Kshatriya

In-depth guide on the mission Kshatriya.

Information about the Guide

After quite some time away from writing Metro related content, I've finally decided to expand my collection of Metro guides with a new addition.

This time, I’ve chosen to focus on Kshatriya, the first truly "open world" style level ever featured in a Metro game. While it may seem modest compared to the expansive levels of Metro Exodus, back when Kshatriya was introduced it was the closest we had to roaming the post apocalyptic world like true stalkers.

Much like my previous guide The Librarians, this one will blend informative gameplay tips with engaging narrative, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and experienced Metro veterans.

If you need more details or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll do my best to respond as quickly as possible. For urgent inquiries, you can also contact me directly through my Steam profile.

I hope you enjoy the guide and don’t forget to rate it after reading!

Origins of the word Kshatriya

Kshatriya is one of the four varna (social orders) in Hindu society, traditionally associated with warriors and rulers. The Sanskrit term kṣatriyaḥ originates from Vedic society, where members were divided into four classes: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra.

Early Rigvedic tribal monarchy era

In Vedic India, the administrative structure was headed by a tribal chief known as the Rajan whose position was not hereditary. Instead, the Rajan was elected by a tribal assembly called the Samiti in which women also participated. His primary duties were to protect the tribe and its cattle. He was assisted by a priest and did not maintain a standing army. Over time, rulership began to evolve into a distinct class.

Later Vedic era

The Purusha Sukta, a hymn in the Rigveda symbolically describes the creation of the four varna-s through a cosmic sacrifice (yajña). However, many scholars regard the Purusha Sukta as a later interpolation into the Rigveda. Since not all individuals in Vedic society were strictly governed by the varna system, it is argued that the Purusha Sukta was composed to provide Vedic authority and legitimacy to the emerging hereditary caste structure. An alternative perspective highlights that the term Shudra appears nowhere else in the Rigveda apart from this hymn, suggesting that the Purusha Sukta may have been a product of the later Rigvedic period. Its purpose, according to this view was to denote, legitimize and sanctify a class hierarchy that had already begun to take shape.

Modern era

In the context of the jajmani system of the 1960s, Pauline Kolenda observed that the "caste function of the Kshatriya is to lead and protect the village and with conquest to manage their newly acquired lands." While the Kshatriyas still perform these roles to some extent today, distributing food as payment to kamins and providing leadership. They historically served as protectors of Hindu society, fighting in wartime and governing in peacetime.

In the Metro universe, the concept of the Kshatriya is adapted to fit the dystopian world of Polis. Here, the Kshatriya represents one of the four classes that citizens may choose to join upon reaching adulthood. In this society, Kshatriyas are the warrior and combat elite responsible for the defense of Polis and maintaining order within its walls.

The picture below depicts the Kshatriya in Hindu literature.

The basic overview of Kshatriya

Kshatriya is the second level introduced in the Faction Pack and stands as the longest of the three, holding the title of the single longest level in Metro: Last Light. Before Metro Exodus, this was the longest level in the entire Metro series. Unlike most levels, which typically have Artyom traveling from point A to point B or battling enemies, Kshatriya introduces new mechanics such as open-world scavenging to simulate the act of stalking.

In Kshatriya, players take on the role of a supposed ranger trainee from Polis, aiming to prove their worthiness to join the warrior class of Polis, the Kshatriya. The level begins with the trainee meeting up with the Kshatriya team, who are there to assist him as he scavenges the Great Library above. After a brief conversation with Kuzmich the base's arms and equipment dealer, the trainee meets Shaman the artifact collector. Shaman tasks the player with handing over any artifacts found on the surface in exchange for varying levels of cash rewards.

Gameplay in Kshatriya is significantly different from that of the main campaign in Metro: Last Light. Aside from finding all 30 artifacts listed on Shaman's electronic drawing board, there is no specific goal, allowing the player to explore the large map freely. While the level may seem small at first, certain areas of Kshatriya must be unlocked through exploration. The sewers, initially appearing to be just a hallway or two quickly expand into a crossroads that leads to various parts of the surface and the Great Library. Checkpoints are determined by the player, unlike in the main campaign where checkpoints occur at random intervals or when new areas are accessed. To initiate a new save, players must return to the stalker base and use the door next to Kuzmich's wares to enter Polis station. Here, the trainee can rest and save progress, returning the next night. Checkpoints are optional and some players may find added excitement in avoiding them until the very end of the level.

If you aim to complete the level quickly, you'll frequently return to the station as your backpack only holds five artifacts. This means you'll need to return at least six times to hand over your findings to Shaman.

Kshatriya concludes after the trainee ventures deep into the archives of the library, overcoming the fearsome librarians and retrieves the secret metro map.

One of the first things you will see when you start the level is displayed on the picture.

