GameTimeline

Release & story order

Metro games in order

This is the Metro games in order page with US release dates for every mainline chapter—plus story-year notes for Exodus and DLC. Metro from 2033 through Exodus and the upcoming Metro 2039 (2027)—US release dates, in-universe chronology (2033–2039), and where Redux, expansion DLC, and the novels fit around Artyom's saga and the new protagonist in Moscow. Release covers ship dates: When 4A Games shipped each chapter—Metro 2033 (2010) through Exodus expansions (2020)—with Metro Redux (2014) as a release-history entry for the dual remaster bundle, plus Metro 2039 planned for February 2027. Story follows fiction: Artyom's saga in fiction runs 2033–2036; Metro 2039 jumps to 2039 with a new protagonist returning to Moscow. Use Start Here and Essentials for a 2026 default path; FAQ covers remasters, spin-offs, and skip costs.Post-apocalyptic neighbors: Fallout games in order and BioShock release dates.

Updated September 2026

Pick your path:

Metro saga Full release list Story order

Where to start

Pick Metro saga for Metro 2033 → Last Light → Exodus (Redux bundles replace originals). Essentials trims Metro to the chapters most players should finish first; hide optional rows when you want a shorter checklist.

  • Play 2033 before Last Light for Khan and Polis context
  • Exodus Two Colonels and Sam's Story DLC expand Exodus—FAQ
  • Books differ from game endings—FAQ

Release order

When 4A Games shipped each chapter—Metro 2033 (2010) through Exodus expansions (2020)—with Metro Redux (2014) as a release-history entry for the dual remaster bundle, plus Metro 2039 planned for February 2027. Redux is not a third story chapter.

  • Newcomers → Metro Redux bundle (2033 + Last Light) then Metro Exodus Complete Edition
  • Release chronology → 2033 → Last Light → Redux bundle (2014 entry) → Exodus → DLC → 2039
  • Play order → Redux bundle (2033 then Last Light inside it) or originals—never Redux between Last Light and Exodus
  • One sitting → Play Exodus main campaign first; add Sam's Story after the Siberia arc for best pacing
  • Catch up before 2039 → Redux + Exodus Complete Edition; Metro 2039 is designed as a new entry point but rewards legacy fans
Story order tips

Artyom's saga in fiction runs 2033–2036; Metro 2039 jumps to 2039 with a new protagonist returning to Moscow. The Two Colonels flashback sits between Last Light and Exodus; Sam's Story runs parallel to Exodus's second half.

  • Core arc: Metro 2033 (2033) → Last Light (2034) → The Two Colonels (2034 flashback) → Exodus (2036) → Sam's Story (2036, parallel) → Metro 2039 (2039)
  • Novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky inspired the games—reading order differs; games are the focus on this page
  • On Story order, later entries may be hidden—click to reveal them, or turn on Show all spoilers

Timeline

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When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Metro 2033

    Metro 2033

    PCXbox 360FPSMainline

    Metro 2033 adapts Glukhovsky's novel—Artyom's trek through Moscow's irradiated metro toward the Dark Ones. Release tab year here is 2010.

    Overview
    Gas-mask filters, bullet currency, and moral stealth choices in claustrophobic FPS horror. Metro 2033 adapts Glukhovsky's novel—Artyom's trek through Moscow's irradiated metro toward the Dark Ones.
    In-game setting
    Metro 2033 adapts Glukhovsky's novel—Artyom's trek through Moscow's irradiated metro toward the Dark Ones. Saga opener. Prefer Metro Redux (2014) for modern play of 2033+Last Light.
    Should you play it?
    Start here (or Redux bundle). Tone neighbors: Fallout, Dead Space. Follow Start Here if you want the shortest 2026 checklist that still includes this chapter.
    Release date
    US 2010 (PC/360/PS3); Redux remasters later. Platforms called out for this beat: PC, Xbox 360.
  2. Metro: Last Light

    Metro: Last Light

    PCPS3Xbox 360FPSMainline

    Metro: Last Light continues Artyom a year on—faction war, D6, and ending branches that redefine 2033's fallout. Release tab year here is 2013.

    Overview
    Richer set pieces and clearer morality meter while keeping filter/survival FPS craft. Sequel debates still measure new games against what Metro: Last Light established.
    In-game setting
    Metro: Last Light continues Artyom a year on—faction war, D6, and ending branches that redefine 2033's fallout. Direct sequel. Included with 2033 in Metro Redux.
    Should you play it?
    Play after 2033 before Exodus. Redux is the convenient double pack. Follow Start Here if you want the shortest 2026 checklist that still includes this chapter.
    Release date
    US 2013; Redux 2014 is the usual edition. Platforms called out for this beat: PC, PS3, Xbox 360.
  3. Metro Redux

    Metro Redux

    PCPlayStation 4Xbox OneRemasterBundle

    Metro Redux remasters 2033 and Last Light together—updated gunplay, lighting, and Survivor Mode options. Release tab year here is 2014.

