My goal with this guide is to simply educate and assist players, whether they’re completely new to the Metro series or seasoned veterans.

All the information presented here is based on my personal experience playing the game.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments and I’ll respond as soon as possible. If you need a quicker reply, you can contact me directly on my Steam profile.

I hope you enjoy the guide and don’t forget to rate it after reading!

In both canons, Librarians are among the least deformed mutants in the Metro, resembling ordinary gorillas in both posture and overall appearance. However, they are much larger and have longer, thinner arms. In the game, they have a more fearsome appearance with humanoid faces that feature a lip covering their shark-like teeth and snout. This result from the fusion of the nose and upper lip of their human ancestors over successive generations.

Librarians are highly territorial and will aggressively confront anything they perceive as a threat. They show signs of aggression by roaring and raising their upper lip to display their teeth, much like modern primates do. They are so powerful and territorial that they will even fight demons if they enter the Library.

Known as some of the most dangerous creatures in the wastelands of Moscow, Librarians are formidable enemies. They can withstand multiple point-blank shots from powerful weapons such as the Duplet and their attacks can easily kill the player with a few vicious swipes. Despite their large size, they are quite agile, capable of making high jumps throughout buildings. Their immense physical strength is comparable to that of the demons, enabling them to tear a human apart with their elongated fingers and claws. Librarians are arguably the most intelligent mutants found on the surface of Moscow.

Librarians appear to be omnivorous, as they have cultivated large amounts of plants in various areas. Their role in the post-apocalyptic Moscow ecosystem remains unclear due to their reclusive nature. However, given their ability to battle demons, they are likely apex predators.

Black Librarians

These Librarians are found exclusively underground, typically sleeping in nests made of torn-up books. They can still be stared down or avoided, though they are more aggressive than their surface counterparts. Despite this, they have the same health as other Librarians.

The black Librarian is more prominent in Metro: Last Light, particularly in the Kshatriya level.

In the following pictures we can see the difference between the black and the common Librarian. On the left is the common Librarian.

The Librarians in Metro: Last Light’s Faction Pack differ in physical appearance compared to their Metro 2033 counterparts. While they were previously compared to massive gorillas, this comparison is now even more fitting. The Last Light Librarians are bulkier, especially in the arms and torso and their coloration has shifted to a slightly browner tone reflecting the effects of nuclear fallout. Their behavior also leans more into their gorilla-like nature, as they now beat their chests in aggression toward the player.

Gameplay-wise, Librarians have undergone several changes to make them more manageable as "glass-cannon" enemies, especially when the player’s equipment is limited. The once-tedious tactic of staring them down requiring skill and patiencehas become more automatic, as these Librarians are now generally less aggressive. They often flee mid-combat, only to return moments later with varying levels of hostility. This shift can sometimes allow players to stare them down even after taking significant damage.

Librarians can now be bypassed entirely through stealth and are more vulnerable to gunfire than before. In the Tower Pack DLC released on September 3rd, players can face off against three Librarians in the final simulation area, though they are fought separately. It’s highly recommended to take them on with spawned teammates and the mini-gun provided in the area. However, players should be cautious, as numerous Nosalises may swarm during the battle.

In the following picture we can see the Metro: Last Light Librarian.

Librarians are among the few enemies Artyom encounters face-to-face in the novel. They attack Artyom, Melnik, Ten and Daniel almost immediately upon their entry into the library’s main hall. Their description in the book closely matches their in-game appearance, though the game model lacks their pointed ears. However, black Librarians or any other variations do not appear in the novel.

Depicted as quasi-sentient creatures, Librarians hunt in packs of two or more and display a remarkable level of intelligence. They are capable of mimicking human speech with eerie accuracy, though it is unclear whether they actually understand what they are saying. This ability has led to speculation that Librarians were once human before the destruction of Moscow, with extreme radiation mutating them into their current form.

Later in the novel, Daniel is killed when a Librarian pierces his stomach from behind with its claw. Strangely, after he speaks the creature mimics his words, eventually mixing them and telling Artyom to “go away”. Another indication of their advanced cognition is their apparent practice of agriculture, they are described as growing massive plants.

Unlike in the game, Librarians in the novel are not confined to the library’s interior. They occasionally venture into the courtyard, though they never stray beyond it.

In the following pictures we can see the numerous designs of the novels.

All Librarians in Metro 2033 and Last Light can be stared down with enough practice, skill and luck. By following Miller’s advice and maintaining eye contact, Artyom can avoid confrontation entirely. Staring into a Librarian’s eyes long enough will cause it to back down and retreat for a short period.

Librarians are not triggered by drawing, aiming or holstering a weapon. However, putting on or removing the gas mask while staring at them usually breaks eye contact which can provoke an attack.

When encountering a Librarian approach is crucial. It’s best for Artyom to engage from a safe distance and on the player’s terms. Experienced players will find it easier to anticipate and control these encounters, whether by positioning themselves in corridors with clear sightlines or intentionally stepping on glass or bone to attract a single Librarian’s attention.

Artyom should never be closer than a meter to avoid an attack, but staying too far can cause the Librarian to advance increasing the risk of getting too close. If the Librarian becomes nervous, it will move toward whatever it perceives as a threat. Miller advises stepping back slightly rather than risking hostility.

After being stared down, a Librarian will leave through the nearest open exit. The player must maintain eye contact until the creature has completely left the room or it will turn back and attack. If the exit is near Artyom the Librarian may still approach, increasing the risk of hostility. To prevent this, it’s best to move away from the exit while keeping eye contact.

Similar strategies apply to the black Librarians in Metro 2033, though they are far more aggressive. Staring them down is possible, but players report that their behavior is much "stricter" than that of common Librarians. For sleeping Librarians, stealth is the best approach.

The only reason to ever kill a Librarian in Metro 2033 Redux is for the "Heavy Reader" achievement, any other reason is unjustified.

Point-blank headshots from shotguns, MGR-loaded rifles or pneumatic weapons are effective against these beasts. Since Polis is the final shop in the game, MGR rounds have no further retail use beyond this point.

On ranger hardcore, the best weapon is the Helsing due to its accuracy. Well-aimed, over-pressurized headshot will kill a Librarian in two bolts which can be retrieved afterward. Fully charged Hellbreath can also take one down with about 4-5 headshots.

Another highly effective ammo-saving strategy is using throwing knives. On ranger difficulty their high damage allows for a quick two-step takedown, a maximum of 3-4 knives anywhere on its body will bring it down.

If you want to avoid losing throwing knives in inaccessible areas, two sticky grenades will kill a Librarian with ease. However, it's crucial to have enough space to run before throwing them, as the Librarian will charge at Artyom with the grenade still attached.

The easiest way to kill the librarian in Metro 2033

In my honest opinion, the flashlight method is the best approach. On higher difficulties, conserving ammo is crucial and wasting it on a Librarian when you can easily sneak past using the flashlight makes no sense. Killing them only enrages them further and makes you a priority target. The only time I’d recommend doing so is when going for the "Heavy Reader" achievement or collecting money in Metro: Last Light during the Kshatriya mission.