8 Best Metro Games to Play From The Metro Franchise in 2026

It’s tense, gritty, and unforgettable. Did you know that before the 2010 video game, there were Metro books that became best-selling novels?

This list ranks every Metro game, from the origina l Metro 2033 to Exodus expansions and VR. Expect survival, deadly combat, and remasters that polish the classics.

If you’re new or a longtime fan, these games deliver the best Metro experiences worth playing.

Our Top Picks for Metro Game

Some Metro titles just hit harder than the rest because they have the most immersive game worlds. They’ve got the perfect mix of survival, compelling story, and atmosphere that makes gamers keep coming back. These are the three that stand out the most:

Metro 2033

FPS

The game that started it all, an atmospheric shooter with scarce supplies, dark tunnels, and deadly mutants.

Metro Last Light FPS This one adds a new life A gripping story-driven sequel with refined combat, stealth, and emotional moments that stay with you.

Metro 2033 Redux

FPS

A third installment of the series upgraded with improved visuals, controls, and two playstyles, perfect for newcomers or veterans.

These three are just the starting point. Keep scrolling for the full ranked list of every Metro release, expansion, and remaster that keeps the series alive and kicking.

8 Best Metro Games for Every Fan of The Series

The Metro series is packed with tension, atmosphere, and unforgettable moments. There’s exploration, survival horror, and action-packed civil war worlds, which will simply draw you in This list breaks down every title that still stands tall today, helping you pick the best Metro game to play next. How many of these have you played?

Metro 2033

Best Metro Survival Horror Game

• Our Score
• ☆
• ★
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• ★
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• Type of Game
• Survival Horror, FPS, Story-Driven
• PC (Steam), Xbox Series: 360
• Creator/s
• Developer: 4A Games / Publisher: THQ Nordic
• Average Playtime
• ~12–15 hours
• Best For
• Players who want atmosphere-heavy survival with tense gunplay
• Gas mask mechanics, limited ammo economy, immersive sound design
• What I Liked

The suffocating tension of every tunnel, the desperate scavenging, and how every bullet feels like gold.

Metro 2033

throws you into the crumbling tunnels of post-apocalyptic Moscow. You step into the boots of Artyom, a survivor who has never seen the outside world, and fight to protect what’s left of humanity.

The game’s core loop revolves around scavenging scarce ammo, carefully managing gas mask filters, and surviving encounters with mutants. Despite the original novels being so good, this video game took things to the next level.

Why we chose it

Metro 2033

is the first game of the series and remains unforgettable because it sets the foundation for the entire series.

Visually,

Metro 2033

leans into bleak, oppressive environments. From claustrophobic tunnels to snow-covered ruins above ground, it’s a gritty, atmospheric first-person shooter that makes you feel like the underground really is your last refuge.

Metro 2033

isn’t just another shooter – it’s survival at its rawest. It forces you to think about every shot, every resource, and every risky choice in a way that few survival games do.

My Verdict:

If you’re looking for a survival FPS that blends the feel of a good survival horror game with atmosphere,

Metro 2033

is still one of the most gripping entries in the series.

• Metro: Last Light

Best Story-Driven FPS Metro Game

• Our Score
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• Type of Game
• Survival Horror, FPS, Story-Driven
• PC (Steam), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Linux, Mac
• Creator/s
• Developer: 4A Games / Publisher: Koch Media
• Average Playtime
• ~12–14 hours
• Best For
• Players who love a rich story with tense action and stealth
• What I Liked
• How the game feels smoother to play than

Metro 2033

, but still terrifying when you’re low on ammo.

Metro: Last Light is a really good survival game that continues Artyom’s continent-spanning journey in the next game through the broken tunnels of Moscow, but this time with sharper gameplay and a bigger focus on the human side of survival.

The world is still dangerous, mutants lurk everywhere, but you’ll also face factions, betrayals, and the moral weight of your choices.

The main activities blend stealth, scavenging, and brutal firefights. Visually, it raises the bar with richer detail, more varied environments, and lighting that makes every dark tunnel feel alive.

Why we chose it Metro: Last Light balances action and storytelling better than any other Metro entry. It’s tense when you want it to be, but thoughtful when the story needs space to breathe.

• Fans of
• Metro
• games often call it one of the
• best single-player games
• for its
• cinematic flow and memorable choices

.

Metro: Last Light takes everything that worked in

Metro 2033

and makes it smoother. This one blends deadly combat, stealth, and game’s pacing all feel refined, while the compelling story digs deeper into the politics and personal stakes of the survivors.

My Verdict:

For gamers who want the most gripping and different story in the Metro series, Last Light is a must-play. It’s where action and emotion meet in one of the best survival horror games ever crafted.

Metro 2033 Redux

Best Remastered FPS Metro Game for Everyone

• Our Score
• ☆
• ★
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• Type of Game
• Survival Horror, FPS, Remaster
• PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, Mac
• Creator/s
• Development Team: 4A Games / Publisher: Deep Silver
• Average Playtime
• ~12 hours
• Best For
• Gamers new to the series or veterans wanting the best version of Metro 2033
• What I Liked

The new lighting and atmosphere make old tunnels feel fresh and terrifying again.

