Metro Exodus is a game dense with atmosphere, danger, and hidden depth. Whether you’re a series veteran or a first-time rail rider, it’s easy to overlook the systems and secrets that make the game truly shine. These are the 15 things we wish we knew before stepping aboard the Aurora—and now you won’t have to learn the hard way.

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1. Flip That Map – Check Artyom’s Journal

When you first receive your map from Colonel Miller, don’t treat it like a simple waypoint tracker. Flip it over. On the back is Artyom’s journal, which gives richer detail about objectives, who you’ll be working with, and key mission context. Sometimes it’ll even hint at stealth approaches or non-lethal goals—info not found elsewhere. Make it a habit: check your journal before every major mission.

2. Binoculars: Your Eyes and Ears

After meeting Crest, you’ll gain access to binoculars—and they’re more than a scenic tool. Use them to scan the environment, and you’ll hear a click when something of interest is found. Hold your view steady and a whirring sound will mark the point directly on your map. Different elevations and angles often reveal hidden markers, so use binoculars regularly to populate your map with key locations.

3. Rest to Control the Clock

Beds in safehouses (green buildings on your map) allow you to change the time of day. Planning to sneak into a bandit camp? Sleep until nightfall for better stealth. Crossing mutant-infested zones? Daylight makes them easier to spot and avoid. The dynamic world responds differently depending on the time—use that to your advantage.

4. Craft the Compass Immediately

Not long after arriving in the icy Volga region, you’ll meet Crest at his crane hideout. Aside from being a great character, Crest provides access to a crafting bench. Use it to install the compass on your arm brace. The red needle points to your current objective and is always visible on your HUD—an absolute must for explorers.

5. Not Everyone Wants You Dead

Don’t shoot first. Many NPCs in Metro Exodus are neutral or even helpful. Your reticle color helps here—red for hostile, green or yellow for neutral. Holster your weapon (hold right on the d-pad) before approaching people to show you’re not a threat. It’s a small gesture, but it earns trust—and better outcomes.

6. Spare Surrendered Enemies

During firefights, you may notice some enemies drop their weapons and surrender. These are non-hostile from that point on, and killing them affects your karma. Instead, knock them out. You still get loot, and it preserves your chance at the good ending.

7. Early Suit Upgrades to Grab ASAP

In the Volga area, you can pick up three critical upgrades:

• Enhanced Flashlight Battery: Found in a shed near a safehouse.
• Metal Detector: Located in a small house in the southeast near the broken crane.
• Night-Vision Goggles: In the final room of the Tsarfish’s warehouse.

These tools offer long-term benefits, so scoop them up before heading to the Caspian Sea.

8. Silencers Are a Game-Changer

Even if it seems obvious, it’s worth stressing—silenced weapons are essential for stealth. Nearly every weapon can be modified to accept one. Check your crafting bench frequently, and equip silencers whenever possible. They won’t make you invisible, but they drastically reduce enemy awareness.

9. The Tihar Rifle is a Lifesaver

Your pneumatic-powered Tihar is one of the most versatile weapons in the game. You can craft its ammo on the go, and with upgrades, it becomes a silent powerhouse. Headshots are often one-hit kills. Flame rounds are devastating yet quieter than traditional firearms. Keep it pumped, upgraded, and close.

10. Modify Guns Anywhere

While crafting and cleaning require a bench, gun mods can be swapped out anytime using your backpack tools. Found a better scope or magazine? Equip it immediately. You can adjust your loadout mid-mission to better suit upcoming threats—don’t wait until you’re back at base.

11. Knockouts Over Kills

If you’re going stealth, go all the way. Knockouts are quieter than kills and don’t hurt your karma. Enemies won’t wake up from knockouts, and nearby enemies may even be more likely to surrender if they see non-lethal tactics being used.

12. Crouch for Accuracy

Combat in Metro Exodus can be unforgiving, and accuracy matters. Crouching improves your aim stability—use it whenever possible, especially with scoped weapons. It’s a small adjustment that makes a noticeable difference.

13. Match Ammo to Guns on the Fly

Running low on ammo? Swap to a weapon that uses a different type. Enemy weapons can be looted and modified instantly. Since you gather all four ammo types regardless of your equipped weapons, switching lets you tap into unused stockpiles and stay in the fight longer.

14. Shoot Armored Enemies in the Knees

Heavily armored foes can be bullet sponges. Headshots don’t help if they’re helmeted. But the legs? Wide open. Sneak behind them and go for the knees—shotguns work especially well. It’s brutal, effective, and saves ammo.

15. Quick Save Constantly

This one’s simple but vital. Quick save before AND after fights. Botch a stealth takedown? Save yourself from replaying 10 minutes of clean progress. Use your saves tactically. You’ll thank yourself later.

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Bonus: Listen In

Guards and NPCs often chat, and it’s not just filler. Eavesdropping can reveal hidden stashes, mission objectives, or world-building lore. If you hear voices, stop and listen—you might pick up a lead that your journal doesn’t mention.

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Wrap-Up

Metro Exodus rewards patience, planning, and paying attention. These tips won’t just make the game easier—they’ll make it richer. Every stealth kill you avoid, every night you choose wisely, every trap you spot with your binoculars adds to a world that feels more alive with every decision. Now get out there, check that journal, and make the most of your ride on the Aurora.