Metro 2039 is changing how morality works, but 4A Games confirms the series’ hidden Karma system is coming back. Executive producer Jon Bloch says the new game moves away from the “moral grayness” of previous entries, with the story taking a much clearer stance against the fascist Novoreich. The Karma system will still track the consequences of your actions, but 4A Games says it’s being handled differently this time to better fit the story. “Every game has had a different way of approaching the same idea of a karma system, and Metro 2039 is no different.”

Metro 2039 developers say the war in Ukraine has changed how they write morality in the series. Executive producer Jon Bloch said the previous Metro games focused on preventing war and the cycle of violence. But after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the developers’ real-life experiences changed their approach. "When Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, that brought war to our doorstep. Now, our team has been living in a state of war for the last four and a half years. And that changes things. Significantly." Bloch said the series is moving away from the idea of grey morality in some situations, especially when dealing with authoritarian regimes. “The grey morality of the past needs to be more defined now. It needs to be more specific and clear.” “It’s uncomfortable [that] the franchise’s very nature is getting too close to reality.”

Metro 2039 new gameplay gives us a better look at the Stranger and what’s waiting for him in the ruins of Moscow. >Weapon customization from Metro Exodus is also back. You’ll be able to swap things like barrels, stocks, and sights directly from your backpack. >There are also some new tools to play around with, including a gas-powered blowtorch for getting through blocked areas and a UV lamp that helps with exploration. >The game looks more linear than Metro >The trailer also shows off new mutated creatures, paranormal encounters, and some seriously impressive visuals.

Catch up on the 'Metro' storyline before Metro: 2039 hits with the Metro Redux bundle, now with improved 4K graphics, a 120 FPS boost mode, and Play Anywhere support on Xbox Series X|S.