Metro 2039 announced as post-apocalyptic shooter series makes a comeback

4A Games and Deep Silver have officially announced the release of Metro 2039, the fourth installment in the renowned series of post-apocalyptic first-person shooter games. The announcement was made through an extended video presentation, providing a first glimpse into the game’s story and gameplay.

Set six years after the original game, Metro 2039 is developed in collaboration with Dmitry Glukhovsky, the author of the Metro series. This new entry continues the tradition of delivering handcrafted, story-driven single-player campaigns with a claustrophobic atmosphere of psychological horror.

Returning to the tunnels of Moscow, Metro 2039 reintroduces players to the unique atmosphere that defines the series. In this chapter, survivors of a nuclear war have united under the Novoreich, led by the new Fuhrer, Hunter. Despite promises of a better life, the Metro is rife with propaganda and fear under his rule. The narrative follows a new protagonist, The Stranger, who is tormented by violent nightmares and forced to embark on a perilous journey back into the Metro.

The game promises to be the darkest in the series, exploring themes of survival amidst authoritarian regimes and the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world. A teaser of the gameplay and cinematics was presented, emphasizing the importance of environmental storytelling. Players will encounter “frozen stories” within the level design, where observant exploration reveals micro-narratives through the arrangement of items and settings.

Metro 2039 is developed using 4A Games’ custom game engine, which has been refined to enhance visual experiences, particularly with the implementation of ray-tracing technology. This ensures a visually stunning and hauntingly beautiful experience, especially for PlayStation 5 users.

The development of Metro 2039 has been deeply influenced by the current geopolitical situation. As a Ukrainian studio, 4A Games has created the game under challenging conditions, with team members working amidst ongoing conflict. The themes of the game reflect the consequences of war, tyranny, and the fight for freedom, offering a uniquely Ukrainian perspective.

Fans can look forward to the release of Metro 2039 this winter, as the developers prepare to unveil more details in the coming months.