Metro Exodus involves a harsh journey across Moscow as Artyom, alongside the rest of his crew aboard the Aurora train, attempts to find a habitable environment where everyone can settle down and finally live peacefully. Crew members are quick to lend a hand, both directly and indirectly. But this team dynamic becomes imbalanced, as Artyom?s wife, Anna?the best sniper in the group?constantly needs saving. In a game with so few women characters, compared to men, it?s disheartening to see how much Metro Exodus missed the mark with this skilled markswoman.  

Note: this article will include narrative spoilers involving major plot points in Metro Exodus.
We Need a Hero
Like most video games, Artyom needs to be the hero in order to drive the game forward and give the player a sense of purpose and importance in the world. Because Artyom is a silent protagonist, only his actions can characterize him. This makes it even more crucial that he plays an instrumental role in the group. 
Throughout the game, Artyom is sent on a variety of missions to save others or help move the Aurora forward by  doing things like seek fuel and water or clear a path. The player can opt to make Artyom even more heroic and kind by doing optional side-quests to help out the people he encounters during this journey.

Ultimately, we never get a strong sense of who Artyom is, but his ongoing characterization is fueled by his love for his crew. He loves his team and his wife, Anna. But mostly, Artyo...