    Overview
    Definitive mid-2010s package for both Moscow campaigns on then-current hardware. Metro Redux remasters 2033 and Last Light together—updated gunplay, lighting, and Survivor Mode options.
    In-game setting
    Metro Redux remasters 2033 and Last Light together—updated gunplay, lighting, and Survivor Mode options. Replaces original 2033/Last Light purchases for most players—same Story beats.
    Should you play it?
    Buy this instead of legacy 2033/Last Light discs when starting the series in 2026. Prefer Metro Redux over hunting original discs when it covers the same campaign slot.
    Release date
    US August 26, 2014 (PC/PS4/Xbox One) with later ports. Platforms called out for this beat: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One.
  4. Metro Exodus

    Metro Exodus

    PCPS4Xbox OneFPSMainlineOpen world

    Metro Exodus leaves the tunnels—Artyom's Aurora crew crosses post-nuclear Russia in 2036 semi-open ranges. Release tab year here is 2019.

    Overview
    Day-night weather survival, denser crafting, and chapter hubs beyond pure corridor metro. Metro Exodus leaves the tunnels—Artyom's Aurora crew crosses post-nuclear Russia in 2036 semi-open ranges.
    In-game setting
    Metro Exodus leaves the tunnels—Artyom's Aurora crew crosses post-nuclear Russia in 2036 semi-open ranges. Mainline after Last Light. Add Two Colonels and Sam's Story DLCs for full fiction.
    Should you play it?
    Play after Redux campaigns. Next fiction: DLC then announced Metro 2039. Follow Start Here if you want the shortest 2026 checklist that still includes this chapter.
    Release date
    US February 15, 2019; Enhanced Edition on current-gen. Platforms called out for this beat: PC, PS4, Xbox One.
  5. Metro Exodus: The Two Colonels

    Metro Exodus: The Two Colonels

    PCPS4Xbox OneExpansionExpansion

    The Two Colonels is Exodus story DLC—Colonel Miller's perspective around the Novosibirsk tragedy. Release tab year here is 2019.

    Overview
    Narrative flashback chapter that reframes Aurora crew stakes. Sequel debates still measure new games against what Metro Exodus: The Two Colonels established.
    In-game setting
    Story order before/within Exodus arc depending on guide—here after Last Light, tied to 2034 fallout. The Two Colonels is Exodus story DLC—Colonel Miller's perspective around the Novosibirsk tragedy.
    Should you play it?
    Strongly recommended for story fans; short but heavy. Treat Metro Exodus: The Two Colonels as required story only when Start Here or FAQ marks the expansion as mandatory.
    Release date
    US August 2019 (requires Exodus). Platforms called out for this beat: PC, PS4, Xbox One.
  6. Metro Exodus: Sam's Story

    Metro Exodus: Sam's Story

    PCPS4Xbox OneExpansionExpansion

    Sam's Story follows Marine Sam in Vladivostok after Exodus—side epilogue with boat hubs and moral endings. Release tab year here is 2020.

    Overview
    Standalone companion campaign expanding the cast beyond Artyom. Sequel debates still measure new games against what Metro Exodus: Sam's Story established.
    In-game setting
    Sam's Story follows Marine Sam in Vladivostok after Exodus—side epilogue with boat hubs and moral endings. After Exodus main campaign on Story order.
    Should you play it?
    Optional but satisfying coda before waiting on Metro 2039. Treat Metro Exodus: Sam's Story as required story only when Start Here or FAQ marks the expansion as mandatory.
    Release date
    US February 2020 (requires Exodus). Platforms called out for this beat: PC, PS4, Xbox One.
  7. Metro 2039

    Metro 2039

    PCPlayStation 5Xbox Series X/SFPSMainlineUpcoming

    Metro 2039 is the announced next mainline after Exodus—listed for 2027 planning; verify store dates closer to launch. Release tab year here is 2027.

    Overview
    Intended saga continuation beyond the Aurora years—details still unfolding in marketing. Metro 2039 is the announced next mainline after Exodus—listed for 2027 planning; verify store dates closer to launch.
    In-game setting
    Metro 2039 is the announced next mainline after Exodus—listed for 2027 planning; verify store dates closer to launch. Future Release/Story endpoint placeholder as of 2026 editorial.
    Should you play it?
    Finish Exodus + DLC first. Treat date as planned, not locked forever. Follow Start Here if you want the shortest 2026 checklist that still includes this chapter.
    Release date
    Target window 2027—confirm platforms on official storefronts. Platforms called out for this beat: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S.

FAQ

Release vs story order, Redux vs originals, DLC placement, novels, and optional spin-offs.

Release order

Mainline US releases: Metro 2033 (March 16, 2010) → Metro: Last Light (May 14, 2013) → Metro Redux bundle (August 26, 2014) → Metro Exodus (February 15, 2019) → Exodus: The Two Colonels DLC (August 27, 2019) → Exodus: Sam's Story DLC (February 11, 2020) → Metro 2039 (planned February 2027). Play order for newcomers: Redux (2033 + Last Light) → Exodus Complete Edition—not Redux between Last Light and Exodus as a third story chapter.

Buy Metro Redux (2033 + Last Light remasters) then Metro Exodus Complete Edition (base game plus both expansions). Play 2033 → Last Light → Exodus main campaign → The Two Colonels (optional) → Sam's Story (optional). Metro 2039 is planned for February 2027—catch up on the trilogy first unless you treat 2039 as your entry point (official FAQ says it works for newcomers).

Story & lore

The Two Colonels is a flashback to 2034 during the Last Light era—play it after Last Light and before Exodus for story order, or anytime after Last Light if you already started Exodus. Sam's Story follows Sam in Vladivostok while Artyom's crew continues on Aurora—start it after the Caspian desert chapter in Exodus, or after the main campaign credits.

Redux & editions

Optional & spin-offs

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.