View source for Software:Metroid Dread

{{Short description|2021 video game}}
{{redirect|ZDR|the term's use in meteorology|Weather radar#Polarization}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Metroid Dread
| image = Metroid Dread Banner.png
| developer = {{Unbulleted list
  | [[Company:MercurySteam|MercurySteam]]
  | Nintendo EPD
  }}
| publisher = [[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]]
| director = {{ubl|Jose Luis Márquez|Fumi Hayashi}}
| producer = Yoshio Sakamoto
| programmer = Fernando Zazo
| artist = Jorge Benedito Chicharro
| designer = {{ubl|Jose Maria Navarro Herrera|Carlos Zarzuela Sánchez|Jacobo Luengo}}
| composer = {{ubl|Kenji Yamamoto|Soshi Abe|Sayako Doi}}
| series = ''[[Software:Metroid|Metroid]]''
| platforms = [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]]
| released = October 8, 2021
| genre = Action-adventure
| modes = Single-player
| alt = Samus Aran stares at the camera in her signature pose while 7 E.M.M.I.s look at her from behind.
| caption = Digital art
}}

'''''Metroid Dread'''''{{Efn|Alternatively announced as '''''Metroid 5'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gray |first=Kate |date=2021-06-15 |title=Metroid 5 Is Coming To Switch As Metroid Dread, And It's 2D |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/06/metroid_5_is_coming_to_switch_as_metroid_dread_and_its_2d |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212181635/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/06/metroid_5_is_coming_to_switch_as_metroid_dread_and_its_2d |url-status=live}}</ref>}} is a 2021 [[Software:Action-adventure game|action-adventure game]] developed by [[Company:MercurySteam|MercurySteam]] and Nintendo EPD and published by [[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]] for the [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]] on October 8, 2021. Set after ''[[Software:Metroid Fusion|Metroid Fusion]]'' (2002), players control the bounty hunter Samus Aran as she investigates the source of a mysterious transmission on the planet ZDR. It retains the [[Software:Side-scrolling|side-scrolling]] gameplay of previous 2D ''[[Software:Metroid|Metroid]]'' games and incorporates [[Software:Stealth game|stealth]] elements.

The ''Metroid'' producer, Yoshio Sakamoto, conceived ''Dread'' for the Nintendo DS in the mid-2000s, but development ended due to technical limitations. Industry commentators expressed interest in a new 2D ''Metroid'' game, and listed ''Dread'' in their "most wanted" lists. After their work on ''[[Software:Metroid: Samus Returns]]'' (2017), Sakamoto appointed MercurySteam to develop ''Dread'', the first original side-scrolling ''Metroid'' game since ''Fusion''. It was announced at E3 2021.

''Metroid Dread'' was named one of the best games of 2021 by multiple outlets. At the Game Awards 2021, it received three nominations, including Game of the Year, winning for Best Action/Adventure Game. It became the fastest-selling ''Metroid'' game in Japan, the UK and the US, and has sold more than three million copies, making it the best-selling ''Metroid'' game.

==Gameplay==
''Metroid Dread'' is an [[Software:Action-adventure game|action-adventure game]] in which players control bounty hunter Samus Aran as she explores the planet ZDR. It retains the [[Software:Side-scrolling|side-scrolling]] gameplay of previous ''[[Software:Metroid|Metroid]]'' games, alongside the free-aim and melee attacks added in ''Samus Returns'' (2017). As the player explores, they discover new items and weapons, allowing them to access new areas.<ref name="bankhurst" /><ref name="Kotaku-2021">{{Cite web|title=''Metroid Dread'', a 2D sidescroller, gets E3 reveal|url=https://kotaku.com/nintendo-announces-metroid-dread-1847072111|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-16|website=Kotaku|date=June 15, 2021 |language=en-us|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616054712/https://kotaku.com/nintendo-announces-metroid-dread-1847072111}}</ref>

