Where to Start · Star Fox
Where to Start with Star Fox
Star Fox is Nintendo's rail shooter franchise running since 1993 following Fox McCloud and his mercenary team — Falco, Peppy, and Slippy — defending the Lylat System from the mad scientist Andross. The series defined the on-rails space shooter genre and produced one of the most beloved N64 games of all time in Star Fox 64. The franchise has struggled to find consistent direction since — adventures, remakes, and Wii U experiments — but the core games remain exceptional and the series is long overdue a revival.
There are only a handful of essential entries and the best ones are short enough to complete in a single sitting.
If you only play one Star Fox game
Play Star Fox 64 (also called Lylat Wars outside North America). It is the definitive Star Fox experience — tight on-rails shooting across multiple branching routes, memorable boss fights, the Corneria level you will replay dozens of times, and the most quotable dialogue in Nintendo history. Do a barrel roll. Star Fox 64 3D on Nintendo 3DS is the recommended modern version with improved visuals and gyroscope controls. The original N64 version is on Nintendo Switch Online (N64 library) and equally valid.
The original Star Fox
Star Fox (1993) on SNES is where the franchise began — the Super FX chip generating wireframe polygonal graphics that were revolutionary at the time. The original is historically important and playable today via Nintendo Switch Online (SNES library). It is shorter and simpler than Star Fox 64 but the foundation of everything that followed. Play Star Fox 64 first, then return to the original for historical context.
Star Fox 64 — the branching routes
Star Fox 64's genius is its branching path system — the route you take through the Lylat System changes based on how you perform in each stage. The easy path runs through Corneria, Meteo, Fortuna, Sector X, Bolse, Area 6, and Venom. The expert path branches through Sector Y, Aquas, Zoness, Macbeth, and more. A complete playthrough takes 45 minutes but seeing every route requires multiple runs. The medal system — hitting kill count thresholds in each stage — unlocks Expert Mode. Star Fox 64 has more replayability than its short runtime suggests.
Regional title — Lylat Wars is the same cartridge as Star Fox 64 in PAL territories — shop listings and nostalgia threads use both names interchangeably.
Star Fox Adventures — the departure
Star Fox Adventures (2002, GameCube) is an action-adventure game rather than a rail shooter — Fox McCloud on foot exploring dinosaur planet Sauria. Developed by Rare (originally as a different game called Dinosaur Planet), Adventures is a solid action-adventure that happened to have Star Fox characters inserted. It is the most divisive entry in the franchise. Worth playing after Star Fox 64 if the adventure game format appeals, but do not start here expecting the shooting formula.
Star Fox Assault and Command
Star Fox Assault (2005, GameCube) combines rail shooting with on-foot and Arwing combat in an interesting hybrid that mostly works. The multiplayer is surprisingly deep. Star Fox Command (2006, DS) uses touchscreen controls and a strategy layer between missions. Both are worth playing for series completionists — Assault in particular has a devoted fanbase who consider it underrated.
Star Fox Zero
Star Fox Zero (2016, Wii U) is the most controversial entry — a reimagining of Star Fox 64 with dual-screen Wii U GamePad controls that divided players sharply. The gyroscope aiming is the sticking point — some players find it intuitive, most find it a barrier. If you have a Wii U, it is worth trying. The underlying game is a solid Star Fox experience underneath the control controversy.
What platforms you need
Star Fox 64 3D — Nintendo 3DS physical (3DS eShop closed March 2023, physical copy required). Star Fox 64 original — Nintendo Switch Online (N64 library). Original Star Fox — Nintendo Switch Online (SNES library). Star Fox Adventures — GameCube physical. Star Fox Assault — GameCube physical. Star Fox Zero — Wii U physical.
Recommended order
Star Fox 64 (Switch Online or 3DS) first — it is the peak and the correct starting point. Original Star Fox for historical context. Adventures if you want the action-adventure entry. Assault for the hybrid experience. Zero if you have a Wii U and patience for the controls. Command last — the DS touchscreen format is the least accessible today.