Metroid Dread
2021 · SwitchThe 2021 Switch adventure that closes the 2D storyline: Samus lands on planet ZDR to investigate a distress signal and is immediately hunted by near-indestructible EMMI robots.
Mainline2D Metroid
2 releases & editions
← Full Metroid guide
Where to start with Metroid
Sci-fi action-exploration with space bounty hunter Samus Aran — the series that named the Metroidvania genre, spanning tight 2D adventures and landmark first-person action games.
Start with Metroid Dread
The best entry point today — a gorgeous, tense 2D adventure on Switch that teaches you everything about Metroid and works perfectly without any back-story.
Then play…
Metroid Prime Remastered
2023 · SwitchThe 2023 Switch remaster of the 2002 landmark: an atmospheric first-person exploration of the ruined planet Tallon IV, now with beautiful updated graphics and dual-stick controls.
The best way into the 3D side of the series — a stunning Switch remaster with overhauled visuals and modern dual-stick controls that still holds up brilliantly.
2 releases & editions
Super Metroid
1994 · SNESThe 1994 SNES masterpiece widely considered the high point of 2D Metroid: a lonely, atmospheric adventure on a dying planet Zebes that defined the genre.
Mainline2D MetroidRoutinely called one of the greatest games ever made and now on Nintendo Switch Online — the gold standard of 2D exploration design.
5 releases & editions
Metroid: Zero Mission
2004 · Game Boy AdvanceThe 2004 GBA remake of the original Metroid: a modernised retelling of Samus's first mission on Zebes with a full map system and an extended new epilogue chapter.
The perfect way to experience the series' origins: a GBA remake that adds a map, smooth controls, and bonus story content while staying true to the original.
3 releases & editions
Metroid: Samus Returns
2017 · Nintendo 3DSThe 2017 3DS remake of Metroid II: Samus hunts down and destroys the last Metroids on their home planet SR388, with new parry mechanics and a fully fleshed-out world.
A strong modern remake of the Game Boy original on 3DS — a great pick if you enjoy Dread and want to follow the story in order.
2 releases & editions
Honest skips / for later
MetroidFor fans
The 1986 NES original is vital history but plays its age hard — Zero Mission tells the same story far better today.
Metroid II: Return of SamusFor fans
The 1991 Game Boy original has been fully superseded by Samus Returns — a modern 3DS remake that covers the same story far better.
Metroid PrimeFor fans
The original GameCube release has been fully replaced by the 2023 Switch remaster — no reason to track down the disc.
Metroid FusionFor fans
A tense, story-heavy GBA game set just before Dread — best played after Dread to get the full weight of its cliffhanger ending.
Metroid Prime 2: EchoesFor fans
A darker, more complex sequel with no Switch port — best after you have played and loved Prime 1 and want more.
Metroid Prime 3: CorruptionFor fans
The Wii finale of the original Prime trilogy — essential for fans, but best experienced after Prime 1 and Echoes.
Metroid Prime: TrilogyFor fans
A rare Wii disc bundling all three original Prime games with unified motion controls — worth hunting down for Echoes and Corruption, though Prime 1 is better played via the Switch remaster.
Metroid: Other MLater
A divisive Wii entry with a polarising portrayal of Samus and uneven controls — start elsewhere and revisit only if you want to fill every gap in the timeline.