Vertigo Games' prequel also translates many of the series' features to VR, from wiping the gas mask to grabbing it from the backpack.
Despite its VR trappings, the prequel has "plenty of the classic Metro action," with players using stealth and scavenging for ammo.
Long-term licensing and publishing rights for all existing and future games in the Metro series will continue to be held by PLAION, regardless of whether Saber acquires developer 4A Games.
Metro Awakening is set before the events of the first game in the Metro franchise, Metro 2033.
4A Games' next Metro title could be VR-focused, with an announcement happening "very soon", potentially at the next State of Play.