''Dread'' features [[Software:Stealth game|stealth]] mechanics, with Samus avoiding the E.M.M.I. robots in certain areas by hiding, reducing her noise, and using the Phantom Cloak, camouflage that makes her invisible but slows her movement. If an E.M.M.I. catches Samus, the player has two narrow windows in which to perform melee counters and escape. If they fail, Samus is killed. E.M.M.I.s can only be destroyed when Samus obtains the temporary "Omega Blaster" upgrade, which is lost upon using it to destroy one; destroying an E.M.M.I. however grants Samus a new permanent upgrade.<ref name="Kotaku-2021" /> Upgrades can also be found by finding Chozo statues or destroying a Core-X like in previous games. Players unlock images in an in-game gallery based on their completion time, difficulty level, and percentage of items collected.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Parks |first1=William |title=''Metroid Dread'': All 100% Completion Rewards |url=https://gamerant.com/metroid-dread-100-completion-rewards/ |website=Game Rant |access-date=October 24, 2021 |date=October 20, 2021 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022214215/https://gamerant.com/metroid-dread-100-completion-rewards/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Plot==
{{Metroid Story Order}}
The Galactic Federation receives evidence that the X, a dangerous species of parasite that can mimic any creature it infects, survives on the remote planet ZDR. They dispatch seven E.M.M.I.s (Extraplanetary Multiform Mobile Identifiers) robots to ZDR to investigate, but lose contact. The Federation sends Samus Aran to ZDR to investigate.

Underground, Samus encounters a Chozo warrior who destroys the exit, defeats her in combat and strips her suit of most of its abilities. Her ship's computer, Adam, instructs her to find another path to the surface and return to her ship. Samus is attacked by the E.M.M.I., which have been reprogrammed. She escapes and absorbs a mysterious energy from one of the planet's central units. The energy temporarily enables the Omega Blaster, with which she destroys the E.M.M.I. and regains some of her abilities. In the process, she finds that her old foe Kraid survived the destruction of planet Zebes and slays him in combat.

In Ferenia, Samus is captured by another E.M.M.I., but is saved by a Chozo named Quiet Robe, who deactivates it. Quiet Robe explains that long ago, two Chozo tribes, the scientific Thoha and warrior Mawkin, banded together to trap the Metroids on the planet SR388. The Thoha intended to destroy SR388, but Raven Beak, the Mawkin leader, wanted to use the Metroids as a bioweapon to conquer the galaxy. He slaughtered the Thoha tribe and spared Quiet Robe so the Metroids could be controlled with his Thoha D.N.A. He planned to use ZDR to house Metroids, but had to contain an infestation of the X while Samus eradicated the Metroids from SR388. Raven Beak reprogrammed the E.M.M.I.s and lured Samus to ZDR to extract the Metroid D.N.A. implanted in her during ''[[Software:Metroid Fusion|Metroid Fusion]]'', which would allow him to revive the Metroids.

Quiet Robe opens a barrier to allow Samus to progress before he is assassinated by one of Raven Beak's robotic soldiers. Adam encourages Samus to defeat Raven Beak and destroy ZDR. In Elun, Samus encounters the X parasites and inadvertently releases them into the rest of the planet. One of the X possesses Quiet Robe's corpse and reactivates the remaining E.M.M.I. robots. Samus arrives on the surface, where she is attacked by the last of the E.M.M.I. She destroys it by sapping its energy with her hand, a power her Metroid D.N.A. has granted her. As a side-effect, Samus is slowly becoming a Metroid.

On the floating fortress of Itorash, Samus confronts Raven Beak, who has been masquerading as Adam. Raven Beak reveals that he spared her before so that she would awaken her Metroid powers, at which point he would clone her to create an army of the most powerful Metroid of all. Samus battles Raven Beak and is nearly killed, but the Metroid abilities within her grant her incredible power. Samus attacks Raven Beak, draining energy from Itorash and causing it to crash into ZDR. Raven Beak is infected by an X which had possessed the previously killed Kraid's corpse earlier, and Samus uses her new-found powers to destroy the X. Samus reaches her ship as ZDR begins to self-destruct, but is warned by Adam not to use it due to her energy-draining Metroid powers. The X possessing Quiet Robe appears and allows itself to be absorbed into Samus to neutralize her Metroid abilities, allowing her to escape the planet before it explodes.

