The Master of the Yauza is a little-known but quite formidable mutant in the Metro 2033 universe, posing a serious threat to stalkers and the residents of nearby stations. This giant anthropomorphic creature inhabits the Yauza River and its surroundings in Moscow, where nature underwent significant mutations following the global catastrophe.

The Master of the Yauza was first mentioned in Sergey Antonov’s novel In the Interests of the Revolution (В интересах революции), where it appears as a certain “sinister force” lurking in the waters of the Yauza. A more detailed development and a full reveal of the character occurred in Anna Kalinkina’s novel The Master of the Yauza (Хозяин Яузы), published in 2014, which became the 49th book in the series and the first part of the Moscow Mysteries (Московские тайны) trilogy. Additionally, the monster appears in the browser application Metro 2033: Clan Wars (Метро 2033: Война кланов) as a raid boss named “Master of the Depths” (Хозяин глубин).

The dimensions of the Master of the Yauza are staggering: it is a truly giant creature whose size is comparable to a multi-story building. Its scale makes it one of the most dangerous threats in the vicinity of Moscow, while the creature’s appearance clearly shows anthropomorphic traits. It is believed that the Master of the Yauza is a hybrid of a human and a reptile, although the exact origin of the creature remains a mystery.

One of the key features of the Master of the Yauza is its telepathic ability, known as “the call.” According to the plot of Anna Kalinkina’s novel, the monster is capable of mentally influencing a chosen victim by sending them an irresistible summons. A person who hears this call loses their peace of mind and cannot rest until they head to the murky waters of the Yauza. This ability goes beyond typical predatory behavior and transforms the Master of the Yauza from a merely dangerous mutant into something akin to a mystical creature with supernatural powers. “The call” makes the monster especially dangerous, as it can attract victims from a distance without relying solely on physical strength.

Interesting Point:

The image of the Master of the Yauza has notable parallels with Dagon—the ancient deity from H.P. Lovecraft’s short story of the same name. Both creatures are tied to the water element. Both evoke primal fear in humans and are perceived not just as dangerous creatures, but as supernatural entities with mystical power. Like Dagon, the Master of the Yauza influences the minds of its victims, subduing their will. This similarity allows one to view the Master of the Yauza as a kind of interpretation of Lovecraftian motifs within the context of the Russian post-apocalyptic universe in a new, mutated form.