The late 2000s and early 2010s were a fascinating time for the first-person shooter genre. While multiplayer and online gaming were exploding in popularity, single-player narrative-driven shooters seemed to be fading away. However, in 2010, Ukrainian studio 4A Games defied expectations with their debut project, Metro 2033.

Metro 2033: A Glimpse into Post-Nuclear Russia

Developed by a team of former GSC Game World staff who had previously worked on the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, Metro 2033 was based on a novel of the same name by Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky. The game’s story revolved around a group of survivors in a post-nuclear Russia, living in the cracks and shadows of Moscow’s underground Metro system to avoid the heavily irradiated surface. Despite some technical issues, the game received critical acclaim for its excellent post-apocalyptic setting, horror elements, grueling survival mechanics, and captivating storytelling. It proved that narrative-driven single-player first-person shooters still had a place in the gaming industry.

Last Light Continues the Journey

In 2013, 4A Games released Metro: Last Light, a direct follow-up to Metro 2033. Rather than adapting the second book, Metro 2034, the studio collaborated with Dmitry Glukhovsky to create an original story. The game continued the saga of Artyom, the protagonist, as he navigated the dangerous and haunting world of post-apocalyptic Moscow. Last Light further solidified the franchise’s position as a linear, narrative-driven shooter that resonated with players.

The Order of the Games

For those new to the series, here’s the definitive order to play all the games:

1. Metro 2033 (2010)
2. Metro: Last Light (2013)
3. Metro: Redux Bundle (2014) – An enhanced version of both games
4. Metro Exodus (2019) – The open-world adventure
5. Metro Exodus – The Two Colonels DLC (2019) – An additional story
6. Metro Exodus – Sam’s Story DLC (2020) – Another expansion

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, this post-apocalyptic journey continues to captivate players with its atmospheric world, gripping narratives, and intense gameplay.

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Remember, in this franchise, danger lurks around every corner, but so does hope.