As part of the Expansion Pass, the excellent Metro Exodus is set to get two bits of story content fro developer 4A Games - one due in the coming Winter months and another in early 2020. Both will see players ditch the role of series protagonist Artyom as they step in the shows of two new characters - Colonel Khlebnikov and the Aurora’s only American, Sam.

Details for the first expansion, titled The Two Colonels hints at a more linear story and mission - one that will focus on the series more horror-leaning aspects.

Players will follow Colonel Khlebnikov, just below the surface, under the dead city of Novosibirsk as he makes his way home to his son, Kirill for New Year’s Eve.

But all is not well with the people here: the slime is further consuming the tunnels, mutant attacks appear to be on the rise and the precious ‘green stuff’ that protects the people from radiation poisoning is running low. In order to secure the survival of any of the people, those in charge may need to take drastic measures…

This story will introduce a new weapon, the flame-thrower, which will no doubt come into play as you explore darkened tunnels. The second bit of story content due next year, called Sam's Story, will offer a new open-area set in Vladivostok to explore and survive.

Sam, a US marine at the Moscow embassy before the bombs were dropped has long dreamed of returning to his homeland and maybe finding his family alive. The prospect seemed impossible in the darkened tunnels of the Metro, but when the Spartans discovered that Moscow was not the only city left alive after the war holding out hope didn’t feel so foolish anymore.

Sam makes his way away from the Aurora in search of a way back to the USA, arriving at the remains of Vladivostok’s tsunami-ravaged harbours, ruined industrial buildings and crumbling residential districts. To complete his journey, Sam will discover that he needs every tactic he has learned so far to survive as his surroundings prove to be far trickier than expected.

Both premises sound great great, especially when taking into context just how brilliant the base game is. As Expansion Pass content will be available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC - with pre-orders open now.