The Metro series has always been about humanity's capacity for self-destruction. The latest instalment, Metro 2039, developed by Ukrainian studio 4A Games, doubles down on that theme with a story shaped by real-world war and political upheaval.
Set in Moscow's irradiated ruins, the game explores how power corrupts even in the face of extinction. With a release date of February 2027, it arrives as the most ambitious entry yet, blending the franchise's signature dread with new gameplay mechanics and a darker protagonist.
What is Metro 2039 about?
Metro 2039 continues the story from Dmitry Glukhovsky's novels and the previous games. After World War 3 turned the surface into a radioactive wasteland, survivors live in underground tunnels. But now, the nuclear winter is thawing, and society is fracturing.
Hunter, once a hero, has become a dictator. He wages propaganda-driven war to reclaim the surface from the 'novo-Reich' while brutally suppressing Metro inhabitants. You play The Stranger, a fully voiced, grizzled figure on a mission to kill Hunter. Unlike previous protagonist Artyom, The Stranger is darker, more ruthless, and speaks in a growling tone reminiscent of a Slavic Batman.
How does gameplay evolve in Metro 2039?
Hands-on previews reveal significant upgrades. The game retains its immersive survival mechanics: managing gas mask filters, wiping condensation from your visor, and scavenging for resources. But new tools expand exploration:
- A UV light reveals hidden messages
- Oxyacetylene torches and breaching charges open blocked paths
- Blueprint crafting allows assembling new weapons at workbenches
Enemy AI has been overhauled. Human foes no longer charge blindly; they call for backup, flank, and use RPGs to flush you out. This creates varied firefights where stealth often breaks down into open warfare. Checkpoints are sparse, making every decision consequential.
What are 'frozen stories' in Metro 2039?
The game introduces environmental storytelling through 'frozen stories': tableaux of death showing skeletal remains reaching for a gun, or a child's drawing amid a family's final struggle. These scenes enrich the world's tragedy, making exploration part of the narrative.
How has the war in Ukraine shaped Metro 2039?
Developed in post-invasion Ukraine with international support, the game's themes reflect recent experience. Glukhovsky, an outspoken Putin critic now persona non grata in Russia, co-wrote the story. The result is a mature, polished game infused with bleakness, yet carrying a faint glimmer of hope.
Metro 2039 releases in February 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Publisher Deep Silver rates it 18+.