Ranger Hardcore Mode - tips & tricks for ammo & utility weapons (Metro Redux Series)

This is a short guide with visual examples of dirty ammo and military grade rounds (MGRs), and understanding how to use utility weapons (grenades, throwing knives, etc.) when playing Ranger Hardcore mode (no HUD) in the Metro Redux series.

Introduction

I wanted the most challenging and immersive experience possible for my very first playthrough of the Metro series, so Ranger Hardcore was clearly the mode for me. While this certainly made for some exciting and memorable experiences, there were some challenges when it came to managing weapons and understanding how some stuff worked since Ranger Hardcore mode does not give you the benefit of tutorials/in-game help and I had never previously seen what the HUD/UI looked like.

If you've yet to play this excellent series and are interested in going about it the same way I did, in Ranger Hardcore mode, then this guide is for you. It really is the best way to experience the Metro, and I'm glad I chose this mode for my first playthrough. I'm sure you will too, but before you dive in, there are a couple of things you should know...

Dirty vs. military grade, and how to avoid shooting your way to the poorhouse

The most common ammunition in the Metro, the 5.45×39mm cartridge, comes in two varieties:

• Dirty rounds, the default ammo used in most weapons found in the Metro
  
• Military grade rounds (MGRs), which function primarily as currency in the game, but can also be used as ammo

You really only want to use MGRs in combat as a last resort, because, as you will be reminded in-game, you'll literally be "shooting money."

A quick word about hotkey usage: the Metro series makes use of dual function hotkeys. For example, tapping F will toggle the flashlight on/off, but holding F will bring up the universal charger (basically a hand-cranked dynamo used to charge battery-powered devices).

The R key is also a dual function hotkey, where tapping reloads but holding changes between dirty rounds and MGRs.

So how can you tell which ammo you have loaded in-game, in case, for example, you unintentionally changed between them by holding R without realizing it?

First, hold Y to look at your watch. This also tilts the gun so you get a better viewing angle of the magazine. Look closely at the magazine in the following screenshots:

Blue tips are dirty rounds:


Red tips are MGRs:


And that, my fellow rangers, is how you can avoid "shooting money."

Mastering 'nades, knives, and other nasties without a HUD

Using/equipping utility weapons without a HUD while not knowing exactly how the system worked was one of my bigger challenges. It was basically the post-apocalyptic version of Russian roulette.

The following tips will spare you the pain of having to figure out how this system works like I did: trial and error. You can now stop accidentally lobbing pipe bombs at that Reich soldier's head and use the throwing knives for that stealth kill, just like you originally intended.

Holding the Tab key gives access to the utility weapons radial menu, even though it's not visible in Ranger Hardcore mode.

This is the key thing to remember: hold Tab and then move the mouse up/down or left/right depending on which item you want to equip. Unique sounds can be heard when making these selections, so with some practice you can learn by sound alone which item you are equipping. Badass.

Even though Ranger Hardcore is supposed to have no HUD/UI elements, one UI still exists and you can access it by holding down the M key to bring up the lighter/journal view. You'll see UI elements for:

• all ammo types and their current amount
  
• currency (MGRs)
  
• air filter time remaining
  
• medkit count
  
• the utility weapon menu in the bottom left

If you take note of the white gradient shading on the radial menu when in lighter/journal view, you can identify which utility item you currently have equipped. The throwing knives are selected in this example screenshot:

In conclusion...

If you've never played this series, then I encourage you to choose Ranger Hardcore for your first playthrough. It really adds something to the survival horror experience in terms of immersion and adapting your play style with the absence of a HUD/UI.

If you've already played through this series in an "easier" mode, then I hope you can still find some use from these few tips to give Ranger Hardcore a try.

Thanks for reading.

[NVISION.RadioActive]

I am a proud player of all Metro games and I have them all done on ranger hardcore. In Metro 2033 and Last light I always sold a full inventory of bullets cuz I killed all enemies silent way - knockout or kill if had to. It is possible to earn 1000 bullets until the end of the game (1243 maximum so far). You just have to think. For Metro exodus, use what you got to know in first two about silent melee kills and being patient. PRO TIP: Always listen to the conversations - after they finish the topic they usually return to their posts what means taking them 1 by 1 for free with aditional using of your brain for who to kill first ect. There is always a way to get rid of combat, just explore for paths, you will find many

[Yoshiii]

Metro 2033 and Last Light were the first fps's I really played, so I started it on an easier difficulty, and decided to try a harder mode when I saw I could do it. I might try Exodus on a harder mode the first time I play it.

[Flibbernodgets]

I've got mixed feelings about this. I just played through for the first time on plain ranger, and while after some getting used to it felt pretty good, I don't think I would mind the UI. There's some level of abstraction there, and while Artyom would be able to reach down and feel how many magazines he has left in his pockets without looking, I can't do that. That's where the UI steps in. Still, it really did enhance the horror of the experience to try to reload and realize I was out. Idk, still in two minds about it.

[yenilmez]

thanks, the guide is very helpfull

[<The J-Rock> [Wildin']]

The way it's meant to be played.. ;)

[Papazhoom]

good

[𝔰𝔲𝔟𝔩1𝔪𝔢]

RHC protip: literally just never shoot unless you are being attacked. The NPCs will often kill most enemies without you having to lift a finger.

[thetkcj]

i hate that hold r to reload feature because o spent around 100 dollars without realizing it. at least the revolver doesnt have mgrs

[cpmurphy03]

I love the guide! I wish I had this when I tried my first Ranger Hardcore play through, and I can say for a fact that this is a very useful guide!!!

[NVISION.RadioActive]

@DeadStar70 if you have stronger enemies or a horde of mutants against you you rather use money ammunition. It is only 1 or 2 shots and the mutant starts burning. You are shooting ammo, but at the same time you save your life