Metro Awakeningis the latest game in theMetroseries and the first to take place in VR. Combining the tense and immersive stealth combat that long-time fans of the franchise will be used to, Metro Awakeningtells the story of an entirely new character, set five yearsprior to the events ofMetro 2033. As a result, it is a standalone prequel and can be played on its own as a self-contained narrative.
For players who are newer to VR games in general, it can be difficult to get to grips with how to best optimize the experience, and for those who are new to theMetroseries, it can help to know roughly what to expect along the way. The game does provide plenty ofinstructions and tutorials during the opening missions, but other things remain for the player to discover on their own.
7Take Your Time
Immersing Yourself In The Game World Is What VR Is All About
AlthoughMetro Awakeningisnot an especially long game, it is still a rich one and enables players to get immersed in the world ofMetroin ways that have never been possible before. Taking the time to explore environments and admire the details within each area is well worth it, especially for fans of the previousMetrogames and novels.
There are several interactive items throughout the game such as books, guitars and beer bottles, but there are also a total of 33 collectible postcards to look out for to unlock a special achievement. It doesn’t hurt to keep a slow pace through combat sections, too, where possible, since stealth and surprise can be effective weapons in their own right.
6Adjust Your Settings
Customize The Experience To Ensure A Comfortable Playthrough
One great feature ofMetro Awakeningis its wide variety of settings options, which cater toa range of needs when it comes to VR. Whether you prefer to play standing or seated, prefer blink teleportation travel or continuous movement, there are many settings for players to adjust to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
It may require some experimentation to refine the optimal settings for your personal preference, but doing so will make the game considerably more enjoyable. There’s already enough in the tunnels to disturb us, giving yourself motion sickness on top of that is just unnecessary.
5Don’t Panic
For Every Threat There Is A Solution, Usually Involving Bullets
ThroughoutMetro Awakening, players will encounter their fair share of frightening enemies, and the game evenprovides an arachnophobia warningfor those with an intense fear of giant mutated spiders latching onto their face in VR.
When facing any of the enemies inMetro Awakening,panic is the true killer. If possible, maintain your composure and remind yourself that it is just a game after all. Stay calm, aim and fire precise shots into enemy weak points - or run, calmly.
4Take Regular Breaks
Real World Safety Is More Important Than Anything In-Game
It goes without saying that VR games can be a dizzying and even nauseating experience for some, and with a gameas immersive asMetro Awakeningit can be easy to lose track of time. Thankfully, the game is broken down into chapters which can be tackled one at a time, but the game does also feature regular autosaves, so don’t be afraid to take a break if you need it.
In addition to regular breaks, it can also help to ensure that you’re staying cool and hydrated as it can quickly get hot having a game of this fidelity processed within the headset. For newer players in particular, rest assured that the VR experience can take some getting used to, but it is worth it to persist.
3Aim Precisely
If It’s Hostile, You Kill It
When facing off against the many predators which lurk both above and below the surface inMetro Awakening,it pays to be accurate. Headshots are not always the most effective way of taking down enemies, and each will have their own specific weak points to aim for.
If targeted, it will benoticeably easier and more efficient to take down enemieswhen compared with uncontrolled fire. Even with a high ammo output, it can be difficult to take down some of the game’s creatures, such as the mutated Nosalises, without aiming for their weak designated spots.
2Keep Your Light Charged
Being Thrown Into Pitch Blackness Is Not Ideal
Light is just as important of a resource in the world ofMetroas gas mask filters and med kits can be. Over time, the battery of the primitive electrical light will drain, causing it to flicker for increasingly longer periods before cutting out altogether.
This is obviously not ideal when traipsing down the lightless metro tunnels,surrounded by supernatural enemies. Charging the light required players to rotate a lever, and it helps to do this in dark sections whenever there is a moment of respite from combat. The light can also be turned off when it is not needed to save its battery.
1Collect Everything You Can
It Will Probably Come In Useful Later
Resources are relatively finite in the world ofMetro Awakeningfor understandable reasons. As a result, players should always be on the lookout for any weapons, filters, ammo or medkits they can find. Most of these items can be found on tables or in lockers and boxes throughout the game, or on the bodies of fallen enemies.
As previously mentioned, there are also collectible postcards and interactive items throughout the gameincluding postcards and drinkable beer. Aside from this, the relatively linear experience won’t provide too many opportunities for exploration, so grabbing anything in sight is a smart idea before moving forward.