The Kshatriya team

The stalkers of Kshatriya are exclusively seen in the Metro: Last Light DLC, during the Kshatriya level. This team of stalkers consisted of five members: Kuzmich, the weapons expert and likely the leader; Shaman, responsible for cataloging all the artifacts; the stalker twins, Su and Bar and their newest recruit, the ranger trainee. As stalkers from Polis, they venture to the surface in search of artifacts and information that might help preserve the lost culture of old Russia.

Kuzmich

Kuzmich is the quartermaster of the Polis Kshatriya team in the Metro: Last Light DLC. He is responsible for providing the stalkers with the essential equipment they need to survive on the surface. Kuzmich can be easily recognized by his signature knit cap and ranger coat. Serving as both a weapons vendor and an exchange kiosk, he offers the ranger trainee ammunition, equipment, armor and weapons in exchange for military-grade rounds.

Kuzmich is portrayed as an "all business" character, offering little in the way of personal dialogue to further develop his personality.

In-game picture of Kuzmich.



Shaman

Shaman is the expert for the Polis Kshatriya team in the Metro: Last Light DLC. His role is to identify and catalog the artifacts brought in by the team’s Stalkers and in return he compensates them for the items they retrieve.

When first encountered, Shaman expresses doubt about the ranger trainee's abilities, warning him that the life of a stalker is difficult and that tales of great riches, such as the map of secret metro are nothing more than fairy tales. Shaman has a noticeable fondness for music, he is often seen with headphones around his neck and can occasionally be heard listening to pop and rock songs as he walks around.

Shaman rarely ventures outside the hub and appears to be the least violent and oldest member of the team. Despite his peaceful nature, his scars suggest that he has experienced combat in the past.

In-game picture of Shaman.



Su

Su is one of the stalkers from the Polis Kshatriya team in the Metro: Last Light DLC. Su and Bar are tasked with hunting for artifacts alongside the trainee, though none of their findings are ever shown in the game. The twins occasionally assist the trainee in difficult situations, such as helping him escape the Watcher ambush in the piano room.

Most of the time, Su is seen either relaxing in the base with his brother or sleeping. As twins, Su and Bar are often referred to collectively by Kuzmich as “the twins.” They frequently finish each other's sentences and share a striking resemblance to one another.

In-game picture of Su.



Bar

Bar is one of the stalkers from the Polis Kshatriya team in the Metro: Last Light DLC. Along with the ranger trainee and his twin brother Su.

In-game picture of Bar.



The ranger trainee

The ranger trainee is the faceless and nameless protagonist of the Faction Pack mission, Kshatriya. Like all other characters in the Faction Pack, not much is known about him. However, it can be inferred that he is male and a ranger in training from Polis. Based on his dialogue, it’s clear that he is training to become a Kshatriya soldier. He is likely around 18 years old, as this is the age at which Polis citizens choose their life profession.

The trainee only speaks during the level's loading paragraph, where he expresses some excitement about his training. Aside from this brief moment, he remains silent throughout the mission. Although he has a different voice actor than Artyom in Metro: Last Light, the two characters share the same damage and death voice clips.

The ranger trainee is the faceless and nameless protagonist, so there is no picture.

Weapons and Equipment

The Nosalises encountered underground can be a reliable source of income. They can be killed with just 1-2 shotgun blasts and yield 1-5 MGRs. Since 6 shotgun shells cost only 7 MGRs, they provide a cost-effective way to earn money without wasting precious filters during the fight.

Filters become more expensive with each purchase, but their price resets after a while. To avoid paying extra when buying in bulk after a long expedition, it's a good idea to buy a single filter each time you return to the base.

At the start of the game, you are equipped with a Bastard carbine and an Ashot shotgun-pistol. The trader will offer the following weapons for sale: Kalash, Duplet, Revolver, Lolife, and Shambler. You can also find a Helsing on the body of a previous ranger. Additionally, the trader will offer incendiary shotgun shells, incendiary pistol rounds, regular assault rifle rounds, as well as throwing knives, claymore mines and both sticky and incendiary grenades.

You can purchase two separate suits of armor, though you can only wear one at a time:

• Radiation Armor - costs 200 MGRs and provides protection from radiation, reducing the rate at which your filters are used in radioactive areas

• Heavy Armor - costs 225 MGRs and provides protection against monster attacks

Night vision goggles can be found on the body of a predecessor.

The two tables below display weapons, accessories and gadgets available at the starting position.

