Metro Exodus, the third entry in the Metro series, is different in quite a few ways from its predecessors, but one of the biggest changes involves its crafting, customization, and upgrades systems. While the previous two games contained at least some elements of these systems, Metro Exodus pushes it to a whole new level, offering more freedom and accessibility than ever before. This includes on the fly crafting rather than being forced to go to stores or shops in far off locations as well as customizing weapons whenever players choose (assuming they have the parts needed).
This is hardly surprising, given the other ways in which Metro Exodus offers up a less restrained gaming experience, from large semi-open world missions to a more expansive story. Still, these systems can sometimes be daunting and unclear about what they need from players looking to take full advantage of everything the title has to offer. With developer 4A Games taking everything else to the next level with Metro Exodus, it’s easy to miss just how intuitive crafting, customization and finding upgrades can actually be.
This Screen Rant guide will hopefully make these various systems easier to grasp and will cover how to craft and customize the various weapons found in Metro Exodus, as well as the best method for finding upgrades for main character Artyom’s gas mask, backpack and anything else.
- This Page: Crafting in Metro Exodus Page 2: Customization & Upgrades in Metro Exodus
Crafting in Metro Exodus
Metro Exodus has two main methods for crafting items and ammo. Starting with the easiest (and most intuitive) method first, players can simply access Artyom’s backpack at any time in the game (that is, assuming they’re not being attacked by vicious mutants or sadistic enemy humans) and pull up a list of craft-able items. While the backpack is probably the method most players will use ninety percent of the time, it is limited to what you can make. Medkits, ammo for pressure guns like the Helsing crossbow and the Tikhar, and filters for your gas mask are the biggest items most players will find themselves making from the backpack.
The other, less on the go method for crafting is locating workbench crafting tables throughout the missions and large-scale maps of Metro Exodus. These can be found in buildings that serve as safe houses (they’ll usually have a bed as well) or even aboard the Aurora train in between bigger missions. These tables can be used to craft ammo for all guns, grenades and other throwable explosives. These tables can also be used to apply any upgrades you come across during your travels in the game.
Of course, players won’t be crafting anything if they lack the needed supplies to do so. There are two main forms of basic supplies needed to craft pretty much anything in the game: materials and chemicals. Both of these supplies can be found during your travels around the game, be it off of corpses, random containers or dismantling enemy weapons. Keep in mind that you’ll only be able to hold a certain amount of these supplies at one time so don’t neglect your crafting needs. Then again, at higher levels of difficulty, finding materials and chemicals becomes more difficult as the narrative progresses so be sure to also craft intelligently.
Page 2 of 2: Customization & Upgrades in Metro Exodus
Customization in Metro Exodus
The weapon customization mechanic in Metro Exodus is actually pretty similar to crafting, as both are done in either the backpack or at workbench tables. The difference lies in accessing a completely different tab within either the backpack or table and in what parts you’ll need to actually make changes to weapons. These parts can be found throughout the wasteland in Metro Exodus, either on the weapons of long-dead corpses or fresh kills. When you come across a random weapon, new parts will be in orange. Players will need to break the weapon down by holding the necessary key or button to take this part.
After this is done, simply go into the backpack or workbench table and access the weapons tab. New customization parts will be highlighted. These can be switched out with other parts that will all add their own benefits (as well as drawbacks) for each weapon. For example, finding and equipping a suppressor for any gun will ensure silence for stealth purposes but the trade off is that it reduces the overall damage of said weapon. It’s important for players to know exactly what kind of tactical situation they’re headed into beforehand so they have the necessary weapon parts equipped to each weapon.
Weapon customization is one of the most in depth and layered mechanics in the game. It’s possible to turn short range pistols into long range weapons with just the appropriate stock and barrel attachments. Or you can go in stealthily with a silenced shotgun, something that won’t require too much in the way of accuracy but will need to be used up close for maximum effect. Really, there are dozens of possibilities and it’s important to experiment and find the right loadouts that suit your play style. Just remember to pick up every orange highlighted weapon part you come across.
Upgrades in Metro Exodus
Unlike crafting and weapon upgrades, you don’t really need to hunt for resources to as much of an unknown degree when it comes to upgrades in Metro Exodus. While various upgrades can be found, only one can be equipped at a time. For instance, you can’t have a damage resistant gas mask upgrade and the standard gas mask equipped at the same time. Players will need to pick and choose an upgrade depending on enemies and the surrounding environment. That can be tough considering the unknown nature that comes with playing the game, and it’s even more difficult as these upgrades can only be applied at workbenches.
Finding these upgrades comes either from doing main quest missions or during side activities (marked on players maps with a question mark). As Metro Exodus doesn’t like to hand-hold, you’ll have to find these upgrades without any sort of ping or visual clue like a mini map. Search every area in a bandit hideout or in a dark bunker. Once an upgrade is located for increased ammo in your backpack or relating to the gas mask or really anything, an icon will show what it pertains to. Try not to miss too many of these as it can make late game a little easier, especially on higher difficulties.
There are also brand new items to be found, like the night vision goggles, that won’t require a workbench to apply to Artyom’s person. Not only are these specific items available to use right away, they can be extremely vital in severe situations. Like everything else in the game, use tactical thinking and patience when traveling through the wasteland and all upgrades will be found and utilized properly.
