Metro 2039 – 5 New Things We Learned

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Back in 2019, 4A Games started planning the next Metro game. We hadn’t heard much about it since then, until recently. Metro 2039 has been officially revealed, and a first look on Xbox has given us a lot of new information.

Though inspired by Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, the developers at 4A Games say this game tells a completely new story with fresh characters. While it connects to the previous games and the Metro universe, it’s also designed to be a great starting point for new players. It’s a single-player experience built from the beginning to be captivating and surprising.

What can you expect? Well, to start with, Metro 2039 marks…

The Return to Moscow and The Series’ Darkest Story Yet

4A Games and Dmitry Glukhovsky promised the newest installment would be the most intense story in the Metro series so far, and they delivered. Metro 2039 takes place years after the events of Exodus, returning to the Moscow Metro. After decades of conflict between different groups, a new threat has emerged – the Novoreich. Leading them is Hunter, a former Spartan Ranger who once mentored Artyom, but is now a changed man.

He maintains control by instilling fear, relentlessly bombarding people with propaganda and seemingly brainwashing them with his belief that anything threatening should be destroyed. The developers at 4A Games state his government is battling a frightening and powerful foe, and given his extreme views on the Dark Ones, it’s clear who he considers the enemy.

Artyom, the protagonist of previous games, won’t be the main character this time around. Players will take on the role of Stranger, a new character who used to live outside the city. Haunted by disturbing nightmares and driven by visions of dangerous creatures called the Dark Ones, he’s forced to enter the Metro. He can’t avoid facing what’s coming for him. The story will explore how his path connects with Artyom’s, and what Stranger’s ultimate goal is. While many details remain unknown, Stranger, as the first fully voiced main character in the series, is central to the unfolding story.

Only the Metro

A key takeaway from the presentation is that Metro 2039 is moving away from the more open-world style of Exodus and returning to the core gameplay of earlier Metro titles. The development team, according to Creative Director Andriy ‘mLs’ Shevchenko, is focusing on the underground tunnels and what truly defines the Metro experience. Executive Producer Jon Bloc emphasized their commitment to creating a distinctly Metro game, stating it will be nothing but Metro. Players can expect a return to the series’ signature elements: a tight, claustrophobic atmosphere, a sense of oppressive darkness, and meaningful choices with real consequences.

Based on the gameplay footage and trailers, it’s obvious players will explore areas on the surface in the new game. It’s unclear if 4A Games is moving away from the larger open areas seen in Exodus, but the developers have stated they’re building on the best elements of every game in the Metro series so far.

Rebuilt Ray Tracing and a Realistic World

The game will feature ray tracing, a key visual element of the Exodus series, and the developers at 4A Games are constantly improving it. According to Bloch, they’re working to refine the technology for a smoother, better-looking experience that remains visually impressive and atmospheric. Shevchenko adds that their unique engine and tools allow them to create a world that feels incredibly detailed, realistic, and immersive.

These details make the world of Metro feel incredibly real. When you enter a location, it feels like a genuine place – nothing is copied or repeated. Everything is unique and believable. Every object and detail has a purpose, and locations feel lived-in, allowing you to sense the stories of those who were there before, even their final moments.

Frozen Stories

“Frozen Stories” are designed to spark your imagination by telling stories through environments, without using any spoken words. For instance, you might discover a disheveled apartment and learn what happened there simply by observing the details – a spilled teacup, a half-finished card game, and luggage suggesting the occupants were either departing or just visiting.

The scene suggests a violent struggle – a body lies near the bed, and a gun is empty, indicating someone was attacked and couldn’t defend themselves. If you’re interested in learning the story behind the world of Metro, 4A Games says you’ll find plenty of similar clues and mysteries, encouraging you to explore and uncover what happened.

Returning Weapons, Familiar UI, Terrifying Enemies

We also got a first look at gameplay footage alongside in-game cutscenes. These showed the main character, Stranger, exploring the Metro tunnels when he’s discovered by the Nosalises – mutated creatures from the past – and a chase begins. He attempts to escape by running down an abandoned escalator, briefly turning to fire a shot, which doesn’t help much, before being attacked. After a fight, he manages to kill one of the creatures with a knife. Luckily, other survivors pull him into their settlement and quickly close the gates, shutting out the rest of the pack.

Even small details in Metro feel incredibly immersive. From the realistic condensation on Stranger’s gas mask to the watch tracking his air filter, everything adds to the experience – even his signature shotgun. Movement feels deliberate and heavy, and the environments create a real sense of claustrophobia. The world is richly detailed; you can see Stranger kick debris as he runs, and the remnants of a past struggle are everywhere – makeshift barricades, corpses, and the remains of other creatures all tell a story of a location frozen in time.

Even though the game looks intense and unbelievable, it’s important to know this wasn’t the original plan for Metro 2039. Recent world events in 2020 and 2022 caused 4A Games to rethink their approach. Previously, the games focused on preventing war, but now, as Shevchenko explains, the focus is on the realities of war – its consequences, the dangers of staying silent, the horrors of oppressive rule, and the value of freedom. How this will affect you as a player is something you’ll discover by exploring the Metro universe for yourself.

Metro 2039 is coming this winter to Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Good news for PC players – unlike the previous game, Metro Exodus, it will be available on Steam and the Microsoft Store from the start, alongside the Epic Games Store. Whether you’re new to the series or a returning fan, Metro 2039 promises a unique and immersive experience.

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2026-04-20 18:16