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No. Deep Silver’s official FAQ describes Metro 2039 as “a good jumping on point for new fans.” It introduces a new protagonist, The Stranger, and a new cast, so you do not need to finish Metro 2033, Metro: Last Light, or Metro Exodus to follow its main story.
The earlier games are still valuable if you want the history of the Moscow Metro, the full Artyom arc, and more context for the factions, dangers, and recurring ideas that Metro 2039 brings back.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Metro Redux - PlayStation 4 | $13.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Metro Redux - Nintendo Switch | $27.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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METRO EXODUS - Complete Edition (PS5) | $25.60 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Metro Redux (Nintendo Switch) | $29.68 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Metro Redux (Windows PC) | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The direct answer: Metro 2039 does not require the earlier games
Metro 2039 is designed to welcome people who have never played a Metro game. Deep Silver’s 2026 FAQ explicitly calls it a good starting point despite the series’ 16-year history. The game has a new protagonist and a new group of characters, which means newcomers are not expected to know Artyom’s personal history before beginning.
That does not make the previous trilogy irrelevant. Metro 2039 remains part of the established Metro universe, returns to the Moscow Metro, and uses recognizable series elements such as Nosalises and the survival-focused combat style. Players who know the older games should notice more connections and understand the setting’s history more quickly, while first-time players can learn the new story from its own starting point.
#1 Best Overall
- Immerse yourself in the Moscow Metro - witness one of the most atmospheric worlds in gaming brought to life with stunning next-gen visuals at 60FPS
- Brave the horrors of the Russian apocalypse - equip your gasmask and an arsenal of hand-made weaponry as you face the threat of deadly mutants, human foes, and the terrifying environment itself
- Rebuilt and Remastered for next gen - with all previous DLC content included, new modes and features, and many gameplay improvements, this is the definitive version of the critically acclaimed series that fans and newcomers alike will enjoy
- Two campaigns, and all DLC included - Metro Redux includes two complete campaigns that combine to create one epic adventure. With 10 hours of bonus content, that means 30+ hours of solo FPS gameplay just on one play-through
- Two unique Play Styles : 'Spartan' and 'Survival' - approach the campaign as a slow burn Survival Horror , or tackle it with the combat skills of a Spartan Ranger in these two unique modes
What kind of sequel is Metro 2039?
It is the fourth mainline 4A Games entry
Xbox Wire’s 2026 recap identifies Metro 2039 as the fourth mainline game from 4A Games, following:
- Metro 2033, released in 2010
- Metro: Last Light, released in 2013
- Metro Exodus, released in 2019
Calling it the fourth mainline entry describes its place in the franchise, not a requirement to complete three prerequisites. The publisher is positioning it as a new entry that can be played by people arriving for the first time.
It has an original story rather than a direct book adaptation
Deep Silver says the game is a brand-new story from 4A Games, written in collaboration with Metro author Dmitry Glukhovsky. It is not based on one specific book. Instead, it is inspired by the world and stories he created. That distinction matters if you are wondering whether you must read a novel or know a precise literary plot before playing: the game is presenting its own narrative.
The Stranger replaces Artyom as the central viewpoint
Artyom is the protagonist of the earlier trilogy. Xbox Wire describes The Stranger as the series’ first fully voiced lead protagonist. A different lead gives 4A Games room to introduce the setting, conflicts, and relationships from a new character’s perspective instead of assuming that every player already understands Artyom’s decisions.
Rank #2
- Immerse yourself in the Moscow Metro - witness One of the most atmospheric worlds in gaming brought to life on Nintendo Switch
- Brave the horrors of the Russian Apocalypse - equip your gasmask and an arsenal of hand-made weaponry as you face the threat of deadly mutants, human foes, and the terrifying environment itself
- Two campaigns, and all DLC included - Metro Redux includes two complete campaigns that combine to create One epic solo adventure, plus a further 10 hours of bonus content
- Two unique play styles: 'spartan' And 'survival' - approach the campaign as a slow burn survival horror, or tackle it with the combat skills of a spartan ranger in these two unique modes
You may still encounter references and familiar ideas from the older games, but you are not being asked to reconstruct Artyom’s entire biography before The Stranger’s story can make sense.
