Metroid Dread — Review (2026): Is It Worth Playing?
Metroid Dread is a metroidvania from MercurySteam and Nintendo, released in October 2021 on Nintendo Switch. The fifth main entry in the Metroid series, continuing Metroid Fusion. The protagonist is Samus Aran, a bounty hunter exploring planet ZDR while fleeing deadly E.M.M.I. robots.
What is the game about
Samus receives a signal from planet ZDR, where the X parasites were thought destroyed. Arriving, she discovers the station is overrun and E.M.M.I. robots hunt her — invulnerable machines that kill in one hit. Samus must explore the station, find a way to fight the E.M.M.I., and uncover the planet's mystery.
Gameplay
- Metroidvania: explore an interconnected map, find upgrades, and unlock new paths.
- E.M.M.I. chases: robots are invulnerable — hide or run.
- Fluid combat: Samus can hover, shoot, and use missiles.
- Bosses: from challenging to epic battles requiring tactics.
Should you play it in 2026
Yes. Metroid Dread is the best metroidvania on Switch: tense chases, excellent combat, and beautiful graphics. If you love Hollow Knight or Castlevania — a must.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tense E.M.M.I. chases | Very difficult |
| Excellent combat | Rather short (10–12 hours) |
| Beautiful graphics | Few side quests |
FAQ
Do I need to play previous Metroid games? No, but the story connects to Fusion.
How many hours? 10–12 hours main story.
On other platforms? No, only Nintendo Switch.