Publisher Deep Silver and developer 4A Games have brought a light up to Metro 2039 as part of an Xbox First showcase, revealing a first look at gameplay and a winter 2026 release window.
Where 2019’s Metro Exodus saw protagonist Artyom leave his life underground behind, the next game in the first-person survival shooter series features a new lead called The Stranger as they dig deeper into the Moscow Metro. These details and more were revealed during the 15-minute presentation, as Microsoft teamed up with the studio to show players a new, story-driven single-player entry for the franchise in seven years.
During the Xbox First Look, the debut trailer for Metro 2039 was revealed, which features our new main character as they endure a psychological battle in a radioactive wasteland. As chains wrap around them and pull them into darkness, we see them encountering supernatural elements that include a nuclear explosion, creepy ghost children, and the return of the Dark Ones.
The Metro video game franchise is based on a series of books written by Dmitry Glukhovsky and encompasses Metro 2033, Metro: Last Light, Metro Exodus, a VR spinoff titled Metro Awakening, and, soon, Metro 2039. After more than 16 years in gamers’ hands, 4A is looking to keep the radioactive tunnels of its post-apocalyptic world looking grittier than ever thanks to the use of its 4A Engine.
“Metro 2039 takes you to the dark heart of the Moscow Metro, where the last survivors of the nuclear apocalypse struggle to exist in the tunnels and subways of the ruined city,” co-creative director and lead audio designer Pavel Ulmer said regarding the game’s story. “Hope is lost. The future looks bleak, if there is one.”
Creative director Andriy ‘mLs’ Shevchenko shared more about the plot: “The underground factions and station communities have all been united under one banner, the Novoreich, led by a new Führer, the legendary Spartan, Hunter. Führer promises a new life for the people, up on the surface. In reality, they are trapped down in the Metro, flooded with propaganda, misinformation, and fear. The people suffer under his authoritarian regime and the brutal belief if it’s hostile, you kill it.”
The story of Metro 2039 is said to feature a “much darker tone this time around,” with the Xbox First Look stream putting a spotlight on 4A and the conditions that have surrounded the development of the new game. Executive Producer Jon Bloch said that everything the team had planned for Metro changed in 2020 and again in 2022 with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Shevchenko added that the events of the last few years have shaped Metro 2039 into something new, resulting in a handcrafted story told from a Ukrainian perspective. Additionally, its narrative was crafted in collaboration with Glukhovsky, who is living in exile from Russia for criticizing the government and its invasion of Ukraine.
“We will push through no matter what,” Ulmer added. “Getting electricity from generators or batteries. Power outages or sheltering from rocket and drone attacks are interrupting, but not stopping us from making what we deeply believe, what we do best. Of course, taking care of the family is the biggest priority. Sometimes you just put your head down and focus on work, but it’s each other’s support that keeps you running.”
The First Look wrapped up with a sneak peek at a video featuring a mix of gameplay and cinematics. It’s footage that fans will find familiar, as we see The Stranger exploring tight spaces before coming into contact with one of the series’ many mutated creatures.
Metro 2039 launches this winter for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S. While we wait for more updates, you can read our 8.5/10 Metro Exodus review. At the time of its launch, we said that it “brings its survival horror to the surface without sacrificing any of the series’ signature tension.”
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