Metro 2033 Redux

is the definitive way to experience where the Metro story began. It’s a full rebuild of the original game using the engine from Metro: Last Light, which means smoother controls, improved AI, and visuals that still look solid today.

Metro 2033 Redux

isn’t just a remaster, it’s a complete overhaul that respects the original while giving players more choice in how they play. You’ll sneak through pitch-black tunnels, manage scarce ammo, and fight off mutants that always feel one step too close.

Why we chose it I chose

Metro 2033 Redux

because it’s the smoothest, most complete version of the classic. It welcomes new players while giving longtime fans a reason to return.

What sets Redux apart is the choice between two playstyles – Survival, which keeps the tension high with scarce resources, and Spartan, which makes the game faster and more action-packed. This dual approach is why many players list it among the best survival games ever made.

Pair Redux with a top gaming monitor to fully enjoy the improved graphics, lighting effects, and the haunting atmosphere of the underground world.

My Verdict:

In search for the best metro game as a first step into the tunnels?

Metro 2033 Redux

is the way to go. It’s both polished and terrifying, a modern survival horror game done right.

Metro: Last Light Redux

Best Enhanced Survival Shooter Metro Game

• Our Score
• ☆
• ★
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• Type of Game
• Survival Horror, FPS, Remaster
• PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, Mac
• Creator/s
• Developer: 4A Games / Publisher: Deep Silver
• Average Playtime
• ~12–14 hours
• Best For
• Players wanting polished visuals, smoother gameplay, and all DLC included
• What I Liked

The new lighting makes tunnels terrifying, and the DLC adds more variety.

Metro: Last Light Redux

is the upgraded version of one of the most atmospheric survival games ever made. You step into Artyom’s boots once again, navigating Moscow’s crumbling metro system where every corner hides danger, whether it’s mutants in the shadows or hostile factions.

It’s a remastered version of Metro: Last Light with improved graphics, smoother mechanics, and both play styles. Many players agree that Redux makes the already strong video game even better, with lighting and sound design that crank the immersion to new heights.

Why we chose it

Metro: Last Light Redux

perfects the original with smoother gameplay, sharper visuals, and all DLC, making it the ultimate enhanced survival shooter.

This remaster rebuilds the original with sharper visuals, smoother gunplay, and enhanced AI. The biggest addition is the choice between Survival mode, where resources are scarce and tension never lets up, or spartan rangers mode, which delivers a faster-paced, action-heavy run. The package also bundles in all previously released DLC, making it the definitive way to experience the story.

My Verdict:

Last Light Redux is survival horror at its smoothest, perfect for fans who want the most complete edition of the best Metro game.

Metro Exodus

Best Adventure FPS Metro Game

• Our Score
• ☆
• ★
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• Type of Game
• Survival, FPS, Story-Driven
• PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
• Creator/s
• Developer: 4A Games / Publisher: Deep Silver
• Average Playtime
• ~20–25 hours
• Best For
• Players who enjoy
• post-apocalyptic open worlds
• and exploration
• What I Liked
• Vast landscapes, dynamic weather, day/night cycle, and a journey-driven story

Metro Exodus

• takes the best Metro game experience above ground, leaving the claustrophobic tunnels for
• vast, semi-open environments

.

From all the characters

Metro Exodus

, you play as Artyom, guiding your group across post-apocalyptic Russia, scavenging supplies, crafting equipment, and surviving mutant attacks.

The Caspian Sea as well as the Volga River is the main setting for the game’s chapter of the same name, where the post-apocalyptic environment is a desert resulting from the nuclear war, with the story focusing on the crew’s journey and search for a radiation-free location.

Why we chose it

Metro Exodus

boldly expands the Metro world with epic open environments, survival elements, and cinematic storytelling that keeps players hooked.

The day/night cycle and weather systems make every encounter feel fresh, while the different story unfolds through cinematic, journey-driven sequences. The crafting system and weapon customization add strategic depth, perfect for those who enjoy immersive survival games and top-notch video game weapons.

Fans rave about how

Metro Exodus

balances tense first-person shooter deadly combat with exploration, making each level feel alive. On a good gaming monitor, the sprawling landscapes, dynamic lighting, and detailed environments truly pop, giving you a cinematic feel while exploring the Metro universe.

My Verdict:

Metro Exodus

is ideal for players craving the best mix of story, survival, and open-world exploration. It’s a thrilling storyline step up for any Metro fan.

Metro Exodus: The Two Colonels

Best Linear Survival Horror Metro Game

• Our Score
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• Type of Game
• Survival Horror, FPS, Story-Driven DLC
• PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
• Creator/s
• Developer: 4A Games / Publisher: Deep Silver
• Average Playtime
• ~3–4 hours
• Best For
• Fans of tense
• survival horror games
• and linear storytelling
• What I Liked
• Flamethrower-only combat, claustrophobic tunnels, deeply atmospheric

Metro Exodus: The Two Colonels

• is a
• gripping survival horror

DLC that throws you into the harrowing journey of Colonel Vyacheslav “Slava” Khlebnikov through the decaying tunnels of the Novosibirsk Metro. Set a year before the events of

Metro Exodus

, this expansion offers a glimpse into the collapse of a once-thriving underground society.

