Trending Now - Metro 2039: a Grim Return to the Depths of Despair

WHO:

Engadget - 4A Games, a Ukrainian developer, is responsible for the game Metro 2039.

Engadget - Dmitry Glukhovsky, a Russian author, collaborated with 4A Games on the story for Metro 2039.

WHAT:

Engadget - The game Metro 2039 is described as an even darker affair than previous titles in the series, with a focus on a supposedly "united" society that is still a "complete disaster" marked by propaganda, authoritarian rule, and violence.

Engadget - The developers stated that the story of Metro 2039 has been shaped by "shared values of freedom and truth, and informed by the harsh realities of the world today."

Ars Technica - Executive producer Jon Bloch noted that the message of the game has shifted to focus on the consequences of war, stating, "now, war is our reality, and the message has shifted to be about the consequences."

Engadget - The game features a new group known as “the Novoreich,” led by a ruler named Hunter, who promises “salvation and a new life” for survivors.

Ars Technica - The developers stated, “Everything we had planned for the next chapter of Metro changed in 2020 and more significantly in 2022,” highlighting the impact of the war on the game's development.

Engadget - Metro 2039 has been announced and is scheduled to arrive in winter 2026.

Engadget - The game is set 25 years after a nuclear apocalypse that wiped out most life on the planet.

Engadget - The game features a new character known as The Stranger, who is the first voiced protagonist in the series.

Engadget - The game will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

WHERE:

Engadget - The game is set in Moscow’s ruined metro system and the above-ground wasteland.

WHEN:

Engadget - Metro 2039 is set to be released in winter 2026.

WHY:

Engadget - The development of Metro 2039 has been influenced by the real-world turmoil following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Engadget - The studio acknowledges that the war has shaped the development of the game, focusing on themes of choices, actions, consequences, and the cost of securing a future.

HOW:

Ars Technica - The developers emphasized that their experiences growing up in Ukraine during the 1990s taught them "not [to take] anything for granted" and that "ideas and achievements are something you have to fight for."

Ars Technica - The team working on Metro 2039 spans across 25 countries, with the majority of developers being Ukrainian.

Ars Technica - Developers have been relying on electricity from generators or batteries and sheltering from drone attacks during work hours.

Engadget - Development of Metro 2039 has continued despite challenges such as power outages, reliance on generators, and disruptions from missile and drone attacks.

(UPDATED April 16, 2026 23:13 UTC)

Metro 2039 has been unveiled as a darker installment in the series, portraying a supposedly united society that is plagued by propaganda, authoritarianism, and violence. The developers have crafted the narrative around shared values of freedom and truth, reflecting the harsh realities of today's world, while executive producer Jon Bloch highlighted a shift in focus to the consequences of war, stating that "now, war is our reality." Drawing from their experiences growing up in Ukraine during the 1990s, the team emphasized the importance of fighting for ideas and achievements, reminding us not to take anything for granted.

(UPDATED April 16, 2026 21:13 UTC)

A new game titled Metro 2039 introduces a faction called the Novoreich, led by a ruler named Hunter, who offers survivors promises of salvation and a new life. The developers shared that their plans for the next chapter of Metro were significantly altered by the war, with the team working across 25 countries, primarily consisting of Ukrainian developers. During the development process, they have been relying on generators or batteries for electricity while seeking shelter from drone attacks.

(UPDATED April 16, 2026 19:27 UTC)

Metro 2039 has been officially announced and is set to be released in winter 2026, featuring a new character known as The Stranger, who will be the first voiced protagonist in the series. Developed by 4A Games, a Ukrainian studio, in collaboration with Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky, the game takes place 25 years after a nuclear apocalypse in Moscow's ruined metro system and the surrounding wasteland. The development has been significantly influenced by the ongoing turmoil following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with the studio focusing on themes of choices, actions, and the consequences of securing a future despite facing challenges like power outages and missile attacks.