice. They feature:

• Improved graphics and lighting
• Better stealth and AI
• All previously released DLC included (for Last Light)
• Performance optimizations for modern hardware

The original Metro 2033 had a more hardcore survival feel, but the Redux version offers a “Survival� and “Spartan� mode that lets you tailor the difficulty. The original Last Light had a season pass with multiple DLC packs, but the Redux includes them all. If you are a purist, you might play the originals, but for most players, Redux is the recommended way to experience the series.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A frequent misconception is that Metro Exodus is a standalone game. It is not—it continues Artyom’s story and references events from the previous games. Another issue is the “canon� ending. The games have multiple endings based on moral choices, but the sequels assume a specific ending (the “good� or “canon� ending). For Metro 2033, the canon ending is the one where Artyom survives and the Dark Ones are not completely destroyed. In Last Light, the canon ending is the one where Artyom spares the Dark One child. Players who get the “bad� endings may be confused by the sequel’s setup. Also, some players skip the DLC, but Exodus’s DLCs are particularly well-regarded and add significant story depth.

Comparison with Other Post-Apocalyptic Games

Metro is often compared to the Fallout and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. Unlike Fallout’s open-world sandbox, Metro is more linear and story-driven, with a focus on survival horror. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is more of a sandbox with a heavy emphasis on exploration and environmental storytelling. Metro’s unique blend of tight narrative, resource management, and atmospheric tension sets it apart. The series also features a distinctive gas mask mechanic and a currency system based on military-grade bullets, which adds to the immersion.

Cost and Platform Considerations

The Metro games are available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch (via cloud). The Redux bundle is often discounted, and the entire series is frequently on sale on digital storefronts. Metro Exodus is also available on Game Pass and PlayStation Plus on certain tiers. There is no additional cost for the DLC if you buy the “Gold Edition� of Exodus, which includes the season pass. For Last Light, the Redux version includes all DLC, so you don’t need to buy anything extra.

Safety and Accessibility

The Metro games contain graphic violence, horror elements, and mature themes. They are rated M for Mature (ESRB) and 18+ (PEGI). Players sensitive to jump scares, dark environments, or intense combat may find the games stressful. The games offer difficulty settings, including a “Reader� mode that reduces combat difficulty, and a “Ranger� mode that increases realism but removes the HUD. For accessibility, the Redux versions include options for subtitles, colorblind support, and controller remapping. There are no online multiplayer components, so no internet connection is required for the single-player experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read the books to understand the games?

No, the games are self-contained. The books provide additional lore, but the games tell a complete story. The first game is loosely based on the novel, but the sequels diverge significantly.

Can I play Metro Exodus without playing the first two games?

Technically yes, but you will miss a lot of character backstory and world-building. The game does a decent job of recapping, but the emotional impact is reduced. It’s best to play the series in order.

What is the difference between Metro 2033 and Metro 2033 Redux?

Redux is a remaster with improved graphics, gameplay, and AI. It also includes the “Survival� and “Spartan� modes, which were originally from Last Light. It is the definitive version for modern platforms.

Are the DLCs worth playing?

Yes, especially the Exodus DLCs. “The Two Colonels� provides a poignant backstory for a character from the main game, and “Sam’s Story� offers a new open-world area and a different gameplay style. The Last Light DLCs are more like side missions, but they add lore.

How long does it take to beat each game?

Metro 2033 and Last Light each take about 10-15 hours for the main story. Metro Exodus takes about 15-20 hours, and the DLCs add another 5-8 hours. Completionists will spend more time.

Which game is the best in the series?

This is subjective. Many fans consider Last Light to have the best story, while Exodus is praised for its open-ended levels. The first game is the most atmospheric and horror-focused. It’s best to play all three to form your own opinion.

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