Metro Exodus Should I Kill The Baron

Okay, let's talk Metro Exodus. Specifically, the Baron. You know, the dude running the oil rig turned weirdo cult?

Did you kill him? Be honest.

I did. And frankly, I don't regret it. Prepare for some potentially controversial opinions.

He Had It Coming, Okay?

Some people preach "good ending" this and "karma" that. Pffft.

The Baron was exploiting people. Straight up.

He controlled resources, manipulated his followers, and generally acted like a giant jerk.

But Isn't He Redeemable?

Redeemable? Maybe. But did I *want* to redeem him?

Nope.

Sometimes, a tyrannical leader just needs to go. Especially when that leader has a really punchable face.

The Moral of the Story... Or Not

I know, I know. Metro Exodus is supposed to be about hope and redemption. Blah blah blah.

But sometimes hope comes in the form of a well-placed bullet. Or a series of them.

And let’s be real, Artyom has seen some things. Dude’s probably got a few screws loose already. What's one more dead despot?

Gameplay Considerations

Look, I’m not gonna pretend that my decision wasn't partially motivated by gameplay.

Fighting your way through the Baron's goons is fun!

Plus, looting his fortress afterwards? Chef's kiss.

The "Good" Ending? Whatever

So, I missed out on the *super* good ending. So what?

My Artyom felt a little bit better that night, knowing he’d rid the world of one less oppressive weirdo.

And sometimes, that's enough.

Let's Be Honest With Ourselves

How many of you *actually* played through the game the first time trying to be a saint?

Exactly.

We all make morally questionable choices in video games. It's part of the fun!

My Unpopular Opinion

Killing the Baron isn't the end of the world.

In fact, it might just be the most satisfying thing you do in that whole Caspian desert section.

Don't @ me.

Consider this...

Perhaps, I freed his people? I gave them a chance to rebuild without a crazy dictator.

Ok, maybe that’s reaching, but let me sleep at night!

Bottom line: the Baron was a bad guy. I made a choice. And I stand by it.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go replay Metro Exodus and make the same decision again.

Because sometimes, being bad feels so good.

Disclaimer: I am not advocating for violence in real life. This is just a fun discussion about a video game character.