Do You Need to Play Earlier Metro Games Before Metro?

No, you do not need to play the earlier Metro games before starting with Metro Exodus or any other entry, but playing them in release order greatly enriches the story and your understanding of the world. Each game is a self-contained chapter with its own beginning and end, yet they form a continuous narrative following the same protagonist, Artyom, through a post-apocalyptic Moscow and beyond. If you jump straight into Metro Exodus, you will still enjoy the gameplay and atmosphere, but you will miss crucial character relationships, world-building, and the emotional weight of Artyom’s journey.

The Metro Series at a Glance

The Metro games are based on Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novel Metro 2033 and its sequels. The game series currently includes:

• Metro 2033 (2010, remastered as Metro 2033 Redux in 2014)
• Metro: Last Light (2013, remastered as Metro: Last Light Redux in 2014)
• Metro Exodus (2019, with two story expansions: The Two Colonels and Sam’s Story)

Each game follows Artyom, a survivor living in the Moscow Metro after a nuclear war devastated the surface. The first two games are set almost entirely underground, while Exodus expands to other regions of Russia and Kazakhstan. The games are known for their atmospheric horror, survival mechanics, and moral choices that affect the ending.

Story Continuity: Why Order Matters

While each game has a self-contained plot, the overarching narrative is continuous. Metro 2033 introduces Artyom, his home station of VDNKh, and the mysterious Dark Ones. Last Light directly continues from the events of 2033, exploring the consequences of Artyom’s actions and his relationship with the Dark Ones. Metro Exodus picks up two years after Last Light, with Artyom now married to Anna, a character introduced in Last Light. The game’s opening recaps the previous events, but it assumes you know the characters and their history.

Playing the earlier games first allows you to understand:

• Why Artyom is so driven to find a safe place on the surface
• The significance of the Dark Ones and Artyom’s connection to them
• The dynamics between Artyom, Miller, and Anna
• The state of the Metro factions and the political tensions

Gameplay and Mechanics Evolution

The earlier games establish the core gameplay loop that Exodus builds upon. Metro 2033 and Last Light are linear, corridor-based shooters with survival horror elements. You manage limited ammunition (which doubles as currency), use a gas mask in hazardous areas, and recharge your flashlight with a hand crank. Metro Exodus shifts to a more open-ended, semi-open world design with larger levels, day/night cycles, and a crafting system. However, the fundamental mechanics—stealth, resource management, and environmental storytelling—remain consistent.

If you start with Exodus, you may find the earlier games more linear and claustrophobic, but they are still excellent. Conversely, playing the earlier games first lets you appreciate how the series evolved and how the developers expanded the formula without abandoning its roots.

Can You Start with Metro Exodus?

Yes, you can start with Metro Exodus. The game includes a brief recap of the previous events, and the main plot is understandable on its own. You play as Artyom, and you soon learn that the Metro is dying, and you and your crew set out on a journey across Russia on a train called the Aurora. The game’s tutorial teaches you the basics, and the story introduces new characters (like Alyosha, Damir, and Yermak) who are not in the earlier games. However, you will miss the emotional payoff of seeing Artyom’s relationship with Miller and Anna develop, and some references to past events (like the Dark Ones) may feel confusing.

If you are short on time or prefer modern open-world gameplay, starting with Exodus is fine. But if you care about story and character development, the earlier games are worth playing first.

How to Play the Series in Order

If you decide to play the whole series, the recommended order is:

1. Metro 2033 Redux (or the original Metro 2033)
2. Metro: Last Light Redux (or the original Last Light)
3. Metro Exodus (including the two expansions, ideally after finishing the main story)

The Redux versions are remasters that improve graphics and gameplay, and they are the versions available on modern platforms. They also include all DLC content. The original versions are only worth playing for nostalgia or if you want to see the original vision.

What About the Books?

The games are loosely based on the novels, but they diverge significantly. Metro 2033 the game follows the novel’s basic premise but changes the plot and characters. Last Light is not a direct adaptation of the novel Metro 2034; instead, it is an original story that continues from the first game. Metro Exodus is also an original story, not based on the novel Metro 2035, although it shares some themes. If you are a reader, you can enjoy the books without playing the games, but playing the games first may spoil some of the book’s surprises, and vice versa.

Common Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the games are direct adaptations of the books, which is not true. Another is that Metro Exodus is completely open-world, but it is actually a series of large, sandbox-like levels with a linear story. Some players also think that the games are pure horror, but they are more action-adventure with horror elements. Understanding these nuances helps set the right expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play Metro 2033 before Last Light?
Yes, Last Light is a direct sequel to Metro 2033. The story picks up right after the events of the first game, and the choices you make in 2033 affect the beginning of Last Light (though the game also lets you choose a canonical ending). Playing the first game is essential to understand the plot and characters.

Is Metro Exodus a sequel to Last Light?
Yes, Metro Exodus continues the story of Artyom two years after Last Light. It references events and characters from both previous games, so playing them first gives you much more context.

Can I skip the first two games and just play Exodus?
You can, but you will miss a lot of backstory. The game does a decent job of recapping, but the emotional impact of Artyom’s journey is diminished. If you only play one game, Exodus is the most polished and accessible, but the earlier games are also excellent.

Are the Redux versions better than the originals?
Yes, the Redux versions are remasters with improved graphics, better AI, and some gameplay tweaks. They are the definitive versions and are the ones available on modern consoles and PC. The original versions are only for those who want to see the original vision or are playing on older hardware.

Do I need to read the books to understand the games?
No, the games are self-contained and do not require reading the books. The books provide additional lore and different stories, but they are not necessary for enjoying the games. In fact, the games diverge from the books, so you might find the differences interesting.

What is the best order to play the Metro games?
The best order is release order: Metro 2033, Metro: Last Light, then Metro Exodus. This order gives you the intended narrative progression and gameplay evolution. Playing Exodus first is possible, but you will miss the buildup.

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