Metro: Last Light system requirements revealed

The formal specifications for Metro: Last Light have been released, offering those who want to return to the series' post-apocalyptic dystopia a clue as to how much they're going to have to spend on upgrades to get the most from the title.

A follow-up to the reasonably well-regarded Metro 2033 - praised for its lush visuals and unique setting, but slated for poor combat - and originally teased as Metro 2034, Metro: Last Light shows significant promise. A preview from July 2012 revealed much about the game, but mounting financial problems at publisher THQ saw the title delayed prior to the company being split up and sold off.

Thankfully, that won't be the end of Metro: Last Light. The game is on-track for release next month under new publisher Deep Silver, and forms part of a bundle that will see buyers of selected Nvidia graphics boards receiving a free copy of the game. Those who want to get the most out of the title, however, may need to splash out on an upgrade or two.

4A Games' official system specifications for the title, released this week, split target systems into the usual 'Minimum' and 'Recommended' categories, but also add an 'Optimum' level which may raise gamers' eyebrows with its demands.

First, 'Minimum:' according to 4A Games, Metro: Last Light will require a 2.2GHz dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and a DirectX9 Shader Model 3 compliant graphics card of equivalent performance to an Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 or AMD Radeon HD 4000 series. Those who want to take advantage of the game's support for Nvidia 3D Vision, meanwhile, will need a GeForce GTX 275 or higher, 3D Vision-certified 120Hz monitor and shutter glasses. For those who have yet to upgrade, the news of compatibility with the 32-bit release of Windows XP will be a pleasant surprise.

The 'Recommended' level ups the game, ditching Windows XP support and asking for a 2.6GHz quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM. 4A Games also asks that gamers use a DirectX11 capable graphics card equivalent to an Nvidia GeForce GTX 580 or GTX 660 Ti or AMD Radeon HD 7870 or better.

Finally, 'Optimum:' 4A Games is asking users who want to get the very best from the game to have at least a 3.4GHz quad-core or better processor, 8GB of RAM, and either an Nvidia GTX 690 or an Nvidia Titan - with no mention of what an AMD fan would need to get the maximum graphical fidelity. That no AMD graphics card is recommended for the 'Optimum' experience is, perhaps, unsurprising given publisher Deep Silver's partnership with Nvidia, but will come as a blow to the red camp nevertheless.

Metro: Last Light is due to launch on the 17th of May as a cross-platform title on Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.