How Long Does It Take to Beat Metro Exodus? – Metro Exodus is a gripping first-person shooter that blends intense combat, survival elements, and a deeply immersive narrative. Developed by 4A Games, this installment of the Metro series takes players on an expansive journey across post-apocalyptic Russia. With its intricate storyline and sprawling open-world environments, you might wonder: how long does it take to beat Metro Exodus?
In this guide, we’ll explore the average playtime for Metro Exodus, factors that influence completion time, and tips for maximizing your gameplay experience.
Average Playtime for Metro Exodus
The time it takes to complete Metro Exodus can vary widely depending on your playstyle, objectives, and familiarity with the game.
1. Main Story Playtime
If you focus solely on completing the main storyline and skip most side content, Metro Exodus typically takes:
15–20 hours: This estimate applies to players who prioritize the narrative and avoid unnecessary exploration.
2. Main Story + Side Missions
For those who enjoy exploring side missions, collecting upgrades, and diving deeper into the game’s world, you can expect:
25–30 hours: This includes tackling optional objectives, engaging in character-driven side stories, and thoroughly exploring each area.
3. Completionist Playthrough
If you aim to unlock every achievement, collect all upgrades, and uncover every secret, the playtime increases significantly:
35–50 hours: Completionists will invest extra time searching for hidden items, reading diaries, and achieving the best possible outcomes for characters.
What Factors Affect the Time to Beat Metro Exodus?
Several factors can influence how long it takes to complete Metro Exodus:
1. Playstyle
Combat-Oriented Players: Players who focus on direct combat and speed through missions might finish the game faster.
Stealth Players: Those who take a stealthy approach and plan their actions carefully may spend more time navigating each level.
2. Difficulty Setting
The chosen difficulty level has a significant impact:
Easy Mode: Enemies are less challenging, and resources are abundant, allowing for a quicker playthrough.
Ranger Hardcore Mode: The game becomes more challenging, with limited resources, tougher enemies, and no HUD, extending playtime.
3. Exploration
The semi-open-world design of Metro Exodus encourages exploration. Players who take the time to:
Search for hidden stashes
Collect upgrades for weapons and armor
Interact with NPCs
…will naturally spend more time in the game.
4. Side Content
While the main story is the heart of Metro Exodus, the side missions and optional encounters add depth to the experience. These tasks often involve:
Helping local survivors
Discovering character backstories
Finding unique gear
A Breakdown of Chapters and Their Length
Metro Exodus is divided into several chapters, each featuring distinct locations, objectives, and challenges. Below is an approximate breakdown of how long each chapter might take:
1. Moscow (Prologue)
Time Estimate: 1–2 hours
Introduces the game’s mechanics, characters, and setting.
2. Winter (The Aurora Journey)
Time Estimate: 2–3 hours
Sets the stage for the journey aboard the Aurora train.
3. The Volga
Time Estimate: 4–6 hours
An expansive area with multiple side quests and significant story development.
4. The Yamantau
Time Estimate: 1–2 hours
A shorter, more linear chapter focused on intense combat.
5. The Caspian Desert
Time Estimate: 5–7 hours
Features open-world exploration, vehicle mechanics, and engaging side content.
6. The Taiga
Time Estimate: 4–6 hours
A forested area emphasizing stealth and survival.
7. The Dead City
Time Estimate: 2–3 hours
Concludes the story with a mix of combat and emotional narrative moments.
Maximizing Your Experience in Metro Exodus
To make the most of your time with Metro Exodus, consider the following tips:
1. Take Time to Explore
Many of the game’s best moments come from exploring hidden corners of the map.
Look for upgrades, crafting materials, and diaries to deepen your understanding of the world.
2. Play on a Balanced Difficulty
For a rewarding experience, consider playing on Normal or Hard.
These modes offer a good balance of challenge without becoming overwhelming.
3. Engage with NPCs
Interacting with characters on the Aurora adds layers to the story.
Your choices can impact the game’s ending, so take the time to listen and make thoughtful decisions.
4. Optimize Your Loadout
Upgrade your weapons and gear to suit your playstyle.
Crafting ammo and medkits ensures you’re prepared for any encounter.
5. Replay for Alternate Endings
Metro Exodus features multiple endings based on your actions.
A second playthrough might reveal new content and outcomes.
Why Metro Exodus Is Worth Your Time
Beyond its playtime, Metro Exodus offers an immersive experience that’s hard to match. Here’s why it’s worth investing your time:
1. Stunning Environments
The game’s semi-open-world design features diverse biomes, from frozen tundras to arid deserts, each brimming with detail.
2. Rich Storytelling
Building on the events of Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light, Exodus delivers a powerful narrative filled with emotional depth and moral choices.
3. Dynamic Gameplay
The game blends stealth, combat, and exploration seamlessly. Players can adapt their approach based on the situation.
4. Replay Value
With its multiple endings and branching paths, Metro Exodus encourages replayability.
Conclusion
How long it takes to beat Metro Exodus depends on your approach to the game. Whether you’re rushing through the main story or savoring every detail, the journey through post-apocalyptic Russia offers an unforgettable experience.
For players focusing solely on the story, expect around 15–20 hours. If you enjoy side quests and exploration, plan for 25–30 hours. Completionists looking to uncover every secret can invest upwards of 50 hours.
Regardless of your playstyle, Metro Exodus is a rewarding adventure that captivates with its storytelling, environments, and gameplay mechanics. So, gear up, hop aboard the Aurora, and dive into the epic world of Metro Exodus!