GameTimeline

Release & story order

Metro timeline

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.

Updated August 2026

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Release order Story order

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

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.
    In-game setting
    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. Pair Metro 2033 with startHere guidance before optional side titles.
    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
    Direct sequel. Included with 2033 in Metro Redux.
    Should you play it?
    Play after 2033 before Exodus. Redux is the convenient double pack. Pair Metro: Last Light with startHere guidance before optional side titles.
    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.
    In-game setting
    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. Pair Metro Redux with startHere guidance before optional side titles.
    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.
    In-game setting
    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. Pair Metro Exodus with startHere guidance before optional side titles.
    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.
    Should you play it?
    Strongly recommended for story fans; short but heavy. Pair Metro Exodus: The Two Colonels with startHere guidance before optional side titles.
    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
    After Exodus main campaign on Story order.
    Should you play it?
    Optional but satisfying coda before waiting on Metro 2039. Pair Metro Exodus: Sam's Story with startHere guidance before optional side titles.
    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.
    In-game setting
    Future Release/Story endpoint placeholder as of 2026 editorial.
    Should you play it?
    Finish Exodus + DLC first. Treat date as planned, not locked forever. Pair Metro 2039 with startHere guidance before optional side titles.
    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

The three main story games—Metro 2033, Last Light, and Exodus—match in release and story order. Release order also lists Metro Redux (2014) as a remaster bundle entry—it marks when the dual remaster shipped, not a third chapter to play between Last Light and Exodus. DLC differs on Story order: The Two Colonels (2034 flashback) and Sam's Story (2036, parallel to Exodus) reorder there. Metro 2039 is last in both (planned 2027). Use Release for purchase history; use Story for strict in-universe chronology.

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

Metro Redux remastered Metro 2033 and Last Light with improved graphics, gameplay tweaks, and bundled DLC from the originals—story unchanged. On Release order it has its own 2014 entry between Last Light and Exodus for when the bundle shipped; that is not play order. Buy Redux at the start instead of the 2010/2013 originals on modern platforms, play 2033 Redux then Last Light Redux inside it, then Exodus. The originals remain for release-history collectors or legacy console libraries.

Optional & spin-offs

Metro 2039 is the fourth mainline Metro FPS from 4A Games and Deep Silver—announced April 2026 and planned for February 2027 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The story is set in 2039, about three years after Metro Exodus, with a new protagonist called The Stranger returning to Moscow's metro under a fascist regime (Novoreich) led by Hunter. It is an original game story written with author Dmitry Glukhovsky, not a direct adaptation of his Metro 2035 novel. Release dates can change—check the official Deep Silver page before pre-ordering.

More timelines

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