Which Metro Game To Play First

The best game to begin with is Metro 2033 Redux.

Figuring out which metro game to play first can be tricky for newcomers to the series. The post-apocalyptic world with its tense atmosphere and mutated creatures has attracted many players. Starting in the right place will allow you to enjoy the series best.

Metro 2033 Redux provides the most accessible introduction to the mechanics and story. It’s a great way to understand what makes the Metro games so special. This also allows you to appreciate the progress made in the sequels.

Which Metro Game to Play First: A Beginner’s Guide

So, you’re curious about the Metro game series, huh? That’s awesome! It’s a fantastic set of games with a scary, exciting, and sometimes sad story. But with three main games and some extra content, it can be a little confusing to know where to start. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you figure out the perfect first Metro game for you.

Understanding the Metro Universe

Before we jump into which game to play first, let’s talk a little about what makes the Metro series so special. These games are based on novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, and they paint a picture of a world after a huge nuclear war. The surface of the Earth is a toxic wasteland, so people live in the tunnels of the Moscow Metro. It’s a dark, claustrophobic place filled with dangers, not just from monsters, but also from other people.

The Metro games aren’t just about shooting. They have a lot of suspense and story, and they make you think about the choices you make. You’ll find yourself sneaking around, carefully saving your bullets, and making tough decisions that can affect the story. They’re different from many other shooters you might have played. The environment plays a big role, too; the dark, damp tunnels and ruined cities create a creepy, immersive atmosphere that really sucks you in.

Key Elements of the Metro Games

Here’s what to expect in the Metro games:

• Post-Apocalyptic World: The surface is a dangerous place, and the underground tunnels are barely any safer. The games create a powerful sense of being in a world that’s been torn apart.
• Atmosphere and Immersion: The games are great at making you feel like you’re actually in the metro. Sounds, lighting, and the little details all work together to create an intense and spooky experience.
• Limited Resources: You’ll have to be careful with your bullets and resources. You can’t just run and gun; you have to think about each move. This adds to the tension and survival feel.
• Moral Choices: Your choices matter. Decisions you make can change the story and the ending you get. This makes the games very replayable because you can try different paths each time.
• Interesting Story and Characters: The story is deep and focuses on the people who are trying to survive. The characters you meet are well-developed, and you’ll care about what happens to them.

The Main Metro Games: A Quick Look

There are three main games in the Metro series:

1. Metro 2033: The game that started it all. It introduces us to Artyom, the main character, and sets the stage for the entire series.
2. Metro: Last Light: This game continues the story from 2033. It expands upon the world and the characters and offers even more challenges.
3. Metro Exodus: A major change in the series. It takes Artyom and his group out of the metro and across Russia, allowing for exploration beyond the tunnels.

Metro 2033: The Starting Point

Okay, let’s talk about why Metro 2033 is a great place to start your Metro adventure. Imagine jumping into a book in the middle of the story, without reading the first few chapters. It would feel strange, right? That’s how jumping into Last Light or Exodus first could feel. Metro 2033 introduces you to the world, the mechanics, the key characters, and the story, so starting here is very important.

The game begins with Artyom, a young man who lives in the metro after the world was destroyed. Strange creatures called Dark Ones have started to show up, and he needs to go on a dangerous journey to warn the other metro stations. It is a survival horror at its finest with a very good storyline. The gameplay focuses on very tight, claustrophobic environments, and you have to use your bullets wisely. You really have to plan your fights and be smart about how you sneak around. The feeling of tension is high all the time because resources are limited, and the environment is always dangerous.

Reasons to Start with Metro 2033

• Story Foundation: You get the complete backstory, understand the history of this world, the characters and why things are the way they are. This is very important if you want to truly enjoy the experience.
• Gameplay Introduction: The first game slowly teaches you the mechanics and how the game world works. The learning curve is smooth so it won’t be difficult for the newcomers to this genre.
• A True Metro Experience: It gives you the classic feeling of living in the tunnels and fighting off the horrors inside them.
• Less Confusing: Starting with 2033 makes the follow-up games easier to understand because you’ll know everything that happened before.

Metro: Last Light: Building on the Foundation

Metro: Last Light picks up the story after the events of 2033. It takes place within the same world but introduces new characters and challenges. The gameplay is similar to 2033, but a bit more refined. The stealth and shooting are improved, and you get to explore more of the metro and see new factions. There are still lots of scary moments and you still have to make smart choices with your resources and ammo. The graphics are much better in this installment, and the story is also expanded, giving more depth to the world and the characters.

