Metro Exodus is the most ambitious title in the Metro series—a sprawling, post-apocalyptic journey through the shattered remains of Russia. With open-ended levels, expanded mechanics, and brutal environmental storytelling, the game offers a very different experience compared to its predecessors. Whether you’re a newcomer or returning survivor, these 15 essential tips will help you get your bearings and thrive in the irradiated wilds.

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1. Don’t Skip Side Quests

Unlike traditional open-world games, Metro Exodus doesn’t throw glowing markers and detailed quest logs at you. Optional content is organically presented—maybe a character mentions something, and a general area gets marked on your map. These moments are easy to overlook, but they’re worth the effort. Side quests often reward you with major gear upgrades, critical resources, or game-changing items like night vision goggles. Keep your ears open and your map checked.

2. Fully Embrace Weapon Customization

Customizing your weapons isn’t just cosmetic—it’s tactical. Metro Exodus dramatically expands the customization system, letting you transform a simple pistol into a long-range killer or mod a shotgun for silent takedowns. Better still, you can make most changes in the field with your backpack. Experiment often and adjust your loadout based on the enemies, environment, or mission ahead.

3. Avoid Monsters When You Can

The open world is filled with mutants and monsters—and most of them aren’t worth fighting. Ammo is scarce, and mutants drop no loot. Fighting them means wasting bullets and risking damage. If you see a group in the distance, plan an alternate route. You won’t miss out on much by skipping unnecessary fights.

4. Loot Every Human Enemy

Human enemies, unlike mutants, are valuable loot drops. They can carry ammo, materials, and sometimes even rare weapons. If you can stealthily eliminate a group of raiders or bandits, do so—and then loot them thoroughly. Every bullet and crafting component counts.

5. Dismantle Weapons Instead of Swapping

Enemy weapons can be tempting, but instead of swapping yours out frequently, dismantle the extras. You’ll gain parts and attachments you can use to enhance your own weapons. If you’re not picking up a weapon to use immediately, break it down—you’ll benefit in the long run.

6. Stealth Is Survival

It can’t be overstated: ammo and health are limited. While the gunplay is satisfying, it’s rarely efficient. Avoid firefights when possible and stick to stealth. Knockouts conserve resources, maintain your karma, and create less noise. A well-timed takedown is often the better play.

7. Explore Everywhere

Exploration wasn’t always a Metro staple, but in Exodus, it’s critical. Both open zones and linear levels hide essential materials, upgrades, and hidden lore. If a building looks accessible, it probably holds something useful. Look everywhere—corners, drawers, rooftops.

8. Use Your Compass

HUD elements are minimal in Metro Exodus, and that’s by design. Your wrist-mounted compass is your best friend. It always points to your primary objective. Checking the map in real time leaves you vulnerable, so use your compass as your main navigation tool during tense moments.

9. Read Notes and Listen to Tapes

Scattered notes and audio tapes tell stories of the world that came before. While they don’t offer mechanical advantages, they deepen the atmosphere and worldbuilding in meaningful ways. These insights can transform a ruined village from “generic level” to a place with real tragedy and humanity.

10. Spend Time on the Aurora

Your train isn’t just transport—it’s home. The Aurora houses your companions, and their dialogue helps flesh out backstories, themes, and personal stakes. Stop and listen. Talk to everyone. The game doesn’t always hold your hand with exposition, so these moments add emotional weight to your journey.

11. Plan Missions Around Time of Day

The day/night cycle isn’t just aesthetic. Bandits and humans are more active during the day. At night, stealth becomes easier—but mutants thrive. Think ahead: If you want a quieter infiltration, sleep until nightfall. If you’d rather avoid monsters, wait for dawn. You can control the time by resting at safehouses.

12. Keep Weapons Clean

Weapon degradation is real. Let your guns get too dirty, and they might jam—possibly during a life-or-death encounter. Cleaning requires chemicals, which also craft medkits, so you’ll need to balance cleanliness with survival. Clean your guns regularly at workbenches, especially after intense firefights or swampy encounters.

13. Charge Your Gear in Advance

Flashlights and night vision goggles rely on battery power. If your gear dies mid-mission, you could find yourself surrounded by darkness and danger. Don’t wait for the flicker—charge devices early and often. A powered flashlight can be the difference between escape and a blind ambush.

14. Master the Tihar Rifle

The Tihar is a pneumatic rifle that requires manual pumping to maintain pressure. It’s silent, ammo-efficient, and highly customizable. With upgrades, it becomes a stealth sniper or even a flamethrower. Keep it pressurized during downtime and consider mods that slow pressure loss. It’s one of the best weapons in the game—if you care for it.

15. Adjust Sensitivity to Your Comfort

Metro Exodus has heavy, deliberate movement by design. If it feels sluggish or overly floaty, don’t hesitate to adjust your controller or mouse sensitivity. A smoother aim will make everything from stealth to firefights more manageable, especially if you’re new to the series.

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Final Thoughts

Metro Exodus demands more from its players than most shooters. It’s a survival experience as much as it is a narrative journey. Take your time. Be thoughtful. Plan your approach. With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll find yourself not just surviving the wasteland—but mastering it.