==Development==
===Nintendo DS version===
[[File:Yoshio Sakamoto - Game Developers Conference 2010 - Day 3 (2) cropped.jpg|thumb|upright|Yoshio Sakamoto at the 2010 [[Software:Game Developers Conference|Game Developers Conference]]]]
The ''[[Software:Metroid|Metroid]]'' producer, Yoshio Sakamoto, conceived ''Metroid Dread'' for the handheld Nintendo DS console.<ref name="IGN: Inside">{{cite web|last1=Bailey|first1=Kat|date=June 17, 2021|title=Inside ''Metroid Dread''{{'}}s development with producer Yoshio Sakamoto|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/yoshio-sakamoto-metroid-dread|url-status=live|access-date=June 17, 2021|website=IGN|archive-date=June 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617132151/https://www.ign.com/articles/yoshio-sakamoto-metroid-dread}}</ref> It came from the concept of having Samus followed by "dread" on an unfamiliar planet.<ref name="Ars: Brings">{{cite web |last1=Machkovech |first1=Sam |title=Metroid Dread brings Nintendo's classic back as a 2D sequel on October 8 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/06/metroid-dread-brings-nintendos-classic-back-as-a-2d-sequel-on-october-8/ |website=[[Ars Technica]] |access-date=June 17, 2021 |date=June 15, 2021 |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616190604/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/06/metroid-dread-brings-nintendos-classic-back-as-a-2d-sequel-on-october-8/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Sakamoto wanted to expand on the stealth sequences in ''[[Software:Metroid Fusion|Fusion]]'' and combine them with traditional ''Metroid'' gameplay.<ref name="IGN: Inside"/> Though he did not want ''Dread'' to be a [[Software:Horror game|horror game]], he aimed to explore "fear-based gameplay".<ref name="IGN: Inside"/>

Sakamoto attempted to have ''Dread'' developed for the DS.<ref name="dreaddev">{{cite web|date=15 June 2021|title=''Metroid Dread'' - Development history - Nintendo Switch E3 2021|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afUI8nIrGgI|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616054952/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afUI8nIrGgI|archive-date=June 16, 2021|access-date=16 June 2021|website=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name="IGN: Inside"/> A first attempt at developing the game was made around 2005.<ref name="IGN: Inside"/> The title ''Metroid Dread'' first appeared that year on an internal [[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]] software list of "key DS games set to be announced in the future",<ref name="igndread">{{cite web|title=''Metroid Dread'' Nearing Completion |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/27/metroid-dread-nearing-completion |work=IGN |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=August 27, 2007 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222212300/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/27/metroid-dread-nearing-completion |archive-date=February 22, 2014}}</ref> triggering expectation that it would appear at E3 2005 or 2006.<ref name="ign">{{cite web|title=GDC 10: Sakamoto on ''Metroid Dread'': please be patient |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/03/13/gdc-10-sakamoto-on-metroid-dread-please-be-patient |work=IGN |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=March 12, 2010 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223044143/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/03/13/gdc-10-sakamoto-on-metroid-dread-please-be-patient |archive-date=February 23, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Nintendo teases, denies existence of ''Metroid Dread''|url=https://www.wired.com/2007/09/nintendo-teases-2/ |magazine=Wired |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=September 6, 2007 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227141841/http://www.wired.com/2007/09/nintendo-teases-2/ |archive-date=December 27, 2015}}</ref><ref name="onmzab">{{cite web |title=Nintendo 2013 wish list |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/45182/nintendo-2013-wish-list/ |page=1 |work=Official Nintendo Magazine |last=Zablotny |first=Marc |date=January 1, 2013 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101081011/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/45182/nintendo-2013-wish-list/ |archive-date=January 1, 2014}}</ref> There was no public announcement at E3 2005, but a plot summary was shown to select members of the press at the event, including ''IGN'' journalist Craig Harris.<ref name="comingsoon"/> In late 2005, rumors spread that ''Metroid Dread'' had been canceled or was in [[Software:Development hell|development hell]].<ref name="onmzab" /><ref name="1up">{{cite web |title=''Metroid Dread'' cancelled? |url=http://www.1up.com/news/metroid-dread-cancelled |work=1UP.com |last=Klepek |first=Patrick |date=November 20, 2005 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222102241/http://www.1up.com/news/metroid-dread-cancelled |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> A release date of November 2006 was listed in the February issue of ''Official Nintendo Magazine''. The March issue listed a release date for 2006, with a suggestion to look to E3 2006 for further details, but the game did not appear.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 9, 2014|title=Monday Mysteries: Project STEAM or ''Metroid Dread?''|url=https://leviathyn.com/74911/monday-mysteries-project-s-t-e-m-metroid-dread/|access-date=January 8, 2021|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627214331/https://leviathyn.com/74911/monday-mysteries-project-s-t-e-m-metroid-dread/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to an episode of ''IGN''{{'}}s ''Nintendo Voice'' podcast, Nintendo "pulled the plug at the last minute" on this version of ''Dread''.<ref name="comingsoon"/>

