Metroid Series

Metroid series – what makes it legendary?

The Metroid series is a genre-defining action-adventure franchise developed by Nintendo, featuring spacefaring bounty hunter Samus Aran. Known for its moody environments, non-linear exploration, and a minimalistic but powerful narrative style, Metroid helped pioneer the “Metroidvania” genre.

The series blends platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat, focusing on backtracking and unlocking new areas as you gain abilities. Over the years, the game franchise has expanded into both 2D and 3D titles, with a deep game timeline that explores the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, parasitic lifeforms, and intergalactic warfare.

When did the Metroid games first appear?

The first Metroid debuted on the NES in 1986, instantly setting itself apart with a dark tone and open-ended gameplay rarely seen at the time. Since then, the game series has continued across nearly every Nintendo console, evolving in design and scope while staying true to its isolated, exploration-heavy roots.

How many Metroid games are there?

There are over a dozen titles in the Metroid game franchise, spanning multiple timelines, remakes, and spin-offs. Below is the Metroid game series in order of release (main entries only):

1. Metroid (1986 – NES)
2. Metroid II: Return of Samus (1991 – Game Boy)
3. Super Metroid (1994 – SNES)
4. Metroid Fusion (2002 – GBA)
5. Metroid Prime (2002 – GameCube)
6. Metroid: Zero Mission (2004 – GBA, remake of Metroid 1)
7. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (2004 – GameCube)
8. Metroid Prime Pinball (2005)
9. Metroid Prime Hunters (2006 – DS)
10. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (2007 – Wii)
11. Metroid: Other M (2010 – Wii)
12. Metroid Prime: Federation Force (2016 – 3DS, spin-off)
13. Metroid: Samus Returns (2017 – 3DS, remake of Metroid II)
14. Metroid Dread (2021 – Switch)
15. Metroid Prime Remastered (2023 – Switch)
16. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

What is the best way to play the Super Metroid games?

For the most cohesive narrative experience, it's best to play the games based on the chronological timeline of the in-universe events rather than their release order. Here’s the full game series in order by story:

Chronological Metroid timeline:

1. Metroid / Zero Mission – Samus takes on the Space Pirates on planet Zebes
2. Metroid Prime
3. Metroid Prime: Hunters
4. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
5. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
6. Metroid Prime 4 (upcoming)
7. Metroid II / Samus Returns – Samus’s mission to exterminate the Metroids
8. Super Metroid – Return to Zebes and showdown with Mother Brain
9. Metroid Fusion – Samus is infected by the X Parasite and undergoes transformation
10. Metroid Dread – Direct sequel to Fusion, concludes a major arc

Metroid: Other M is placed between Super Metroid and Fusion, but it's often considered a side narrative and is debated among fans in terms of canonicity.

The best Metroid games

Super Metroid (1994) is widely regarded as one of the greatest 2D games ever made and a benchmark for the Metroidvania genre. Metroid Prime (2002) successfully brought the series into 3D while maintaining its identity, and Metroid Dread (2021) revitalized the franchise with intense action, smooth controls, and high-stakes story developments.

Zero Mission and Samus Returns are excellent remakes that modernize the older titles, making them ideal for newcomers who want to play through the timeline with a modern feel.

Who are the most iconic Metroid characters?

The Metroid game franchise is centered around Samus Aran, one of gaming’s earliest and most enduring female protagonists. She’s known for her independence, strength, and quiet resolve, often facing threats alone in hostile alien worlds.

Other notable figures include:

• Ridley – Samus’s long-time nemesis
• Mother Brain – The AI leader of the Space Pirates
• The Chozo – An ancient alien race tied to Samus’s origin
• SA-X – A terrifying clone antagonist in Fusion
• Raven Beak – The central villain in Metroid Dread

What’s next for the Metroid Prime franchise?

The future looks bright for the series, the upcoming Metroid Prime 4 is actively in development and will continue the Prime saga’s timeline. After the success of Dread and Prime Remastered, the franchise is seeing a major resurgence.

Nintendo is also expected to revisit earlier entries, potentially remastering Prime 2 and 3, or even creating more 2D titles in the same style as Dread. Whether you're new to the series or returning after years, now is a great time to dive back into it. If you want to get notified about any announcements, check out our gaming news section and stay up to date.