All Metro Games in Order: Chronological & Release Order (2026)

Over the years, the Metro games have built a reputation for their gritty atmosphere, survival-focused gameplay, and deeply personal storytelling. With the next mainline entry, Metro 2039, expected to arrive in 2026, now is the perfect time to experience Artyom’s journey from beginning to end.

Whether you prefer to follow the timeline of events or play the games as they were released, both approaches present you with an exciting experience. Here’s how to play the entire franchise in the best way possible.

How to Play Metro Games in Chronological Order?

The Metro games tell a connected story set in a devastated Russia, mostly following Artyom’s life in and beyond the Moscow Metro. Playing in chronological order lets you experience the events as they happen in-universe, including prequel content that adds extra depth to the world.

Note: This list focuses on the core Metro storyline from the games. Minor spin-offs and Novels are excluded to keep the experience simple.

Game NameRelease YearPlatforms

Metro Awakening	2024	PS VR2, PC VR, Meta Quest
Metro 2033 / Redux	2010 / 2014	PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Metro: Last Light / Redux	2013 / 2014	PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Metro Exodus	2019	PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series

While Metro Awakening is a spin-off, it is technically a prequel set before Metro 2033. Although it has clear connections to the main storyline and expands the lore, its VR-only nature means it’s not essential to start with. If you have a VR headset, it’s definitely worth a try.

How to Play Metro Games in Release Order?

Playing in release order is the most natural way to experience the series, as you can experience firsthand the evolution of the series’ gameplay systems and storytelling.

1. Metro 2033

This is where Artyom’s journey begins, deep within the dark and claustrophobic tunnels of Moscow’s metro system. The game is about showcasing life after a nuclear apocalypse, survivors building fragile communities underground. All while being threatened by mutants and hostile factions.

As for the gameplay, the game wants you to survive in the end, where ammo is scarce and often used as currency, making every encounter tense. Even the exploration is slow and methodical with a heavy focus on atmosphere and immersion.

2. Metro: Last Light

Picking up directly after the first game, Last Light continues Artyom’s story as he becomes more involved in the political struggles between factions within the Metro. The stakes feel higher, with more dangerous enemies and morally complex choices that influence the outcome.

Gameplay is noticeably refined, with smoother gunplay, improved stealth mechanics, and better pacing overall. The story dives deeper into relationships and humanity’s struggle to survive.

3. Metro Redux

Rather than a new entry, Metro Redux is a complete remaster of both Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light (separate entries for both). It rebuilds the original game using the improved engine and mechanics of Last Light, resulting in better lighting, smarter AI, and more responsive controls.

It also introduces different playstyles, such as Spartan (more action-focused) and Survival (closer to the original, slower-paced experience). With all DLC included and significant technical improvements, Redux offers the most polished way to experience the first two games.

4. Metro Exodus

Exodus is not only the third mainline entry, but it also marks a major shift for the series. It takes Artyom beyond the confines of Moscow’s underground into the wider, devastated landscapes of Russia.

Players will board the Aurora train, explore the large, semi-open regions with dynamic weather, day-night cycles, and experience the diverse environments like deserts, forests, and frozen wastelands. While it expands in scale, the game retains its survival roots with limited resources and constant tension.

Like the gameplay, the story also takes on a more personal yet powerful conclusion to Artyom’s journey, focusing on hope, freedom, and rebuilding life.

5. Metro Awakening

Release Year	2024
Developer	Vertigo Games
Metacritic Score (As of April 19, 2026)	~74

Metro Awakening is a virtual reality prequel that explores events before Metro 2033, offering a fresh perspective on the early days of the underground society. You play as Serdar, a doctor searching for his missing wife while navigating the dangers of the Metro.

Unlike Artyom, Serdar isn’t a trained soldier, so gameplay leans heavily into stealth, careful resource management, and slower-paced encounters. The game also expands the lore and provides insight into key characters like Khan.

While not essential, it’s a compelling side experience for fans interested in the deeper world-building.

New to Metro? Where to Start

If you’re new to the franchise, the best place to start is Metro 2033 Redux. It delivers the original story with improved visuals, smoother gameplay, and better AI, making it far more accessible than the 2010 version.

Starting here lets you properly understand Artyom’s journey, the world of the Metro, and its core survival mechanics. From there, continue with Last Light Redux and then Exodus in release order. This approach ensures the story flows naturally while letting you experience how the gameplay and scale evolve over time.

Will you experience Artyom’s journey in chronological order, or play the Metro games as they were released? Comment below to let us know.