A message reading "Experiment status report update: Metroid project 'Dread' is nearing the final stages of completion" appears in the 2007 game ''[[Software:Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]'', developed by [[Company:Retro Studios|Retro Studios]].<ref name="igndread"/> The C''orruption'' director, Mark Pacini, and the producer Bryan Walker denied any connection and said that it was coincidental.<ref name="nlife" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Totilo |first1=Stephen |title=Retro Studios Answers The Dreaded "Metroid Dread" Question -- And Other "Prime" Exclusives |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2456007/retro-studios-answers-the-dreaded-metroid-dread-question-and-other-prime-exclusives/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125220729/http://www.mtv.com/news/2456007/retro-studios-answers-the-dreaded-metroid-dread-question-and-other-prime-exclusives/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 25, 2015 |website=MTV News |access-date=October 19, 2021 |date=September 26, 2007}}</ref> The ''Wired'' writer Chris Kohler expressed skepticism over the denial. ''ComingSoon'' reported that Mike Wikan, a senior designer on ''Corruption'', stated that the reference was intended as a joke. The comment was reportedly made on the Metroid Database forums, but the original post was lost when the forums were shut down.<ref name="comingsoon">{{cite web |last1=Leri |first1=Michael |title=Metroid Dread Has Had a 16-Year-Long, Rumor-Heavy Development |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/games/features/1178471-metroid-dread-history |website=ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More |date=18 June 2021}}</ref><ref name="wired">{{cite magazine |last1=Kohler |first1=Chris |title=Retro: ''Metroid Dread'' Name Drop 'Complete And Utter Coincidence' |url=https://www.wired.com/2007/09/retro-metroid-d/ |magazine=Wired |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=October 19, 2021 |date=September 27, 2007 |archive-date=December 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208170922/https://www.wired.com/2007/09/retro-metroid-d/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In the Japanese version, released later that year, the message instead refers to a "dread class turret".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gonintendo.com/?p=37730|title=''Metroid Dread'' reference removed from Japanese version of ''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption''|website=GoNintendo|date=March 13, 2008 |access-date=January 8, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201604/https://gonintendo.com/?p=37730|url-status=live}}</ref> Fans visited Retro Studios in Texas asking for information about ''Dread''.<ref name="nlife">{{cite web |title=Random: Desperate Fans Visited Retro Studios' Building For Info On Metroid Dread |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/11/random-desperate-fans-visited-retro-studios-building-for-info-on-metroid-dread |website=Nintendo Life |date=20 November 2024}}</ref> Following the ''Corruption'' launch, Nintendo released a statement denying that a 2D Metroid game was in development.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Mike |title=Nintendo denies Metroid Dread |url=https://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=171525 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611230221/https://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=171525 |archive-date=June 11, 2008 |website=Computer and Video Games}}</ref>

