Action-adventure · Sci-fi · Exploration

Metroid

A lone bounty hunter, alien worlds and a timeline Nintendo actually published.

Games on Switch: 6
Story complexity: Light
Consoles: Switch · Switch 2

Start with Metroid Dread See the playing order

Metroid

The story, simply explained

What is it?

A sci-fi action series about exploring hostile planets and finding upgrades that open new paths.

What is the story about?

Bounty hunter Samus Aran fights Space Pirates and the parasitic Metroid creatures across the galaxy.

Who are the main characters?

Samus Aran and her enemies, Ridley and the Space Pirates.

Why play it?

A lonely atmosphere and maps that slowly open up as you gain abilities.

Is the story connected?

Lightly. There is an official order, but each game explains what you need.

How many games should I play?

Start with Dread or Prime Remastered; play others in any order.

Choose your playing order

Start with a modern game in either style.

Story order or beginner order — what's the difference?

Story order lists games by when their events happen inside the story. Beginner order is the order we recommend playing them, which is often closer to release order because later games are written assuming you played earlier ones. Playing in story order can spoil twists or start you on an older, harder game.

Missing chapters

Metroid Prime 2 & 3, Metroid II / Samus Returns, Other M and others — Not playable on Switch or Switch 2 as of this check, unless added to Nintendo Switch Online later.