Metro Exodus The Two Colonels delivers a focused first-person shooter experience set in the post-apocalyptic tunnels beneath Novosibirsk. This linear story chapter expands on the Metro series with survival elements, resource scarcity, and combat against mutants in confined spaces. Players follow Colonel Khlebnikov as he navigates the final days before a New Year's Eve deadline, then shift perspective to Colonel Miller retracing those events a year later. The narrative centers on dwindling supplies of protective green substance against radiation, rising mutant threats, and the consuming slime that blocks passages.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around exploration and combat in tight underground environments. Movement feels deliberate due to the narrow corridors and limited visibility. Combat mixes direct firefights with the need to manage ammunition and other resources carefully. A standout addition is the flamethrower, which serves dual purposes by clearing obstructive slime from paths and dealing with aggressive mutants such as worms that can overwhelm quickly. Pumping the weapon requires a specific action sequence similar to other tools in the series, adding a layer of preparation before engagements. Tension builds through constant environmental hazards like radiation exposure and sudden enemy appearances, encouraging cautious progression and use of cover in the claustrophobic setting.
Stealth options appear alongside aggressive approaches, allowing players to weigh risks in encounters with human survivors or mutated creatures. Diary entries and environmental storytelling provide context without interrupting the flow. The experience emphasizes atmosphere over open-world freedom, with linear progression that guides the player through key locations while maintaining pressure from limited supplies and hostile forces.
Game Modes
The Two Colonels functions as a single-player narrative chapter with no separate multiplayer components or competitive modes. Progression follows a strictly linear path that alternates between two time periods, focusing entirely on story delivery and sequential challenges. Difficulty adjustments exist through standard settings, but the structure remains consistent across playthroughs. No seasonal updates or additional game modes have been introduced since its release, keeping the content as a self-contained addition to the base game.
Story and Atmosphere
The plot unfolds in the dying settlement under Novosibirsk, where leadership faces tough choices amid resource shortages and external threats. Khlebnikov's journey home highlights personal stakes against the broader collapse, while Miller's later investigation reveals consequences and lingering dangers. Claustrophobic tunnel design amplifies isolation and dread, reinforced by sound design that captures dripping water, distant growls, and the hiss of flames. The flamethrower integrates directly into both traversal and defense, tying mechanical choices to the narrative of survival under extreme conditions.
Is It Worth Playing?
This DLC suits players who value concise, story-driven single-player campaigns in the Metro franchise. Its approximately two-to-three-hour length delivers a complete arc without padding, appealing to those seeking atmospheric tension and focused combat rather than expansive exploration. Positive feedback highlights the effective use of the new weapon and the emotional weight of the dual perspectives, though some note the brevity as a limitation for the price point. It stands as a worthwhile addition for fans of the series who have completed the main game and want more insight into supporting characters and the Novosibirsk setting. Availability remains through standard digital platforms alongside the Enhanced Edition of Metro Exodus.
