Metro 2033 Redux is 4A Games' 2014 rebuild of the 2010 original, moved onto the engine used for Metro: Last Light. It follows Artyom out of the VDNKh station and across a post-nuclear Moscow underground of 7 chapters and 27 levels, ending at the Ostankino Tower. The Redux version added two play styles: Spartan, which hands you enough ammunition to fight, and Survival, which starves you the way the 2010 original did. Military grade rounds are both the best ammunition in the game and the currency you buy everything with, which turns every trade into a decision about whether you would rather be rich or well armed.
Metro 2033 Redux features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order: what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exhibition | Chapter 1, Let The Journey Begin | Starting loadout, first trader, the mission that sets up the whole journey | Survival style |
| 2 | Riga | Chapter 2, Bourbon | Weapon attachments, filters, first serious shopping decision | Survival style |
| 3 | Dead City | Chapter 2, Bourbon | Filter caches, surface navigation practice, demon encounters | Spartan style |
| 4 | Front Line | Chapter 4, War | Military grade round caches, moral point opportunities, human stealth encounters | Spartan style |
| 5 | Polis | Chapter 5, Hope | Ranger equipment, major story beats, the last well-stocked trader before the endgame | Spartan style |
Exhibition: Starting Area
The VDNKh station where Artyom lives and where the campaign proper begins, in the chapter titled Let The Journey Begin. It is the game's calm reference point for what a functioning Metro station looks like before everything else goes wrong.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 1, Let The Journey Begin |
| Key Rewards | Starting loadout, first trader, the mission that sets up the whole journey |
| Recommended Role | Survival style |
| Key Weapons | Revolver |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of Gas mask filters and surface time. This is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first weapons upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Riga.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Riga: Early Game
The opening level of the Bourbon chapter and the first proper trading hub, where military grade rounds become visibly a currency rather than just ammunition. Spend carefully here, because filters get scarcer later.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 2, Bourbon |
| Key Rewards | Weapon attachments, filters, first serious shopping decision |
| Recommended Role | Survival style |
| Key Weapons | Revolver |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering Military grade rounds as currency. It's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Revolver if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Dead City.
Dead City: Mid Game
The surface section closing the Bourbon chapter, and the game's first sustained lesson in filter management. There is no safe air, the watch is counting, and the route matters more than the fighting.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 2, Bourbon |
| Key Rewards | Filter caches, surface navigation practice, demon encounters |
| Recommended Role | Spartan style |
| Key Weapons | Revolver |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Bastard becomes accessible here. Prioritize getting it.
- Master Universal charger and light discipline for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
Front Line: Late Game
The opening level of the War chapter, dropping Artyom into the fighting between the Reich and the Red Line. It is the largest concentration of human enemies in the game and the best place to practise stealth or abandon it.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 4, War |
| Key Rewards | Military grade round caches, moral point opportunities, human stealth encounters |
| Recommended Role | Spartan style |
| Key Weapons | Bastard |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Bastard should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- Moral points and the two endings mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into Polis.
Polis: Endgame
The opening level of the Hope chapter and the largest, most civilised station in the Metro, home to the Rangers and the Brahmin. It is the calm before the Depository and Archives levels and the last real chance to resupply properly.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 5, Hope |
| Key Rewards | Ranger equipment, major story beats, the last well-stocked trader before the endgame |
| Recommended Role | Spartan style |
| Key Weapons | Bastard |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Heavy assault loadout for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order: Exhibition → Riga → Dead City → Front Line → Polis. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner: Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your weapons: Some areas favor different weapons types.
- Read the walkthrough: Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush: Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
More Metro 2033 Redux Guides
- Metro 2033 Redux Metro 2033 Redux Overview
- Metro 2033 Redux Best Builds
- Metro 2033 Redux Tier List
- Metro 2033 Redux Walkthrough
- Metro 2033 Redux Beginner's Guide
- Metro 2033 Redux Tips & Tricks
- Metro 2033 Redux Weapons Guide
- Metro 2033 Redux Combat Guide
- Metro 2033 Redux Boss Guide
- Metro 2033 Redux Crafting Guide
- Metro 2033 Redux Classes & Characters
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