Franchise Directory

Metroid

The Metroid franchise has 11 entries. Play in Release Order for newcomers, Chronological Order for lore completionists.

11
Total Games
1986
Franchise Start
1
Delisted Count
Complex – Moderate – Simple
CIB Complexity
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OwnedYour shelfOwn#TitleYearPlatformCIBComplete In BoxCIB $WarningsFakes · Region · AudioFind / Buy
1
MetroidEssential
1986NESComplexWhat is CIB? →
2
Metroid II: Return of SamusRecommended
1991Game Boy
3
Super MetroidEssential
1994SNESModerate
⚠️
4
Metroid PrimeEssential
2002GameCubeSimple
5
Metroid FusionEssentialDELISTED
GBA games heavily counterfeited. Verify Nintendo embossing on cart back.
3DS/Wii U eShop closed.
2002GBAModerate
⚠️ Verify authenticity before buying
6
Metroid: Zero MissionRecommended
2004Game Boy Advance
7
Metroid Prime 2: EchoesRecommended
2004GameCube
8
Metroid Prime 3: CorruptionOptional
2007Wii
9
Metroid: Samus ReturnsRecommended
2017Nintendo 3DS
10
Metroid DreadEssential
2021SwitchSimple
11
Metroid Prime RemasteredRecommended
2023Nintendo Switch

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Which Metroid Games Are Essential?

Essential marks the installments that carry the spine of Metroid's main story and world-building — the ones collectors and lore-focused players treat as must-play for the core narrative. On GameOrder, Essential titles include Metroid, Metroid Dread, Metroid Fusion, Metroid Prime, and Super Metroid.

Recommended entries meaningfully enrich the franchise — strong stories, fan favorites, or connective tissue that pays off after the essentials, without being strictly required. Recommended picks here: Metroid II: Return of Samus, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Metroid Prime Remastered, Metroid: Samus Returns, and Metroid: Zero Mission.

Optional games are fair to skip for continuity; they are side paths, experiments, or lighter fare that fans can pick up when they want more, not when they need the main plot. Optional tagged titles: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.

Spinoff titles sit apart from the primary saga — different genres, timelines, or branding — and are best treated as extras after you know the heart of the series. No Spinoff tags appear on these rows.

If you enjoyed Metroid

📖 New to Metroid? Read our beginner's guide →