While Metro fans are looking forward to the return of the franchise with Metro 2039, and may be replaying the other games to prepare, others could still be in need of a title with a similar vibe. Fortunately, a (temporarily) free PC game called Static Voice could scratch the Metro itch, as it has a few clear similarities to the franchise.
To be transparent, this particular Metro-like won’t see players battling disturbing monsters mutated by radiation, as all the threats in the “old Soviet apartment block” players are exploring will have once been human. However, any fan of the Metro games will know that players are stuck dealing with humanoid threats like Nazis just as often as they have to battle the likes of Nosalis or Watchers. And, in these encounters, stealth is often a useful tool. Fortunately for Metro players that have mastered sneaking around, Static Voice will also task them with being careful in order to avoid “echoes” of their former neighbors.
Metro doesn’t shy away from ghosts and spirits, either, ensuring this itch.io game’s echoes also bear a resemblance to a part of the beloved FPS series.
Steam Makes Terrifying Co-Op Game 100% Free to Play Until June 22
A well-known co-op horror game is currently free on Steam, and PC users can download and play it for a limited time at no additional cost.
Static Voice Fully Embraces Metro’s Iconic Gas Mask System
Static Voice follows a man named Artyom — yes, really — as he attempts to build an SOS transmitter following a nearby factory explosion that released “a deadly neurotoxin” throughout his Soviet apartment complex. As players creep around the building to gather pieces needed to assemble the device, they’ll have to avoid making noise while also listening closely for signs of hostiles. In addition to looking out for threats and exploring an immersive building, players will have to take care of their gas mask, as it’s the one thing keeping Artyom alive when the rest of the complex has become a graveyard.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)
Any fan of the Metro series will surely be familiar with the idea of swapping out gas mask filters; managing these filters becomes difficult at higher difficulty levels when resources are more scarce, and the gas mask taking damage, altering breathing sounds, and providing a distinct visual effect has helped the series stand out for years. Another first-person, Russia-focused game taking inspiration from Metro is no surprise given how well-received the mechanic has been in the past. In addition to finding and swapping filters, players will have to realize when it’s most important to have the mask in working condition, as a particularly toxic stairwell could give them trouble.
Normally, Static Voice is only $2, so it’s not exactly an expensive game to begin with. Still, it’s impossible to beat the price of free, so players interested in this immersive walking sim/horror game should pick it up as soon as they can. Static Voice is only free on PC itch.io until Friday night at 3:47 AM EST, so the deal is ending very soon. Additionally, this free PC game remains $2.99 on Steam, with the deal being exclusive to the itch.io platform at the time of writing. Fortunately, the game can be downloaded or claimed with the press of a button.
Solid freebies like this and major AAA horror releases have ensured 2026 has been a great year for the horror genre thus far. And with the intriguing Silent Hill: Townfall on the way, not to mention more indie projects like Static Voice, there’s surely going to be a lot more to look forward to.
