Metro 2033

Almost all of humanity was wiped out as a result of a devastating war in 2013, and Earth's surface became a nuclear wasteland. The few survivors retreated to the city's subway tunnels, where human society continued to develop in predictable ways. Factions were formed, and stations and entire lines were occupied by ideologically opposed groups of people. War continued on a much smaller scale, adding to the difficulty of living under nearly impossible conditions.

Artyom was born before the apocalypse but raised in the underground. He lived with his stepfather in the Exhibition station until a soldier named Hunter arrived, warning its inhabitants about mysterious creatures known as the Dark Ones. When Artyom realized that Hunter would never return from his mission, he decided to travel through the tunnels to the central Polis station and get help there.

Artyom needs to equip his gas mask when traveling on the surface or through poisoned areas to survive. The filter of the gas mask wears down as it is being used and can even be damaged in melee fights, straining the filter even more. Other tools available to Artyom are a pair of night vision goggles, a flashlight, a light-meter, a lighter, his journal with a compass, and a charging device.

Other environmental hazards include seeking anomalies and strange, sometimes deadly visions. These visions play a role in the game's plot and serve as moral judgment of Artyom's behavior along with his actions during certain situations involving hostile human organizations. Depending on these choices, the game will reach one of the two available endings.