4A Games has confirmed that the karma system will return in Metro 2039, but this time the developer has decided to change the way moral choices are made. Consequences for player actions are still present, but the usual indicators with karma points may not be present.
In previous games in the series, certain actions could earn you hidden morality points. In Metro: Last Light, for example, players can earn them for refusing to fire on flying mutants in one episode. In Metro Exodus, this system becomes even less direct, tying things like moral consequences to the relationships between Artyom and his companions.
The developers of Metro 2039 did not reveal the specific mechanics of the new system, but stressed that the concept itself will remain the same: the player’s decisions should affect the further development of the story. Meanwhile, reporters familiar with the game didn’t notice any Karma-related pop-up notifications. Perhaps the consequences of actions will only be reflected through the relationship between events and characters.
4A Games will likely continue to develop the approach used in Metro Exodus, making moral choices a natural part of the narrative rather than a separate gameplay mechanic.
In addition to an updated karma system, Metro 2039 will also restore the ability to change weapon modifications on the go. A burner will also appear, allowing you to open some sealed entrances and find new secret ways to infiltrate.
Metro 2039 will be released in February 2027 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.