| “ | This shorter version of the classic Kalash with a folding stock has a very high rate of fire, but does not have the range or accuracy of its larger sibling. | „ |
— In-game description | ||
Originally available as a limited edition bonus for Metro: Last Light, and since added to Metro 2033 Redux, the AKS-74U, known in-game simply as the AKSU, is a compact version of the Kalash. Designed for close-quarters combat, it is perfect for the Metro's claustrophobic environments. However, the AKSU is exclusive to Ranger Mode in both games.
It is available at the D6 armory for free in Last Light. It is sold by the merchant in Defense in 2033 Redux, but it only appears there if youre playing on the SURVIVAL mode, and by all merchants in Last Light. It can also be equipped in a Shooting Gallery if the Developer Pack is launched on Ranger difficulty.
Overview[]
Like its parent rifle, the Kalash (AK-74M), the AKSU fires a 5.45x39mm cartridge. Its description is misleading as the AKSU is exactly as accurate as the Kalash. [Source] The AKSU has a slightly higher rate-of-fire and a faster aim-down-sights time, making it an effective emergency weapon when facing enemies at close-range. When loaded with Military Grade Rounds, this weapon is capable of killing many types of enemies with one shot.
Recoil is also moderately more noticeable with the AKS-74U, making the weapon harder to aim, so it is recommended that a red dot sight or laser sight be attached to the weapon for easier target acquisition. Avoid full-auto fire if you cannot control its recoil, burst fire is a good way to maintain accuracy. With no HUD and crosshair, Laser sight becomes important if the player needs to fire from the hip.
A suppressor may also be added to decrease recoil, but bear in mind that it will decrease range as well. Due to the nature of this weapon, it may not be practical for Ranger Mode, mainly because of its inaccuracy and increased fire rate, making it expensive to fire fully automatic, especially with ammo being scarce. Despite the weapon only made available in Ranger mode, carrying it is only advised indoors and slower, more accurate weapons will serve the wielder better when they reach the surface.
Variants and Customization[]
The AKSU has the same set of upgrades as the Kalash; three attachment slots and six available attachments in total. Attachments in the Misc slot can be equipped both at once, so the AKSU can have four different attachments at the same time.
| Available attachments | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slot | Icon | Name | Effect | Description |
 Optics |
|
Reflex sight | Range +25% Accuracy +25% |
This pre-war sight makes aiming the gun at close and medium range easier, without sacrificing much of the field of view. |
|
2x sight | Range +50% Accuracy +25% |
This pre-war optical sight facilitates weapon aiming at medium range but limits the field of view, making it hard to use in the confines of tunnels. | |
|
IR sight | Range +50% Accuracy +25% |
A piece of pre-war military tech, this Night Vision sight allows for precisely hitting targets in the dark. | |
 Barrel |
|
Suppressor | Range -25% Accuracy +25% Stealth +50% |
Hides the muzzle flash and muffles the shots, decreasing spread at the same time. Projectile speed is also decreased, leading to more damage falloff. |
 Misc |
|
Extended magazine | Mag capacity +50% | This light machine gun magazine is capable of holding a ranger's weekly earnings and allows for longer sustained fire with less reloads. |
|
Laser sight | Accuracy +25% | A pre-war laser sight facilitates aiming the weapon at close range, making precise snapshots easy to achieve. | |
Trivia[]
- The AKSU in-game fires 10% faster than a Kalash (600 rounds/minute versus 550)and has no downsides. In the real world the AKSU would suffer range and accuracy from a shorter barrel and folding stock.
- This is most likely the weapon Bourbon uses in the Metro 2033 novel, rather than standard AK-74M in-game.
- The AKSU has the same fire sound as the Bastard carbine.
- The increase of recoil is due to the faster firing rate.
- The weapon is also available in the Tower Pack and the Developer Pack's AI Arena and Shooting Gallery, though, again, will only appear on Ranger difficulties.
- The AKSU is in Metro 2033 Redux and can be bought at Armory and Hole Station, in Ranger mode only.
- Before being referred to as the AKSU, this weapon used to be known as the "Modified Russian Rifle", which likely comes from the fact that the gun is not a factory AKS-74U, but an AK-74M that has been modified to fill the same role; this can be seen when looking at the weapon's standard 74M rear sight and top cover instead of the hinged top cover of a 74U, handguards that are clearly cut down AK-74M as well as a side rail mount which was not present on most of the original AKS-74U carbines. Considering the cramped environment of the metro, it is logical to modify rifles this way.
- In Metro 2033 Redux multiple unusuable AKSUs can be seen around the map, held by NPCs or as world objects.
Gallery[]
.jpg "AKS-74u z LL (FPP).jpg (209 KB)")
| Melee | |
|---|---|
| Handguns | |
| Assault Rifles | |
| Sniper Rifles | |
| Shotguns | |
| Pneumatic Weapons | |
| Heavy Weapons | |
| Explosives | |
| Emplacement Weapons | |
| Attachments | |