The Metroid series, a cornerstone of the action-adventure genre, has evolved significantly since its inception. So for anyone planning to delve into the expansive universe of Metroid games, it’s crucial to experience them in the correct order to fully appreciate the intricate storylines that tie them together.
Playing through each game chronologically allows players to witness the growth of its iconic protagonist, Samus Aran, and the sprawling galaxy she navigates.
For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, following this franchise chronologically offers a unique opportunity to understand its narrative and experience firsthand the gameplay innovations introduced in each title.
Especially with a new title, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, slated for a 2025 release, the curiosity around the franchise is at an all-time high, making it the perfect time for gamers to dive into it.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all Metroid games in chronological order. From classic 2D platformers to immersive first-person 3D adventures, this list will guide you on how to dive into each game in the right sequence.
But before that, let’s take a look at…
All the ‘Metroid’ games in release order
It’s such a long-running franchise that putting them in order of narrative and release are two drastically different things. Hence, for gamers who want to experience this franchise as each game in the series launched, here is a list of all the Metroid games in order of release:
1. Metroid
2. Metroid II: Return of Samus
3. Super Metroid
4. Metroid Fusion
5. Metroid Prime
6. Metroid: Zero Mission
7. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
8. Metroid Prime Hunters
9. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
10. Metroid: Other M
11. Metroid Prime: Federation Force
12. Metroid: Samus Returns
12. Metroid Dread
13. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
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How to play the ‘Metroid’ games in chronological order
Now that we have a Metroid games list based on the release date, let’s list them chronologically.
Metroid
Release year: 1986
Platforms: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Nintendo Switch Online, Game Boy Advance (GBA)
The first game in the Metroid series was released for the NES in 1986. It introduced gamers to the enigmatic bounty hunter Samus Aran as she explored the mysterious planet Zebes. This game laid the foundation for the series’ iconic non-linear exploration mechanics, atmospheric music, and challenging puzzle-based gameplay.
Players navigate labyrinthine environments and acquire abilities by defeating bosses. This game is also a significant title for fans, as Samus’ identity as a woman is still considered one of the most iconic moments in gaming history.
Metroid Prime
Release year: 2002, 2023 (remaster)
Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, Wii, Nintendo Switch
Metroid Prime was released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2002 and as a Remaster for Nintendo Switch in 2023. It marked the series’ transition to a first-person perspective. From the day Metroid Prime was released, the Metroid franchise was divided into two different sub-series: one was a 2D Metroid game, and the other was a 3D Metroid Prime series.
This game redefined the Metroid experience, combining exploration, puzzle-solving, and first-person combat, all in a full 3D world. Set between Metroid and Metroid II, Prime takes place on Tallon IV. Its detailed visuals, immersive atmosphere, and innovative gameplay mechanics earned it critical acclaim.
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
Release year: 2004
Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii
Retro Studios released Echoes for GameCube in 2004 as a direct sequel to Metroid Prime. This title takes Samus to a planet called Asther, where she must navigate between two separate dimensions to combat an alien race known as Ing and save another alien race known as Luminoth.
Echoes built upon the achievements of predecessors, and over that, it introduced multiplayer modes and featured a more challenging difficulty level.
Metroid Prime Hunters
Release year: 2006
Platforms: Nintendo DS
This game was released for the Nintendo DS in 2006; it brought the Metroid Prime series to a handheld console. It mainly focuses on the multiplayer experience, with Samus competing against other bounty hunters to obtain powerful artefacts.
While it has a single-player mode, it is much more condensed compared to the multiplayer offering, yet it offers an engaging adventure, leveraging DS’s unique dual-screen and touch features.
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Release year: 2007
Platforms: Nintendo Wii
The third instalment in the Metroid Prime series was released for the Nintendo Wii in 2007. This game utilised the Nintendo Wii’s motion controls and provided a much more immersive and intuitive first-person experience.
This game was set across multiple planets; it even introduced a new combat mechanic called Hypermode, which significantly increased the player’s attack power and stamina. It is a crucial feature for overcoming tougher enemies and bosses.
Metroid Prime: Federation Force
Release year: 2016
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo released Metroid Prime: Federation Force for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016. This game diverges from the traditional single-player formula by focusing on cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Instead of Samus, players control random Federation soldiers on missions to combat pirate threats.
The lack of Samus as a protagonist, this game’s bargain bin story and gameplay mechanics did not sit well with the fans, though. This game was not as much of a success as its predecessors.
Metroid Zero Mission
Release year: 2004
Platforms: Game Boy Advance
This game serves as a remake of the original game in the series, and it was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004. Developers modernised this classic with updated visuals, improved controls, and a lot of additional content, including a new post-game epilogue where Samus goes on a mission to explore the space pirate mothership.
Metroid II: Return of Samus
Release year: 1991, 2017 (remake)
Platforms: Game Boy, Nintendo 3DS (remade as Metroid: Samus Returns)
This time, Samus continued her mission, but on planet SR388. In this Game Boy title, the main objective is to exterminate the Metroid species. This was the first game in the series to introduce Spider Ball and Space Jump abilities.
It was remade years later for the Nintendo 3DS system as Metroid: Samus Returns, modernising the classic with updated visuals, a new combat ability called the melee counter, and additional lore, giving players the definitive version of Return of Samus.
Super Metroid
Release year: 1994
Platforms: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo Switch Online
Hailed as one of the best Metroid games ever and a masterpiece, Super Metroid was released for SNES in 1994. This game refined the formula of the original with a larger world, enhanced graphics, and tighter controls.
Super Metroid is also set on planet Zebes, and players rescue an infant Metroid from the clutches of space pirates. Its atmospheric design, intricate map, and memorable boss battles made it an instant classic.
Metroid: Other M
Release year: 2010
Platforms: Nintendo Wii
Released for the Nintendo Wii in 2010, Metroid: Other M offers a unique blend of third-person and first-person gameplay mechanics. This game focused on Samus’ backstory and her relationship with the Galactic Federation.
This game received mixed reviews upon launch but is remembered for delivering a unique perspective on the series with cinematic storytelling and a dynamic combat system.
Metroid Fusion
Release year: 2002
Platforms: Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Switch Online
This is a direct sequel to Super Metroid, and it was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2002. It follows Samus as she battles a parasitic organism known as X.
Metroid Fusion introduced a more linear structure compared to its predecessors, focusing more on delivering a tense atmosphere. The addition of SA-X, a doppelganger of Samus, added a whole new layer of horror to the game.
Metroid Dread
Release year: 2021
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
This marks the series’ return to its 2D roots after a very long hiatus. It is set after the events of Metroid Fusion and follows Samus as she investigates a mysterious transmission on planet ZDR.
The game introduced E.M.M.I., relentless robots that can defeat Samus in a single blow. Developed by the same developer as Samus Returns, this game brings back the melee counter and yet again provides players with a tense atmospheric environment, mixed with a compelling story.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Release year: 2025
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Announced in 2017 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be the latest game in this series. We still do not have much information on this game, beyond the fact that it’s being developed by Retro Studios and that it will be a first-person shooter.
It will be released sometime in 2025 on the Nintendo Switch, and if rumours are to be believed for its successor, Switch 2.
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(Hero and featured image credit: Nintendo)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which Metroid game should I play first?
You should start with Metroid on NES, the first game in the franchise.
– Which is the latest Metroid game?
The latest Metroid game in the series is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which will release in 2025.
