Metro 2039’s First Gameplay Teaser Is The Best Kind Of Deja Vu

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After releasing a virtual reality game, 4A Games is bringing back its popular Metro series with a fourth installment, Metro 2039. While we’ve seen a cinematic trailer hinting at the story and dark atmosphere, the only actual gameplay footage has been a short, pre-planned demonstration. Interestingly, this first glimpse of Metro 2039 gameplay doesn’t seem to introduce any new ideas, and that might actually be a good thing.

With the announcement of Metro 2039, many fans anticipated a significant evolution for the series. However, the initial gameplay reveal left some feeling underwhelmed. Considering it’s been over seven years since the last Metro game, players expected something truly groundbreaking. What we’ve seen so far feels very familiar – more of what Metro already is. While I’m sure 4A Games has more to show, the teaser’s surprisingly down-to-earth approach is actually a welcome change of pace.

Metro 2039’s Gameplay Teaser Doesn’t Have Any Surprises

Following the announcement of Metro 2039 and its detailed trailer revealed during an Xbox event, the official Metro YouTube channel released a standalone gameplay teaser. While originally part of the announcement trailer, this version is special because it runs at a smooth 60 frames per second. The teaser looks fantastic, with impressive visuals and animation, but what really stood out was how familiar it felt.

Okay, so I just watched the first gameplay teaser for Metro 2039, and honestly, it feels… familiar. It looks almost exactly like the other Metro games. There’s even a scene that reminds me a lot of the beginning of Metro Exodus – you’re suddenly surrounded by mutants and just barely make it out thanks to some other survivors. That’s just classic Metro, though, right? It’s always been about slowly making your way through creepy, abandoned tunnels, and then hitting some big, scripted action sequence. It’s what I love about the series!

Metro’s Gameplay Doesn’t Need To Take Huge Strides

Surprisingly, the fact that the new gameplay footage of Metro 2039 doesn’t show anything drastically different is actually making me more excited for the game. I’ve really enjoyed all three previous Metro games – they each take the core gameplay and polish it nicely, adding small but interesting features. This teaser confirms 2039 will continue that tradition, and that’s exactly what I want!

The Metro series doesn’t need to reinvent itself; its strength lies in its realistic and immersive gameplay. Adding new weapons and items has kept games like Last Light and Exodus true to the original 2033 while still improving the experience. Exodus was the most expansive game in the series (perhaps even more so than the planned sequel), but the initial look at 2039 suggests it might be simplifying things.

Will 2039 Abandon Metro Exodus’ Open Zones?

A brief gameplay clip introduces the new main character of Metro 2039, currently known as the Stranger, as he enters the Metro system. The game’s description confirms the story will once again take place within the tunnels. It explains that the Stranger, living in isolation, is troubled by disturbing visions. Driven by his past, he’s forced to return to the destroyed city of Moscow and, specifically, the Metro—a place he vowed to avoid.

A major step forward for Exodus was its move away from the Moscow Metro and into large, open areas. While I felt this design worked well, especially considering the popularity of open-world games at the time, some argue that the Metro series should primarily take place in the Metro tunnels. Surface exploration is still important, but it seems 2039 is focusing more on the underground setting that defines the series.

With the fresh start offered by Exodus and a new main character, Metro had a great opportunity to evolve. However, 2039 seems to be sticking to the same formula, and might even be abandoning what made the series unique. This is surprising in the world of big-budget games, where developers usually build on existing ideas. But honestly, it’s a welcome change. Only time will tell, but if Metro 2039 delivers exactly what we anticipate, I’ll be perfectly happy.

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2026-04-25 22:23