A second attempt at developing ''Dread'' was made around 2008. A playable prototype was shown to [[Company:Nintendo Software Technology|Nintendo Software Technology]] and Nintendo of America staff at E3 2009. The project reportedly did not retain the ''Dread'' title at that point and had an art style similar to ''Metroid Fusion''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whitehead |first1=Thomas |title=Unseen64 digs up development insights Into ''Metroid Prime: Hunters'', ''Dread'' and ''Federation Force'' |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/07/unseen64_digs_up_development_insights_into_metroid_prime_hunters_dread_and_federation_force |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=May 5, 2020 |date=July 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125042820/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/07/unseen64_digs_up_development_insights_into_metroid_prime_hunters_dread_and_federation_force |archive-date=November 25, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The prototype did not meet Sakamoto's expectations, so development was halted.<ref name="dreaddev"/> A major reason for this was that Sakamoto's desire for an intimidating, unsettling antagonist was difficult to achieve with the DS hardware.<ref name="IGN: Inside"/>

===Later discussion===
In 2010, Sakamoto said that Nintendo would "start from scratch" if they returned to ''Dread'',<ref>{{cite web|title=Yoshio Sakamoto discusses ''Metroid 64'', ''Metroid Dread'' and the 3DS |url=http://www.gamestm.co.uk/features/yoshio-sakamoto-discusses-metroid-64-metroid-dread-and-the-unwritten-future-of-the-warioware-series/3/ |work=GamesTM |date=September 14, 2010 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213115652/http://www.gamestm.co.uk/features/yoshio-sakamoto-discusses-metroid-64-metroid-dread-and-the-unwritten-future-of-the-warioware-series/3/ |archive-date=December 13, 2013}}</ref> and said they were monitoring fan comments for interest in the project.<ref name="ign" /> In other interviews, he denied that the [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]] game ''[[Software:Metroid: Other M]]'' (2010)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Totilo |first1=Stephen |title=Nintendo: New ''Metroid'' Is NOT ''Metroid Dread'' |url=https://kotaku.com/nintendo-new-metroid-is-not-metroid-dread-5277377 |website=Kotaku |publisher=G/O Media |access-date=October 19, 2021 |date=June 3, 2009 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027015805/https://kotaku.com/nintendo-new-metroid-is-not-metroid-dread-5277377 |url-status=live}}</ref> and the Nintendo 3DS game ''[[Software:Metroid: Samus Returns]]'' (2017) were connected to ''Dread''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Campbell|first=Evan|date=June 14, 2017|title=E3 2017: ''Metroid: Samus Returns'' is not ''Metroid Dread''|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/14/e3-2017-metroid-samus-returns-is-not-metroid-dread|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615071106/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/14/e3-2017-metroid-samus-returns-is-not-metroid-dread|archive-date=June 15, 2017|access-date=June 28, 2017|work=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis}}</ref> In May 2010, ''IGN''{{'}}s Craig Harris said that the story for ''Dread'' was complete and that Nintendo could "bring it back at any time".<ref>{{cite web|website=IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/05/03/nintendo-voice-chat-podcast-episode-75 |title=Nintendo Voice Chat Podcast Episode 75 - Wii Feature at IGN |date=May 3, 2010 |first=Craig |last=Harris |access-date=May 3, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105054209/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/05/03/nintendo-voice-chat-podcast-episode-75 |archive-date=November 5, 2012}}</ref>

Critics expressed interest in ''Metroid Dread'' or a similar 2D side-scrolling ''Metroid'' project.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grant |first1=Christopher |title=''Metroid Dread'' concept is something Sakamoto 'can't say never existed' |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-03-12-metroid-dread-concept-is-something-sakamoto-cant-say-never-exi.html |website=Engadget |publisher=Verizon Media |access-date=October 19, 2021 |date=March 12, 2010 |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028171142/https://www.engadget.com/2010-03-12-metroid-dread-concept-is-something-sakamoto-cant-say-never-exi.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=E3 2012: IGN Nintendo's most wanted |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/02/e3-2012-ign-nintendos-most-wanted |work=IGN |last1=Drake |first1=Audrey |last2=George |first2=Richard |date=June 1, 2012 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223044146/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/02/e3-2012-ign-nintendos-most-wanted |archive-date=February 23, 2014}}</ref> In 2011, ''IGN'' cited ''Dread'' as a "game in danger".<ref>{{cite web|title=Life support: games in danger |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/03/31/life-support-games-in-danger |work=IGN |last=Geddes |first=Ryan |date=March 30, 2011 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423144249/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/03/31/life-support-games-in-danger?page=3 |archive-date=April 23, 2013}}</ref> K. Thor Jensen included it in his list of "video games you will never, ever play". He felt that ''Metroid: Other M'' was a disappointment and it made him nostalgic for ''Dread''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Video games you will never, ever play |url=http://www.ugo.com/games/metroid-dread |work=UGO Networks |last=Jensen |first=K. Thor |date=January 21, 2011 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101090654/http://www.ugo.com/games/metroid-dread |archive-date=January 1, 2014}}</ref> Thomas East included ''Dread'' and its apparent reference in ''Corruption'' in their list of "11 amazing ''Metroid'' facts and secrets". East added that he was hopeful for a possible 3DS release.<ref>{{cite web |title=11 amazing ''Metroid'' facts and secrets |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/37264/features/11-amazing-metroid-facts-and-secrets/ |work=Official Nintendo Magazine |page=1 |last=East |first=Thomas |date=April 20, 2012 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422005322/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/37264/features/11-amazing-metroid-facts-and-secrets/ |archive-date=April 22, 2012}}</ref>

