RPG-7

Lore & Background

In the tunnels of the Moscow Metro, the RPG-7 is a relic of the pre-war Soviet military, salvaged from armories and surface ruins. Its presence signals a serious threat—whether from a mutant horde, a rival faction, or the mysterious Dark Ones. The weapon is cumbersome and ammunition is scarce, so its use is reserved for moments of absolute necessity, often turning the tide of a desperate battle.

In Their Own Story

The tunnel shook with the roar of a Nosalis swarm. Artyom pressed his back against the damp wall, the weight of the RPG-7 digging into his shoulder—a cold, heavy promise of fire. Miller's voice crackled over the radio: 'Now or never, boy.' He aimed down the iron sights, the red eyes of the lead beast glowing like dying coals in the dark. The trigger pulled, the backblast scorched the wall behind him, and the rocket screamed into the horde—a banshee wail swallowed by a thunderclap. A flash, a deafening crack, and then silence—broken only by the patter of grit and the wet thud of something large collapsing.

Reader's Guide

The RPG-7 is a slow but devastating weapon in *Metro 2033*—think of it as a portable thunderstorm. It fires a single rocket that explodes on impact, dealing massive damage in a wide radius. It is most effective against groups of mutants, such as Nosalises or Watchmen, and can destroy armored targets like the Librarian or the giant mutant known as the Demon. Reloading is a manual, nerve-racking process that leaves you vulnerable—each second feels like an invitation to a clawed embrace. Ammo is extremely rare, often found in military caches or on fallen Rangers. The weapon's weight also slows your movement, making it a tactical choice rather than a standard carry. Best used from cover or at range, as the backblast can cook you if fired in a tight space—watch your six. In the game's story, the RPG-7 is crucial for several encounters, including the defense of the Exhibition station and the final assault on the Dark Ones' lair. It is a symbol of raw, pre-war firepower in a world reduced to darkness—a relic that speaks in thunder.

Did You Know?

• The RPG-7 in *Metro 2033* is based on the real-world Soviet RPG-7, which has been in service since the 1960s.
• The weapon's backblast can damage the player if fired too close to a wall or in a confined tunnel.
• In the game, the RPG-7 is one of the few weapons that can kill a Demon with a single direct hit.
• Ammunition for the RPG-7 is often found in the same caches as military-grade 5.45x39mm rounds.