Best Metro Games, Ranked

Dmitry Glukhovsky subway The series takes place in the dark, apocalyptic setting of post-nuclear Russia and tells the story of Artyom's transformation from a simple tunnel-dweller on his station to a fearsome ranger. Throughout the series, players can expect a mix of intense FPS action and elements of survival and psychological horror. The game is known for being particularly immersive in the FPS genre, combining stealth and strategy with crazy set-piece moments and battles against supernatural mutants.

Whether you're a fan of the original novels or realistic first-person shooters, this series will provide you with your fair share of memorable experiences, with a compelling story and wide-ranging themes encompassing philosophy, religion, politics, and more. Most of the games can be enjoyed by both casual and hardcore gamers, and have gained a cult following over the past decade since the series began.

Written by Mark Sammut on April 17, 2026: Metro 2039 has been revealed and will be released later this year. We've added a section at the end of the article discussing upcoming FPS games.

4

Metro Awakening

Immersive and terrifying VR experience

Metro Awakening It is the latest installment in the series and is unique in that it is the only game in the series that requires VR. In addition to its outstanding technical achievements, the game does an incredible job of recreating the environments, creatures, and atmosphere of the original game. The story itself is a prequel. Metro 2033 It was written by Dimitry Glukhovsky, the original author of the series. However, unlike other games, it does not follow Artyom's journey, but instead follows a station doctor named Serdar.

Metro Awakening Logo-2

Metro Awakening author talks about players immersing themselves in VR

Game Rant speaks with Metro series writer Dmitry Glukhovsky about his approach to writing Metro Awakening's immersive characters.

Not only is it a great VR experience, it's probably the most sophisticated VR game since. Half Life: Alyx, It also expands the game's universe in meaningful ways, exploring more of the mysticism and supernatural themes prevalent in the original novel. The only downside is Metro Awakening This is a limitation faced by VR technology itself. Nonetheless, it still pushes boundaries and is a worthy entry in the series.

3

subway last light

A perfect sequel that expands on the first game


Metro: Last Light tag page cover art

Subway: Last Light

8/10

released

May 14, 2013

ESRB

Ages 17+ // Blood, intense violence, nudity, sexual content, strong language, drug and alcohol use


subway last light improved Metro 2033 In most ways. For some players, this is considered the best game in the series, but since it's a standalone title, it probably won't mean much to first-time players. happening between events Metro 2033 and metro exodusThe story follows Artyom as he becomes a more mature and established character and member of the SPARTA Rangers.

subway last light It contains quite a few memorable moments and has a more intuitive game design than any other title in the series. Because most of the story takes place on the surface rather than in tunnels, the game has more action-oriented themes rather than the psychological survival horror elements found in other titles. subway last light It's a great bridge between more limited stealth gameplay. Metro 2033 And surface-level navigation with more features. metro exodus.

If you prefer action horror over survival horror, last light It will be better than Metro 2033; However, it is arguably a little less unique than its predecessor.

2

metro exodus

Successful transition to an open world format

Shifting to a more open world format, metro exodus It took a big gamble by expanding beyond the limited environments and narrative-driven focus of the original game. But the game is very well done, and maintains the feel of the original game while adding new elements, characters, and mechanics, all of which enhance the experience. The game's pacing slows down somewhat in the second act, but it otherwise produces some of the most memorable moments of the entire series.

Artyom took on a more senior leadership role at the time. metro exodusIt is arguably the best game in the series when it comes to character development and Artyom's relationships with them. The variety of environments keeps gameplay dynamic, as players can use cars, boats, and even ziplines to move around the map. metro exodus It still retains many of the survival elements present in other games, such as the need for gas mask filters and Artyom's meager light recharge.

1

Metro 2033

The iconic original stands today as a true masterpiece.


Metro 2033 tag page cover art

Metro 2033

released

March 16, 2010

ESRB

Male // Blood, sexual themes, strong language, drug use, violence


It is based on the original novel by Dmitry Glukhovsky. Metro 2033 A series-defining title that tells the story of Artyom's development from a simple tunnel-dweller in VDNKh to a battle-hardened traveler. The game also introduces major factions, cultures, and creatures that would remain throughout most of the subsequent series. Considering the game was first released over 10 years ago and the Redux version only changed the visuals, the gameplay holds up incredibly well and is one of the best stealth shooters out there.

Not only does it have many of the best moments, characters, and probably the best storyline of the series; Metro 2033 It also perfectly expresses the earnestness of people living in the gaming world. Guns and equipment are not as advanced as they are in later games, which can lead to extremely tense situations with uncertain outcomes. It is also possible to have several different endings, even if they are not explicitly stated. There's still a lot to discover, and this applies to new and returning players alike.

The Future of Metro: Metro 2039

new subway The game is expected to be released soon, with 4A Games targeting a winter 2026 release date. It was released and received a lot of attention, Metro 2039 It has the potential to be one of the best first-person shooters of the year, if not outright the best. The series has evolved from humble beginnings that attracted little attention with a countdown clock hyping the world in preparation for the next game's showcase. It will be released on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Metro 2039 continues the franchise's history of telling character-driven personal stories while incorporating social themes such as propaganda and the impact of current events such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

As a stranger, players step behind the masks of those living beyond the city and the remaining survivors, and are tormented by awakening nightmares ripped from the horror game. For the remaining humans, decades of conflict subsided under the rule of a single leader, the Hunter. The Hunter, who uses fear to keep everyone under his control and speaks of surface battles with otherworldly creatures, is effectively a dictator.

The price of silence. Fear of tyranny. The price of freedom. – Team Metro

Although it was primarily cinematic rather than gameplay, the tone and visuals of the reveal trailer were very unsettling and atmospheric. Metro 2039 It should be released by the end of the year, but who knows if it could be the best. subway Have you ever played a game?

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