What you would learn from the earlier trilogy
The games follow a clear chronological arc. Playing them in this order gives you the most complete background before Metro 2039.
| Game | Story year | What it establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Metro 2033 | 2033 | Artyom was raised underground after the apocalypse and travels through the Moscow Metro and the ruined surface. |
| Metro: Last Light | 2034 | Artyom’s story continues while factions struggle over the D6 military facility. |
| Metro Exodus | 2036 | Artyom and the Spartan Rangers leave the Moscow Metro for a journey across Russia. |
Metro 2033: the underground foundation
The first game introduces the post-apocalyptic Moscow Metro as a network of stations that function as isolated communities. Artyom, who grew up below ground, is sent on a mission that takes him through the tunnels and onto the dangerous surface. This is the best entry for learning why the Metro matters, how survival shapes daily life, and why movement between stations is politically and physically dangerous.
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Last Light continues Artyom’s story in 2034 and expands the focus on factional conflict. The D6 military facility is central to the struggle. Playing it after Metro 2033 shows how the first game’s events affect the Metro’s competing groups and gives Artyom’s relationships more continuity.
Rank #3
- Enhanced for PlayStation 5 - optimized for platform specific features including 60 FPS up to 4K resolution, Ray traced lighting and Dual sense haptic feedback support.
- Experience sandbox survival - flee the shattered ruins of Dead Moscow and follow a gripping story that links together classic Metro gameplay with huge, non-linear levels.
- Deadly combat and stealth - scavenge and craft in the field to customize your arsenal of hand-made weaponry, and engage human and mutant foes in thrilling tactical combat.
- Explore a hostile world - Embark on journey that spans an entire year through Spring, Summer and Autumn to the depths of nuclear Winter. Discover the Russian wilderness, brought to life with day/ night cycles and dynamic weather
Metro Exodus: the world beyond Moscow
Exodus moves the timeline to 2036 and broadens the setting beyond the Moscow tunnels. Artyom and the Spartan Rangers travel across Russia, so this game provides the fullest view of the world outside the Metro before 2039 returns attention to the tunnels.
How much continuity should you expect?
The safest expectation is “new story in a familiar universe,” not “a completely disconnected reboot.” Deep Silver says legacy fans will find ties to the existing universe. Xbox Wire also highlights a return to the Moscow Metro and recurring elements including Nosalises and the series’ survival-combat design.
Those connections can make earlier knowledge rewarding, but the available official descriptions do not say that a particular character, ending, or decision from the trilogy is required to understand the new plot. The new protagonist and cast are the practical reason a first-time player can begin with 2039.
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Your best route depends on whether you want to experience the new release immediately, understand the setting efficiently, or complete Artyom’s story first.
Rank #4
- Two campaigns, and all DLC included - Metro Redux includes two complete campaigns that combine to create one epic solo adventure, plus a further 10 hours of bonus content. Two unique Play Styles and Ranger Mode add hours more replayability!
- Two unique Play Styles : 'Spartan' and 'Survival' - approach the campaign as a slow burn Survival Horror , or tackle it with the combat skills of a Spartan Ranger in these two unique modes
Start with Metro 2039
Choose this route if your main interest is the new game and you do not want to commit to three earlier campaigns. You will encounter the universe through The Stranger’s perspective and can return to the older titles later if the references make you curious.
- Best for: newcomers focused on the 2039 story.
- What you gain: the intended new-player entry point and the fastest path to the new protagonist.
- What you postpone: Artyom’s history and the trilogy’s explanation of how the Metro reached its current state.
Play Metro Redux, then decide about Exodus
Metro Redux is the most efficient catch-up purchase for the first two games. Deep Silver describes it as the definitive double-game collection containing Metro 2033 Redux and Metro: Last Light Redux. Play those two in order, then decide whether you want Exodus before starting 2039.
- Best for: readers who want the core Metro background without sourcing the first two games separately.
- What you gain: the beginning and continuation of Artyom’s arc in one collection.
- What remains: Exodus is still the third story in the sequence and the game that takes the Rangers across Russia.
