P90

Lore & Background

In the world of Metro 2033, the surface is a irradiated wasteland and the Metro stations have become the last enclaves of human civilization. Weapons are scarce, traded, and fiercely guarded. The P90, a pre-war Belgian design, survives in the tunnels as a compact, reliable sidearm favored by those who need a burst of suppressive fire in the claustrophobic corridors of the Metro. Its 50-round top-feed magazine and high cyclic rate make it a practical choice in the dark, where engagements are sudden, close, and often silent until the trigger is pulled. Among the station guards, bandits, and the various factions that control the tunnels, the P90 is not the most prestigious weapon—long guns and rifles carry more status—but its compact size and high magazine capacity make it a practical tool for close-quarters defense. In the game, Artyom can acquire one through purchase or discovery, and it becomes a viable option when the player needs a rapid stream of rounds without the bulk of a full rifle. The weapon's presence in the Metro reflects the broader post-war reality: pre-war industrial products, from FN Herstal factories in Belgium to whatever workshops still function in the tunnels, form the backbone of the armament that keeps the last communities alive. The P90 is one such relic, its polymer body and top-fed magazine a small anachronism in a world where a single bullet can be worth more than a meal.

In Their Own Story

The tunnel beyond the checkpoint smelled of rust and wet concrete. Artyom pressed his back against the cold wall, the P90's polymer grip slick under his glove. Fifty rounds. He counted them the way the station guard had taught him—thumb over the top-feed magazine, a quick rattle, a nod. The bandits were maybe thirty meters ahead, their boots echoing off the tunnel ceiling. He didn't need a rifle here. He needed speed. He needed the P90's stuttering, close-range wash of lead to keep them pinned while he slipped past. He exhaled, felt the gas mask seal tighten, and stepped into the dark. The first burst would be a warning. The second would be an answer.

Reader's Guide

In Metro 2033, the P90 sits in the submachine gun slot and is best suited to close and mid-range engagements in the Metro's narrow tunnels and station interiors. Its high rate of fire and 50-round magazine allow sustained bursts, but accuracy degrades quickly during full-auto fire, so controlled short bursts are the most effective approach. Recoil is manageable but the spray pattern widens after a few rounds, making it less ideal for long corridors where a rifle's precision would be preferable. The P90 can be found in various locations throughout the game, including station armories, guard posts, and as a purchasable option at certain vendors. It is not a rare or unique weapon, but it fills a specific niche: a fast, compact SMG for players who prefer aggressive, close-quarters play over the slower, higher-damage profile of rifles or shotguns. In terms of upgrades and attachments, the P90 benefits from the standard SMG upgrade track in the game. Its top-feed magazine design is a visual and mechanical nod to the real FN P90, and the compact bullpup silhouette makes it easy to handle in the tight, poorly lit spaces of the Metro. For players who find the Uzi too inaccurate at range or the other SMGs too slow, the P90's combination of speed and magazine capacity makes it a reliable all-round close-quarters option.

Did You Know?

• The real-world FN P90 features a distinctive top-feed magazine that holds 50 rounds in a compact, over-the-barrel configuration—a design choice the Metro 2033 game model preserves.
• In Metro 2033, the P90 is classified as a submachine gun rather than a rifle or pistol, placing it in the same weapon slot as the Uzi and other SMGs.
• The P90's compact size and high magazine capacity make it a practical choice in the Metro's narrow tunnels, where long rifles are harder to maneuver and engagement distances are typically short.
• The weapon's design in the game reflects the real FN P90's bullpup layout and polymer construction, a pre-war Belgian design that in the Metro's lore is a scarce and valuable relic.