The newest gameplay trailer for Metro 2039, titled "Renegade," offers a detailed look at the upcoming title, showcasing advancements in its visual presentation that may pose a challenge for PC hardware.
While the trailer displays elements such as gun customization, mask wiping mechanics, stealth takedowns, and familiar Metro traversal, the graphics appear to be a significant leap forward. 4A Games, known for titles like Metro Exodus which featured early adoption of full ray tracing, seems poised to push photorealism further with Metro 2039. The game's outdoor environments, in particular, exhibit high-frequency detail and soft lighting that can resemble photographic quality, prompting questions about the hardware requirements necessary to achieve such fidelity.
This concern is amplified by the current global hardware crisis, which has made acquiring powerful PC components difficult. The potential strain on aging graphics cards is a prominent consideration for players hoping to experience the game at its visual peak.
However, the game's multi-platform nature, including its planned release on Xbox Series S, suggests that 4A Games is aiming for a degree of scalability. The ability to run on a less powerful console could indicate options for lower graphical settings on PC. Nevertheless, achieving a consistent 60 frames per second, a common expectation for modern shooters, might remain a challenge for mid-range PC configurations.
Despite these potential hurdles, there is optimism stemming from 4A Games' use of a proprietary engine. This in-house technology, combined with experienced engineering, could lead to a more optimized performance compared to titles built on engines like Unreal Engine 5.
Metro 2039 currently has no official release date. However, attendees at Gamescom can experience a playable demo of the game.