Your flamethrower is your only companion as you navigate dark corridors and survive terrifying encounters. Fans praise its tightly crafted story and immersive horror game features, making it a standout horror game world.

Why we chose it I chose The Two Colonels for its pure survival horror intensity, tight linear design, and unforgettable claustrophobic atmosphere.

Gameplay-wise, The Two Colonels returns to the claustrophobic, tension-filled corridors that are quite like

Metro 2033

, offering a huge contrast to the more expansive environments of

Metro Exodus

.

As Khlebnikov battles against dwindling resources, escalating mutant threats, and the pervasive ‘slime’ consuming the tunnels, you’re thrown into a world where every decision carries weight. The DLC masterfully portrays the emotional toll of survival, highlighting themes of fatherhood, duty, and the moral complexities faced in dire circumstances.

My Verdict:

Metro Exodus: The Two Colonels

is perfect for players craving the best survival horror game moments in the Metro series.

Metro Exodus: Sam’s Story

Best Open-World Survival Metro Game

• Our Score
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• Type of Game
• FPS, Open-World Story-Driven DLC
• PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
• Creator/s
• Developer: 4A Games / Publisher: Deep Silver
• Average Playtime
• ~6–8 hours
• Best For
• Gamers who enjoy expansive
• survival games
• with strong narrative
• What I Liked
• Open-ended exploration, new characters, scenic landscapes

Metro Exodus: Sam’s Story

is a gripping open-world survival adventure that immerses you in the horrific journey of Sam, a former U.S. Marine stationed at the Moscow embassy before the nuclear war. Determined to reunite with your father, you embark on a quest across the desolate post-apocalyptic Russia.

Explore open environments, scavenge supplies, and engage in tactical FPS combat with mutants and bandits. Fans of the game highlight its sense of freedom and emotional beats that make it one of the best survival game DLC.

Why we chose it

Metro Exodus: Sam’s Story

adds freedom, exploration, and emotional depth, which makes it the ultimate open-world survival DLC.

It’s tmospheric design and engaging gameplay will keep you absolutely hooked. It’s a must-play Metro game.

My Verdict:

Metro Exodus: Sam’s Story

is ideal for anyone who wants the best Metro games with exploration, story, and variety.

Metro Awakening

Best VR Survival Horror Metro Game

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of Game VR, Survival, FPS PC (Steam VR)

• Creator/s
• Developer: 4A Games / Publisher: Deep Silver
• Average Playtime
• ~4–6 hours
• Best For
• Fans of immersive
• VR games
• and first-person survival experiences
• What I Liked
• Virtual reality immersion, prequel story, terrifying encounters

Metro Awakening

• puts you inside the tunnels like never before with its thrilling storyline. This
• VR game
• is set before

Metro 2033

and delivers heart-pounding encounters with mutants, which require quick reflexes and careful resource management.

The VR immersion makes every flick of the flashlight, every wipe of dirt from a gas mask, and every cautious peek around a corner feel intensely real, turning simple survival into a tense, heart-pounding experience.

Why we chose it

Metro Awakening

offers a fully immersive VR experience, which delivers heart-pounding encounters and next-level Metro tension.

The story is surprisingly deep for a VR title, exploring grief, mental health, and the origins of the mystic character Khan from the Metro universe. Combat and resource management demand strategic thinking, while stealth and careful exploration keep you on edge, constantly weighing risk versus reward.

Fans of the series rave about the tight, atmospheric design, where every sound and shadow contributes to a sense of dread.

Metro Awakening

isn’t just a VR game – it’s a fully realized survival horror journey that makes players feel the loneliness, fear, and weight of the Metro world like never before.

My Verdict:

If you want the number one Metro game in virtual reality,

Metro Awakening

It’s a must-play for anyone who loves great VR survival games.

FAQs

What is the best Metro game?

The best Metro game overall is

Metro 2033

, the one that started it all. Its chilling atmosphere, tense survival, and gripping story make it unforgettable, while Redux, Last Light, and Exodus expand the saga.

What type of game is Metro?

Metro is a survival and horror FPS with strong storytelling, tense combat, and atmospheric exploration. This is a perfect game if you are a thrill enthusiast.

How many Metro games are there?

There are Metro games by this point, covering the original titles, Redux remasters, two DLCs for

Metro Exodus

, and the VR prequel

Metro Awakening

, each offering survival and story-driven gameplay.

What order to play Metro games?

Playing Metro games is fun when it is played in the correct order. Play

Metro 2033 Redux

, then Last Light, followed by

Metro Exodus

, its DLCs, and finish with

Metro Awakening

.

Which Metro game is first?

Metro 2033

is the first FPS in the Metro game series. It introduces Artyom and the underground Moscow Metro gaming world.

Which Metro game should I play first?

Play

Metro 2033 Redux

first. It’s polished, introduces core mechanics, and sets the stage for all sequels. If you want more open-world action later, move to

Metro Exodus

or its expansions.