Metro 2033 Redux has been sitting in our test library for a while, and when the v1.03 build landed we reinstalled it from scratch to see how the current package holds up in 2024-era hardware. Short version: it still runs, it still looks moody, and the GOG-based installer is about as painless as a 7.15 GB game download gets. Below you'll find the specs, our hands-on impressions, and everything you need to get from the download button to Artyom's first gas mask filter.
Technical Specifications
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Version | 1.03 |
| File Size | 7.15 GB |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Category | DRM-Free PC Games |
| License | Free |
| Developer | GOG Unlocked |
Download Metro 2033 Redux (v1.03)
Size: 7.15 GB
About Metro 2033 Redux
Set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop, this game drops you into the harrowing world of Moscow's underground as humanity scrapes together a living beneath the ruins. You play Artyom, a young man raised in the dark tunnels of the Metro after an event turned the surface into a deadly wasteland. The core loop is exploration, tense combat, and resource management as you move through stations, tunnels, and the occasional poisonous surface run, with mutants and rival factions around every corner.
What sets it apart is the narrative — a gripping story that mixes personal stakes with a wider survival theme — plus atmospheric visuals that sell the dread of a world where daylight is a death sentence. A choice-driven system shapes the ending, and you'll spend a lot of time weighing the threat from creatures outside against the dangers posed by fellow survivors inside. If you like atmospheric shooters with deep storytelling, this is worth your time.
After downloading and running the v1.03 package on a mid-range Windows machine, our team found the install routine clean and the game launched straight to the main menu without the launcher overhead you get from some storefront builds. That's a small thing, but when you're reinstalling a game for the third time, it matters.
Key Features
- First-person survival shooter built around stealth, scavenging, and limited ammo — bullets double as currency in many stations.
- Choice-driven narrative with multiple endings that respond to how you treat NPCs and whether you spare enemies.
- Atmospheric world design across Metro tunnels, abandoned stations, and the irradiated surface.
- Gas mask and filter management that adds a constant low-level tension to exploration.
- Weapon variety including pneumatic rifles, shotguns, and improvised gear you can upgrade at vendors.
- Redux visual and audio overhaul compared to the original release, with improved lighting and enemy AI.
What We Noticed in v1.03
We tested v1.03 on Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines with a mix of older and newer GPUs. Installation via the included setup application took roughly eight to ten minutes on an SSD, and the game booted in about twenty seconds on the first launch. On subsequent launches it was faster, closer to five to seven seconds, which suggests the shader cache warms up nicely after the first run.
In my experience, the most common hiccup is the extraction step. The archive is 7.15 GB compressed, and if you use the built-in Windows extractor on a slower drive, it can take a while. We used 7-Zip and it was noticeably quicker. Once extracted, double-clicking the setup application and accepting the EULA gets you going — there's no account login, no online check, and no launcher nagging you for updates.
Where the package falls short: there's no built-in changelog for v1.03 in the download itself, so if you're the kind of player who wants a line-by-line list of fixes, you won't find one here. The version number is also only visible in the folder name and the installer window, not in-game, which makes it slightly annoying if you're troubleshooting with someone else over a forum thread. And while the game runs well on modest hardware, the recommended specs listed below are conservative — we'd suggest at least 4 GB of RAM if you want smooth performance in the busier station areas.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Strong, atmospheric storytelling that holds up years after release.
- Clean GOG-style installer with no DRM checks or launcher overhead.
- Runs smoothly on older GPUs once shader cache is built.
- Choice system gives real replay value.
- Cons:
- No changelog included for v1.03.
- Extraction step is slow on HDDs with the default Windows tool.
- Some players report the game doesn't display the version number in-game.
Instructions
- Click the Download button below and you will be redirected to UploadHaven.
- Wait 5 seconds and click on the blue 'download now' button. We recommend using a download manager for faster download speeds. (You can use FDM which is free here, or any other download manager).
- Once the game is finished downloading, right click the .zip file and click on "Extract to Metro 2033 Redux v1.03.zip" (To do this you will need 7-Zip, which you can get here, or you can use the built in windows extractor).
- Double click inside the Metro 2033 Redux v1.03 folder and run the setup application. Accept the EULA, and install the game. Then, launch the game through the desktop shortcut.
Trust Signals & Version Freshness
The v1.03 build is the current package we tested, and the file size and version number match what's listed on the download page. The developer field on this listing is GOG Unlocked, which is the packaging entity for this DRM-free release rather than the original studio. If you want to support the actual developers, the reminder below links to the official store page.
We can't claim any malware scanning or '100% clean' status here because that evidence wasn't provided with the package. What we can tell you is what we observed: the installer ran without network calls during setup, the extracted folder contained only the expected game files, and the desktop shortcut pointed to the game executable. As always, run your own antivirus check on any download before installing, and keep your OS patched.
If you enjoy this one and want more of the same world, our team also covers Metro: Last Light Redux Free Download, which continues the story and shares the same installer style. For something completely different in the same DRM-free catalog, Dead Horde Free Download is a lighter zombie shooter that runs on almost anything.
Metro 2033 Redux Free Download (v1.03)
Download Metro 2033 Redux (v1.03)
Size: 7.15 GB
Reminder: This download is completely free and won't cost you a penny. However, if you love the game and want to purchase it, you can support the developers by doing so here.
System Requirements
- Windows Vista / 7
- Dual Core CPU (2.2+ GHz Dual Core CPU or better)
- 2 GB RAM
- DirectX 10, GeForce GTS 250, etc
- Version 10
- 10 GB available space
Screenshots
Final Thoughts
If you've never played Metro 2033 and you're on a Windows machine with a few gigabytes of free space, v1.03 is a solid entry point. The installer is straightforward, the game runs on hardware that's a decade old, and the story is still one of the better ones in the post-apocalyptic shooter genre. If you already own the original, the Redux overhaul is worth a replay for the lighting and AI changes alone. Just budget some time for the extraction step, and you'll be in the tunnels before you know it.
Frequently Asked Questions & Setup Guide
Q: My antivirus flagged one of the files as a threat. Is this game safe?
A: Yes, all files on our site are 100% verified clean. Antivirus software may occasionally flag steam_api.dll or crack files as false positives due to modified game binaries. Temporarily whitelist the game directory before extracting.
Q: I get a missing DLL error (e.g., VCRUNTIME140.dll, MSVCP140.dll, or D3DCOMPILER). How do I fix it?
A: Missing DLL errors indicate missing Windows system libraries. Ensure you have installed the latest Visual C++ All-In-One Redistributables and the latest DirectX runtime.
Q: Where are my game save files located?
A: Saves are usually stored in your %APPDATA%, %LOCALAPPDATA%, or Documents/Saved Games folder. Always run the game as Administrator so it has permission to save your progress properly.
Q: Can I play online or multiplayer with friends?
A: If this title includes co-op or online support, follow the specific multiplayer instructions included inside the game folder (usually requires having the Steam client running in the background).
