Developer 4A Games has officially unveiled “Metro 2039,” the highly anticipated fourth installment in the post-apocalyptic first-person shooter series. The game promises a return to the claustrophobic Moscow Metro, now under the iron fist of a fascist regime. Developers have openly shared how the ongoing war in Ukraine has profoundly influenced the game’s narrative and development, leading to its darkest chapter yet.
Key Takeaways
- “Metro 2039” will feature the series’ first fully voiced protagonist, known as “The Stranger.”
- The game returns to the Moscow Metro setting, focusing on a unified fascist regime.
- Development has been heavily shaped by the Ukrainian developers’ experiences with the ongoing war.
- The narrative shifts focus to the consequences of war, tyranny, and the price of freedom.
- The game is built on 4A Games’ custom engine, pushing graphical boundaries with advanced ray tracing.
A Return to the Tunnels
“Metro 2039” marks a deliberate return to the roots of the series, delving back into the subterranean world of the Moscow Metro. Creative Director Andriy Shevchenko stated the game will “lean into what makes Metro, Metro.” The once-fragmented factions of the Metro have been consolidated under a tyrannical fascist dictatorship. Players will step into the boots of “The Stranger,” a recluse haunted by his past, forced to journey back into the Metro he vowed never to see again. This new protagonist will be the first fully voiced lead character in the franchise’s history.
Gameplay and Environmental Storytelling
Early glimpses of gameplay showcase the series’ signature handcrafted weaponry, immersive visuals, and a preference for diegetic UI elements, such as the protagonist’s watch. Combat appears tactical, with an emphasis on weapon maintenance and resource management, as seen when “The Stranger’s” weapon misfires during an encounter with ferocious Nosalises. The game will also feature detailed environmental storytelling, with meticulously crafted environments designed to reveal micro-narratives for observant players, creating a tangible sense of history and lived experience.
Shaped by Conflict
The developers at 4A Games, a studio founded and majority-based in Ukraine, have been candid about the impact of the Russian invasion on “Metro 2039.” Executive Producer Jon Bloch explained that “everything we had planned for the next chapter of Metro changed.” The war has shifted the game’s thematic focus from preventing war to exploring its devastating consequences, the horrors of tyranny, and the fight for freedom. The team has continued development under challenging circumstances, often working from various locations across Ukraine amidst power outages and the threat of attacks, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
Technological Advancements
Built on 4A Games’ proprietary engine, “Metro 2039” aims to push visual fidelity further. The engine has a long history of enabling stunning graphics and performance, with the studio being early adopters of ray tracing in “Metro Exodus.” “Metro 2039” is expected to leverage and expand upon these technological foundations, promising an even more immersive and visually striking experience.
“Metro 2039” is slated for release this winter for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
