What Order to Play the Metro Games: A Journey Through the Tunnels of Time and Chaos

What Order to Play the Metro Games: A Journey Through the Tunnels of Time and Chaos

The Metro series, developed by 4A Games, is a gripping narrative-driven first-person shooter that immerses players in a post-apocalyptic world. Based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, the series has garnered a dedicated fanbase due to its atmospheric storytelling, intense gameplay, and moral dilemmas. However, for newcomers, the question of “what order to play the Metro games” can be as confusing as navigating the dark, irradiated tunnels of the Moscow Metro itself. This article will explore the optimal order to experience the series, while also delving into some tangential, slightly chaotic discussions about the games’ themes, mechanics, and cultural impact.

The Chronological Order: A Linear Path Through the Apocalypse

The most straightforward way to experience the Metro series is to play the games in the order they were released. This approach allows players to follow the narrative arc as it was originally intended, with each game building upon the events of the previous one.

  1. Metro 2033 (2010): The first game in the series introduces players to Artyom, a young survivor living in the Moscow Metro after a nuclear war has devastated the surface. The game sets the tone for the series, with its bleak atmosphere, survival mechanics, and moral choices that affect the ending. Playing Metro 2033 first is essential to understanding the world and its characters.

  2. Metro: Last Light (2013): The sequel picks up a year after the events of Metro 2033, with Artyom now a seasoned Ranger. The game delves deeper into the political and social dynamics of the Metro, introducing new factions and expanding on the lore. Last Light also refines the gameplay mechanics, making it a more polished experience overall.

  3. Metro Exodus (2019): The third installment takes a bold step by moving the action from the claustrophobic tunnels of the Metro to the open world of the Russian wilderness. Exodus follows Artyom and a group of survivors as they embark on a journey to find a new life beyond the Metro. The game introduces new gameplay elements, such as crafting and open-world exploration, while still retaining the series’ signature atmosphere and storytelling.

Playing the games in this order ensures that players experience the narrative as it unfolds, with each game adding new layers to the story and world-building. However, some fans argue that playing the games in chronological order can lead to a sense of repetition, as the core gameplay mechanics remain relatively consistent across the series.

The Thematic Order: A Journey Through Moral Ambiguity and Survival

For those who prefer a more thematic approach, the Metro series can be played in an order that emphasizes the moral dilemmas and survival aspects of the games. This approach allows players to explore the series’ deeper themes, such as the nature of humanity, the cost of survival, and the consequences of one’s actions.

  1. Metro: Last Light: Starting with Last Light allows players to dive straight into the moral complexity of the series. The game’s central conflict revolves around the discovery of a surviving Dark One, a mysterious and potentially dangerous creature. The choices players make throughout the game have significant consequences, leading to one of two possible endings. Playing Last Light first can set the stage for a more nuanced understanding of the series’ themes.

  2. Metro 2033: After experiencing the moral weight of Last Light, players can then go back to the beginning with Metro 2033. This game introduces the world and its characters, but with the added context of Last Light, players may find themselves more attuned to the moral choices presented. The game’s multiple endings, which depend on the player’s actions, take on new significance when viewed through the lens of Last Light’s narrative.

  3. Metro Exodus: Finally, Exodus serves as a culmination of the series’ themes, as Artyom and his companions seek to escape the cycle of violence and despair that has defined their lives in the Metro. The game’s open-world structure allows players to explore the consequences of their actions on a larger scale, while also providing a sense of hope and renewal.

This thematic order offers a different perspective on the series, emphasizing the moral and philosophical questions that underpin the narrative. However, it may also lead to some confusion, as players may miss out on the gradual world-building and character development that comes with playing the games in release order.

The Chaos Order: A Non-Linear Exploration of the Metro Universe

For those who enjoy a more chaotic and unpredictable experience, the Metro series can be played in a non-linear order that disrupts the traditional narrative flow. This approach allows players to explore the series’ world and themes in a more fragmented and experimental manner.

  1. Metro Exodus: Starting with Exodus, the most recent and expansive entry in the series, can provide a fresh perspective on the Metro universe. The game’s open-world structure and emphasis on exploration allow players to experience the world in a more free-form way, without being constrained by the linear narrative of the previous games. Playing Exodus first can also highlight the series’ evolution, as players can see how the gameplay and storytelling have developed over time.

  2. Metro 2033: After exploring the open world of Exodus, players can then delve into the more confined and claustrophobic world of Metro 2033. The contrast between the two games can be striking, as players move from the vast, desolate landscapes of Exodus to the dark, oppressive tunnels of the Metro. This shift in perspective can deepen the player’s appreciation for the series’ atmosphere and world-building.

  3. Metro: Last Light: Finally, players can return to Last Light, which serves as a bridge between the linear narrative of Metro 2033 and the open-world exploration of Exodus. Playing Last Light last allows players to see how the series has evolved, while also providing a sense of closure to the narrative arc.

This chaotic order offers a unique and unpredictable way to experience the Metro series, but it may also lead to some confusion, as players may struggle to piece together the narrative and thematic threads that connect the games.

Q: Can I play Metro Exodus without playing the previous games? A: While it’s possible to enjoy Metro Exodus as a standalone game, playing the previous entries will provide a deeper understanding of the story, characters, and world. The game does include a recap of the previous events, but experiencing them firsthand will enhance the overall experience.

Q: Are the Metro games based on books? A: Yes, the Metro series is based on the novels by Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky. The first game, Metro 2033, is directly adapted from the novel of the same name, while the subsequent games expand on the story and world created in the books.

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

Q: Are there multiple endings in the Metro games? A: Yes, all three Metro games feature multiple endings that depend on the player’s actions and moral choices throughout the game. These endings can vary significantly, adding replay value and encouraging players to explore different paths.

Q: Is the Metro series suitable for casual gamers? A: The Metro series is known for its challenging gameplay and intense atmosphere, which may not be suitable for all casual gamers. However, the games do offer adjustable difficulty settings, allowing players to tailor the experience to their skill level.