This game also introduces more moral decision points. Many of the game’s events push you into making difficult choices, and those choices affect the ending, meaning the actions in this game have a bigger impact. It adds more layers to the storyline, which is a cool touch. While Last Light is great, it’s best enjoyed after you’ve gotten to know the world through 2033. It will be easier to appreciate its improvements and complexities with the context of the first game.

Why Play Last Light After 2033

• Continues the Story: Last Light directly follows the events of 2033. It’s the next logical step in the story of Artyom and his journey.
• Improved Gameplay: The mechanics are smoother, making for a more enjoyable play experience, especially if you are already comfortable with the basics.
• More Complex Choices: You’ll face even more difficult decisions that affect the story, making the experience feel more personal.
• World Expansion: You will see more of the metro, as the environment of this game is expanded compared to the first game, which is very enjoyable.

Metro Exodus: A New Adventure

Metro Exodus is different from the other two games. It still features Artyom but takes him and his friends on a long journey across Russia. It’s a big change because instead of being confined to tunnels, you get to travel on a train called the Aurora, exploring different areas and meeting new people along the way. The game features many open-world elements, so you can explore as much as you want, which is a different approach from the other titles, where the environment is much more limited. There are still survival aspects, so you must be smart about resources and combat, but the experience is not the same as before. The story is very much character-driven, and you see how Artyom and his friends try to survive in the new environment.

While Exodus is a great game, it’s the least suitable as a starting point. It expects you to know the story from the previous two games. You won’t understand certain characters or events if you haven’t played them before. While you can jump into Exodus right away, you won’t appreciate the full story or world. Playing 2033 and Last Light first will make Exodus a much better experience.

Why Exodus Should Be Played Last

• A Major Shift: The change from tunnel-based survival to more open world may be confusing if you’re new to the series.
• Requires Story Knowledge: Exodus builds on the events of the previous games, and many things won’t make sense if you haven’t played them.
• More Complex Systems: The gameplay is a bit more complicated than the other two, so it will be easier to handle if you have already learned the basics from the first two games.
• Full Appreciation: You will get much more satisfaction and appreciation from Exodus if you know the background of Artyom and his friends.

The Recommended Play Order

So, considering all of this, here’s the best way to play the Metro games for the first time:

1. Metro 2033: Start here to learn the world, characters, and basic gameplay.
2. Metro: Last Light: Continue the story and enjoy the improved gameplay and expanded world.
3. Metro Exodus: Finish the series with the most recent game and see the culmination of Artyom’s journey.

By following this order, you will experience the Metro series the way it was meant to be, which will make the gameplay even more interesting and enjoyable.

Enhanced Editions: Worth Considering?

You might have also heard about Metro 2033 Redux and Metro Last Light Redux. These are updated versions of the first two games with improved graphics and gameplay. If you’re deciding between the original and Redux versions, we would recommend the Redux versions. They still keep the core gameplay and the story, but they enhance the experience visually and mechanically. It’s a nice improvement that makes them easier on the eyes, and they’re often available at the same price as the original.

If you have a good computer, going with the Redux versions will only improve your experience. It will still feel the same as original games, but everything is prettier and smoother, which makes the overall experience very good. So, you don’t need to worry about missing out on something if you go straight for the Redux editions of both games.

A Table Summarizing the Games

Ultimately, the choice is yours, but starting with Metro 2033 is highly recommended to fully grasp the story, world, and gameplay of the entire Metro series. It makes all the difference in understanding and appreciating everything the series has to offer. By starting with 2033 you are allowing yourself to ease into the world and the universe, and making your gameplay more enjoyable and meaningful. Don’t rush yourself. Take your time, and enjoy the tense and immersive experience of the Metro series!

METRO 2033 and METRO: Last Light – Should You Play Them First?

Final Thoughts

For newcomers, start with Metro 2033 Redux. It presents a solid introduction to the series’ atmosphere and mechanics. The narrative is captivating and sets the stage for the following titles.

Metro Last Light Redux provides more polished gameplay. However, it builds upon the first game’s world and characters, so playing 2033 first is must for context.

Therefore, if you are asking which metro game to play first, the answer is undoubtedly Metro 2033 Redux. It will give you the best experience.