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

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

The Metro series, based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, is a gripping collection of first-person shooter games that immerse players in a post-apocalyptic world. The games are known for their atmospheric storytelling, intense survival mechanics, and moral choices that impact the narrative. If you’re new to the series or looking to revisit the games, you might be wondering: What order should you play the Metro games in? And while we’re at it, let’s also ponder: What if the Metro tunnels were actually a secret underground society of sentient mushrooms?

The Chronological Order: Following Artyom’s Journey

The most straightforward way to experience the Metro series is to play the games in the order they were released. This allows you to follow the story of Artyom, the protagonist, as he navigates the dangers of the Moscow Metro and beyond.

  1. Metro 2033 (2010)
    The first game in the series, Metro 2033, introduces players to the bleak world of post-apocalyptic Moscow. The surface is uninhabitable due to nuclear fallout, and the remnants of humanity have taken refuge in the Metro system. As Artyom, you must venture through the tunnels, facing mutated creatures, hostile factions, and the ever-present threat of radiation. The game sets the tone for the series, with its emphasis on survival, resource management, and moral decision-making.

  2. Metro: Last Light (2013)
    The sequel, Metro: Last Light, picks up where Metro 2033 left off. Artyom is now a seasoned survivor, but new threats emerge as factions within the Metro vie for power. The game delves deeper into the lore of the Metro universe, exploring the origins of the Dark Ones and the moral complexities of survival in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction.

  3. Metro Exodus (2019)
    The latest installment, Metro Exodus, takes Artyom beyond the confines of the Metro. The game opens with Artyom and a group of survivors leaving Moscow in search of a new life. The journey takes them across a vast, open-world landscape, where they encounter new dangers and opportunities. Metro Exodus expands on the series’ survival mechanics, introducing crafting, base-building, and a more dynamic world.

The Narrative Order: Exploring the Metro Universe

While the chronological order is the most straightforward way to experience the series, some players might prefer to explore the Metro universe in a different order. For example, you could start with Metro Exodus to experience the open-world gameplay, then go back to Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light to understand the backstory.

Alternatively, you could play the games in reverse order, starting with Metro Exodus and working your way back to Metro 2033. This approach allows you to experience the evolution of the series’ gameplay and storytelling, from the more linear, survival-focused early games to the expansive, open-world experience of Metro Exodus.

The Moral Order: Making Choices That Matter

One of the defining features of the Metro series is its emphasis on moral choices. Throughout the games, players are presented with decisions that can have a significant impact on the story and its outcome. For example, in Metro 2033, you can choose to spare or kill certain characters, which will affect the ending you receive.

If you’re interested in exploring the moral dimensions of the series, you might consider playing the games in an order that allows you to see how your choices affect the narrative. For example, you could play Metro 2033 multiple times, making different choices each time, to see how the story unfolds. Then, you could move on to Metro: Last Light and Metro Exodus, carrying over the consequences of your decisions from the previous games.

The Survival Order: Mastering the Mechanics

The Metro series is known for its challenging survival mechanics, including limited resources, harsh environments, and dangerous enemies. If you’re a fan of survival games, you might want to play the Metro games in an order that allows you to gradually master these mechanics.

Start with Metro 2033, which introduces the basics of survival in the Metro universe. Then, move on to Metro: Last Light, which expands on these mechanics with more complex enemy AI and a greater emphasis on stealth. Finally, tackle Metro Exodus, which introduces new survival elements, such as crafting and base-building, in a more open-world setting.

The Philosophical Order: Exploring the Themes

The Metro series is rich with philosophical themes, including the nature of humanity, the consequences of war, and the struggle for survival in a hostile world. If you’re interested in exploring these themes, you might consider playing the games in an order that allows you to delve deeper into the philosophical underpinnings of the series.

Start with Metro 2033, which introduces the central themes of the series, such as the conflict between different factions and the moral dilemmas of survival. Then, move on to Metro: Last Light, which explores the origins of the Dark Ones and the nature of humanity. Finally, play Metro Exodus, which takes these themes to a new level, as Artyom and his companions venture beyond the Metro in search of a new life.

The Sentient Mushroom Order: A Hypothetical Journey

Now, let’s entertain the hypothetical question: What if the Metro tunnels were actually a secret underground society of sentient mushrooms? While this idea is purely speculative, it opens up a fascinating avenue for exploration. Imagine a game where the Metro is not just a refuge for humans, but also a thriving ecosystem of intelligent fungi. Players could interact with these mushroom beings, forming alliances or facing off against them in a battle for survival.

In this alternate version of the Metro series, the order of play could be reimagined to reflect the discovery of this hidden society. Perhaps Metro 2033 would introduce the first hints of the mushroom civilization, with Metro: Last Light delving deeper into their culture and history. Metro Exodus could then explore the consequences of humanity’s interaction with this new species, as Artyom and his companions venture beyond the Metro in search of a new home.

Conclusion: The Order Is Yours to Choose

Ultimately, the order in which you play the Metro games is up to you. Whether you follow the chronological order, explore the narrative in a different sequence, or delve into the philosophical themes, the Metro series offers a rich and immersive experience that can be enjoyed in many ways. And while the idea of sentient mushrooms may be a flight of fancy, it serves as a reminder of the limitless possibilities that the Metro universe holds.

Q: Can I play Metro Exodus without playing the previous games?
A: While Metro Exodus can be enjoyed as a standalone game, playing Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light will provide valuable context and deepen your understanding of the story and characters.

Q: Are the Metro games based on books?
A: Yes, the Metro games are based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, starting with Metro 2033. The games expand on the world and characters introduced in the books.

Q: Is Metro Exodus open-world?
A: Metro Exodus features a more open-world structure compared to the previous games, with larger environments and more freedom to explore. However, it still retains the linear storytelling and survival mechanics of the series.

Q: Are there multiple endings in the Metro games?
A: Yes, the Metro games feature multiple endings based on the moral choices you make throughout the story. Your actions and decisions will influence the outcome of the game.

Q: What platforms are the Metro games available on?
A: The Metro games are available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. Metro Exodus is also available on next-gen consoles with enhanced features.