Ordinal number	Weapons	Cost (MGR)	Reflex sights	IR sights	2X sights	Laser sights	Extended barrel	Stock	Extended magazine	Heat Sink	Autofire adapter
1.	Bastard	Free	+	+	+	+	-	+	-	+	-
2.	Ashot	Free	+	+	-	+	+	+	-	-	-
3.	Kalash	75	+	+	+	+	-	-	+	-	-
4.	Duplet	50	-	-	-	+	+	+	-	-	-
5.	Revolver	45	+	+	+	+	-	+	-	-	-
6.	Lolife	40	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	-	+
7.	Shambler	70	+	+	-	+	+	-	-	-	-
		Cost	25	35	45	15	40	40	45	40	0
Ordinal number	Items	Cost (MGR)	Sale value (MGR)
1.	Med kit	10	-
2.	Dragon breath	7	2
3.	Assault rifle ammo	10	2
4.	Pistol AP incendiary	8	2
5.	Throwing knife	1	1
6.	Claymore	3	1
7.	Sticky grenade	2	1
6.	Incendiary Grenade	5	1

Bugs

The Gasoline canister may not always spawn in its designated location. It's a good idea to immediately check its position and start a new game if it's not there.

Some objects may appear to hover slightly above the ground.

If a Lurker is killed, it may sometimes behave as if still alive. However, it can still be salvaged for items.

Occasionally, filters bought may not be added to your inventory. This issue can occur if you pick up a hidden filter located on a pipe inside the station.

The Librarian AI may occasionally freeze, becoming unresponsive during combat or it might appear unaggressive if hit while performing a waking-up animation.

The final Librarian may spawn in a frozen position, making it unable to attack. However, it can still be killed or bypassed and this does not prevent the player from completing the level.

Ladders can be tricky to interact with, especially if approached from awkward angles or while sprinting. If you struggle to attach to a ladder after repeated attempts, try stepping back and slowly approaching from the front.

In some instances, while in the archives game sounds may disappear. Once back at the base, textures can appear dull and pre-rendered.

Items list and general Locations

I’ve intentionally left this part of the guide for last because it’s quite lengthy and I wanted to ensure it was done properly. Below, you’ll find a list of every artifact and its general location. Please note that some of the locations may change, which is why certain artifacts have multiple listed locations.

Gasoline (Location - Surface Building)



Book (Location - Surface Building)



Old Phone (Location - Surface Building)



Monitor (Location - Surface Building)



Keyboard (Location - Surface Building)



Painting (Location - Surface Building)



Toy (Underground - Sewers)



Pack of Books (Great Library - Library Ground Floor, Great Library - Library Second Floor)



Clock (Great Library - Library Ground Floor, Great Library - Library Second Floor)



Weapon Parts (Great Library - Library Second Floor)



Glasses (Great Library - Library Ground Floor, Great Library - Library Second Floor)



Tricycle (Great Library - Library Ground Floor, Great Library - Library Second Floor)



Icon (Great Library - Watchmen Room)



Tools (Great Library - Watchmen Room, Great Library - Chandelier Room)



Poster (Great Library - Watchmen Room, Great Library - Chandelier Room)



Suitcase (Great Library - Chandelier Room, Great Library - Demon Room)



Medical Supplies (Great Library - Demon Room, Great Library - Transition Hall)



Drawings (Great Library - Demon Room)



Doll (Depository - Librarian Room)



Plate (Depository - Librarian Room)



Space Lattice Model (Depository - Ruined Offices)



Technical Notes (Depository - Ruined Offices)



Welding Helmet (Depository - Ruined Offices)



Balalaika (Depository - Ruined Offices)



Traffic Light (Surface - Alley)



Science Book (Depository - Under Stacks)



Terminal (Archives - First Stairwell, Archives - Drenched Room)



Mechanical Parts (Archives - Depths)



Audio Speaker (Archives - Catalogue Reliquary)



Secret Subway Map (Archives - Catalogue Reliquary)

Closing remarks

In my opinion, Kshatriya is one of the best maps in the entire Metro franchise. It was the first to introduce elements of an open-world environment and it successfully combines everything that makes Metro games so compelling. Even after multiple playthroughs, it remains engaging and fresh.

With the release of Metro Exodus we saw the open-world approach evolve further, but personally I prefer a blend of open world exploration with atmospheric metro tunnels. Exodus lacked that balance for me, it didn’t offer enough classic underground gameplay. A perfect middle ground would be something like Kshatriya, but with a bit more freedom topside.

[Hadrian]

I thought the Kshatriya Level was excellent and the new mechanics were cool and made this dlc unique in the series. I never saved and had a blast playing this. the traffic light was stumping me until the end. I found it only because there was no where else to look! I had ran buy it a thousand times! The ladders are glichy. Very well done guide.

[ImBaCk]

Useful guide thx

[FanOfWolves]

Cool guide!
Regarding your Closing Remarks: I have NOT played Metro Exodus yet, so my opinion on that is irrelevant. HOWEVER, I do think that, out of all the Last Light DLC, Kshatriya is the best one (though I do like Spider Lair and Pavel as well) because it offered us something both novel and well-executed. Once I played Exodus, I'll come back to give my thoughts on your comparison between this level and Exodus, but if there is indeed a lack of "metro" areas, that would be a shame, as the metro is a huge part of the series identity (it is in the title for God's sake.)

[danisoff]

Thanks for your feedback Tatashka.

[Tatashka]

Useful guide, thanks.