After seven years without a mainline Metro game, the wait is almost over. 4A Games and Deep Silver are officially ready to reveal Metro 2039, the fourth entry in the beloved post-apocalyptic FPS series. Before Microsoft could even make the announcement, leaks flooded the internet. Here is everything confirmed so far, cleanly separated from rumour.
Metro 2039 Story Early Details
| Detail | Info |
| Game Title | Metro 2039 |
| Developer | 4A Games |
| Publisher | Deep Silver |
| Series Entry | Fourth mainline game |
| Reveal Event | Xbox First Look: Metro 2039 |
| Reveal Date | Thursday, April 16, 2026 |
| Reveal Time | 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM BST / 7 PM CEST |
| Where to Watch | Xbox YouTube Channel (YouTube Premiere) |
| Release Date | Not yet confirmed |
| Price | Not yet confirmed |
| Platforms | Xbox, Windows PC (Xbox Play Anywhere confirmed) |
| Xbox Exclusive? | No |
When and Where to Watch the Reveal
Microsoft confirmed a dedicated digital broadcast called Xbox First Look: Metro 2039, streaming live on the Xbox YouTube Channel on Thursday, April 16, 2026. This is a world-premiere, single-game focused showcase, not a multi-title event.
You can tune in at:
- 10 AM PT — West Coast, USA
- 1 PM ET — East Coast, USA
- 6 PM BST — United Kingdom
- 7 PM CEST — Central Europe
The broadcast supports subtitles in over 20 languages, including French, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish (Castilian and Mexican), Arabic, and Ukrainian. ASL and audio description accessibility support are also confirmed.
What Leaked Before the Announcement?
Over the weekend before Microsoft’s official reveal, cutscene footage and gameplay clips surfaced online from what appeared to be an earlier development build of the game. Those leaked videos were already titled Metro 2039, which ultimately proved accurate.
Leaker NateTheHate, well known for correctly predicting Nintendo Direct dates, took to social media to confirm both the title and the April 16 showcase date before Microsoft made anything official. The Xbox Wire post arrived shortly after, confirming everything.
However, it is worth noting that the leaked footage reportedly came from an earlier or potentially reworked build, possibly dating back to around 2022. The current version of the game may look and play quite differently from what surfaced online.
What Is Officially Confirmed About the Story?
Xbox’s official description of Metro 2039 reads:
“The next landmark FPS from acclaimed storytellers, 4A Games. Journey into the dark heart of post-apocalyptic Moscow in a harrowing conflict for the very soul of the Metro.”
Based on everything officially confirmed so far, here is what the story involves:
- Setting: Post-apocalyptic Moscow, returning to the Metro tunnels and the hostile world above ground
- Tone: A “harrowing conflict for the very soul of the Metro” suggests a darker, higher-stakes narrative compared to Metro Exodus
- Direct sequel: Confirmed as a mainline continuation of the Metro Exodus story, not a spin-off or remaster
- Author involvement: Dmitry Glukhovsky, who wrote the original novels the franchise is based on, shared the announcement on his Instagram with the words “proudly announcing Metro 2039,” strongly indicating he remains part of the project
No further story specifics have been confirmed ahead of Thursday’s showcase.
Why Did Metro 2039 Take So Long?
The gap between Metro Exodus (2019) and Metro 2039 spans roughly six years for a mainline entry. A few factors likely contributed to this:
- The project was first referenced publicly as an unnamed Metro Exodus sequel back in 2020
- Glukhovsky confirmed it was still in development in 2022
- 4A Games is a Ukrainian studio, and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the team’s operations and development timeline has been widely discussed in industry circles
- Reports suggest the project may have gone through a significant rework or restart around 2022, which would explain the extended timeline
It is also worth noting that the franchise was not completely quiet during this period. Metro Awakening, a VR prequel spinoff for Meta Quest, PlayStation VR2, and SteamVR, launched in 2024.
What Is the Xbox First Look Format?
Xbox First Look is a brand new showcase format from Microsoft, launching specifically with Metro 2039. Rather than bundling multiple games into one event, this format gives a single title a dedicated, focused broadcast. According to Windows Central’s Jez Corden, Microsoft plans to use this format for more games throughout 2026, with Metro 2039 simply being the first title to headline one.
Platform Availability
Metro 2039 is not an Xbox exclusive. Microsoft confirmed the game will be Xbox Play Anywhere compatible, meaning one purchase covers both Xbox console and Windows PC. Platform availability beyond Xbox and PC, including PlayStation, has not been officially confirmed ahead of Thursday’s reveal.
How to Catch Up Before the Reveal
If you are new to the franchise or want to refresh your memory before Thursday, here is where to start:
| Title | Year | Where to Play |
| Metro Redux (Metro 2033 + Last Light remastered) | 2014 | Xbox Series X/S, PC, PS4/5 |
| Metro Exodus | 2019 | Xbox Series X/S, PC, PS5 |
| Metro Awakening (VR prequel) | 2024 | Meta Quest, PS VR2, SteamVR |
Metro Redux is the best starting point for newcomers. Metro Awakening serves as a prequel and fills in story gaps for fans who want the full picture before Metro 2039 arrives.
What to Expect From Thursday’s Showcase
The April 16 broadcast is described as a “world-premiere look,” so fans can reasonably expect:
- Official story setup and setting reveal
- Gameplay footage from the current build
- Potentially a release window, though 2027 or later seems most likely given typical development timelines
- Further platform announcements beyond Xbox and PC
Check back after Thursday’s showcase for a full breakdown of everything announced.
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