Play all three earlier games
Use the complete route if you want the fullest possible context and the entire Artyom-era narrative. The order is Metro 2033, Metro: Last Light, then Metro Exodus. This gives you both the chronological story and the evolution of the setting from the underground Metro to a wider journey across Russia.
- Best for: series fans, lore-focused players, and anyone who wants to recognize returning ideas.
- What you gain: the complete pre-2039 mainline arc.
- Trade-off: you are committing to three full games before reaching the new one.
Use the official story summary
If you only need a plot refresher, Deep Silver’s official “Story so far” page summarizes the premise and chronology of the trilogy. This is the shortest route to basic context without playing three campaigns. It is useful when you want to start 2039 near launch but do not need the gameplay experience of the earlier titles.
Best Value
Decision guide: which route fits your goal?
| Goal | Recommended route | Story context | Focus on Artyom | What you experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play the new game as soon as possible | Start with Metro 2039 | Context delivered through the new entry | Limited to what the new story explains | The Stranger’s story and the new cast |
| Get the core background efficiently | Metro Redux, then decide on Exodus | Strong foundation from the first two games | Artyom’s early and middle arc | Two modernized versions in one collection |
| Understand the complete pre-2039 arc | Metro 2033 → Last Light → Exodus | Most complete trilogy context | Full Artyom-era storyline | All three mainline campaigns in order |
| Refresh the plot without playing | Read Deep Silver’s “Story so far” summaries | Premise and chronology only | Summary-level understanding | No earlier gameplay commitment |
Should you play Metro 2033 before Metro 2039?
No prerequisite is established by the publisher. Metro 2033 is the right choice if you want to understand the original underground setting and Artyom’s beginnings, but it is optional for following The Stranger in 2039.
Should you play Metro Exodus first?
No. Exodus is the third game in the earlier sequence and adds important context about Artyom, the Spartan Rangers, and the wider Russian journey. It is the most recent predecessor, but the new game’s new lead and new cast mean you can begin with 2039 instead.
Is Metro 2039 a direct sequel?
It is a fourth mainline entry in the same franchise and universe, with returning setting elements and continuity links. It is not presented as a continuation that requires Artyom’s personal history: Deep Silver calls it an original story with a new protagonist and cast. Think of it as a connected new chapter rather than a mandatory continuation of one character’s plot.
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Release information and platforms
Deep Silver’s current official FAQ lists Metro 2039 for February 4, 2027. The listed platforms are PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC through Steam, the Epic Games Store, and Xbox on PC. Release information can change, so check the publisher’s current listing when making plans around launch.
A practical order for new players
- Decide whether your priority is the new story or full context. If it is the new story, begin with Metro 2039. If it is context, continue with the next steps.
- Play Metro 2033 or Metro 2033 Redux. This establishes Artyom, the Metro communities, and the post-apocalyptic premise.
- Continue with Metro: Last Light or Metro: Last Light Redux. This follows Artyom into the 2034 faction conflict over D6.
- Add Metro Exodus if you want the complete Artyom arc. It covers the 2036 journey beyond Moscow.
- Start Metro 2039 when ready. Bring the background as optional context, not as a checklist of required facts.
What earlier knowledge is most useful?
If you do play the trilogy, the most transferable knowledge is the setting rather than a list of names. You will understand why the Moscow Metro became humanity’s refuge, how survival pressures create competing factions, why the surface remains threatening, and how the series balances stealth, scarce resources, and direct combat.
You will also recognize the contrast between Artyom’s journey and The Stranger’s role. That contrast is part of the appeal for returning players, while newcomers can treat The Stranger as their first point of contact with the world.
Quick Recap
Bottom line for each type of reader
- New to Metro: Start with Metro 2039; no earlier game is required.
- Interested in the original story: Play Metro Redux, beginning with Metro 2033 Redux and then Metro: Last Light Redux.
- Want every major Artyom chapter: Play Metro 2033, Last Light, and Exodus in that order.
- Short on time: Read Deep Silver’s official “Story so far” summaries before starting.
- Concerned about missing continuity: Expect familiar universe elements, but rely on the new protagonist and cast to carry the new story.
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