Metro 2039 is set to release in February 2027 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5 platforms, the developers revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The game takes place 25 years after a nuclear war and focuses on survival, exploration, combat, and stealth in the dystopian underground of Moscow [4, 5].
Players will control a new lead character called "The Stranger," who is haunted by violent nightmares and forced back into the dark tunnels beneath the city [3, 4, 5]. The story centers on the "Novoreich" faction, led by Hunter, a legendary Spartan warrior who has transformed into a totalitarian ruler using propaganda and political control. Hunter, once a heroic figure in past Metro games, is portrayed here with a sinister or complex role, potentially as an antagonist. A PC Gamer reporter noted Hunter "has washed the Metro in lies and propaganda to gain the ultimate power," while The Stranger sees Hunter as "the very enemy the Spartans used to fight" [1, 3, 4, 5].
Before the official announcement, leaked materials revealed an earlier version of the story focused more narrowly on Hunter as the protagonist alongside characters like Sasha, Bourbon, Khan, Baba Valya, and Trofimov. This version depicted a claustrophobic survival epic centered on underground ecology and societal struggles, rather than the broader global scope hinted at now [1]. Early concept art showed major changes to Hunter's appearance, including the removal of his iconic beard and redesigns of his lower body clothing [1].
Metro 2039 will feature full voice acting for the main character, deepening narrative immersion [4, 5].
The game’s February 2027 launch date sets the next milestone for the Metro series, building on its post-apocalyptic universe with a fresh perspective and intense underground action.
