Metroid Games in Chronological & Release Order

Chronological Order (In-Universe Timeline)

1. Metroid Prime (2002) – Prequel, ~50 years before original Metroid. Phazon crisis on Tallon IV.
2. Metroid (1986) / Metroid: Zero Mission (2004 remake) – Samus's first mission on Zebes. Destroys Mother Brain.
3. Metroid II: Return of Samus (1991) / Samus Returns (2017 remake) – Eradicates Metroids on SR388. Spares hatchling.
4. Super Metroid (1994) – Hatchling stolen; Samus returns to Zebes. Mother Brain destroyed again.
5. Metroid Fusion (2002) – X Parasite threat on BSL Station. Samus gets Metroid DNA vaccine.
6. Metroid: Other M (2010) – Post-Fusion. Explores Samus's past with Adam Malkovich. Controversial narrative.
7. Metroid Dread (2021) – Post-Other M. E.M.M.I. robots, X Parasite return, Chozo lore.

Release Order

1. Metroid (1986, NES)
2. Metroid II: Return of Samus (1991, GB)
3. Super Metroid (1994, SNES)
4. Metroid Fusion (2002, GBA)
5. Metroid Prime (2002, GCN)
6. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (2004, GCN)
7. Metroid Prime Hunters (2006, DS)
8. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (2007, Wii)
9. Metroid: Other M (2010, Wii)
10. Metroid: Samus Returns (2017, 3DS) – Remake of Metroid II
11. Metroid Dread (2021, Switch)

Notes

• The Prime trilogy is often considered a sub-series but is canon.
• Metroid: Zero Mission retcons the original NES game; play it instead.
• Samus Returns replaces Metroid II in modern playthroughs.
• Timeline placement of Other M and Prime details are debated by fans.