Marc Zablotny, a writer for ''Official Nintendo Magazine'', included ''Dread'' in his 2013 wishlist, saying he was more interested in what it stood for rather than the specific game itself".<ref name="onmzab"/> Zablotny later included it in a list of "15 more Nintendo Games you never got to play" and called it one of the most infamous cancelled Nintendo games.<ref>{{cite web |title=15 more Nintendo Games you never got to play |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/54254/features/15-more-nintendo-games-you-never-got-to-play/?page=2 |work=Official Nintendo Magazine |page=2 |last=Zablotny |first=Marc |date=September 8, 2013 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101081250/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/54254/features/15-more-nintendo-games-you-never-got-to-play/?page=2 |archive-date=January 1, 2014}}</ref> Nick Chester from ''[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]'' criticized Nintendo for its focus on games such as the ''Brain Age'' series over ''Metroid''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nintendo denies ''Metroid Dread'' poppycock |url=https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-denies-metroid-dread-poppycock/ |work=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]] |last=Chester |first=Nick |date=September 6, 2007 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101072853/http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-denies-metroid-dread-poppycock-42901.phtml |archive-date=January 1, 2014}}</ref> In 2015, gaming researcher Liam Robertson investigated the subject and made contact with former ''IGN'' and ''Game Informer'' staff who had encountered the project in the 2000s. He released a video detailing his findings, some of which was corroborated by official sources when the revived ''Dread'' was revealed years later.<ref name="comingsoon"/>

===Revival on Nintendo Switch===
During Nintendo's E3 2021 Nintendo Direct presentation on June 15, Nintendo revealed ''Metroid Dread'' for [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]], with a release date of October 8, 2021.<ref name="venturebeat.com">{{Cite web|date=2021-06-15|title=''Metroid: Dread'' brings the franchise to Switch|url=https://venturebeat.com/2021/06/15/metroid-dread-brings-the-franchise-to-switch/|access-date=2021-06-15|website=VentureBeat|language=en-US|archive-date=June 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615162433/https://venturebeat.com/2021/06/15/metroid-dread-brings-the-franchise-to-switch/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Dread'' was developed by the Spanish developer [[Company:MercurySteam|MercurySteam]], the studio that developed ''Metroid: Samus Returns'', and Nintendo EPD. Sakamoto said that Nintendo revived the project after seeing what MercurySteam could do with its technology on the Switch.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sheridan|first=Connor|date=15 June 2021|title=''Metroid Dread'' release date revealed and it's a sequel to ''Metroid Fusion''|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/metroid-dread-release-date-revealed-and-its-a-sequel-to-metroid-fusion/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-15|website=GamesRadar|language=en|archive-date=June 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615163454/https://www.gamesradar.com/metroid-dread-release-date-revealed-and-its-a-sequel-to-metroid-fusion/}}</ref> ''Dread'' is the first original side-scrolling ''Metroid'' game since ''Fusion''.<ref name="IGN: Inside" /><ref name="Kotaku-2021" />

==Release==
''Metroid Dread'' was released for the [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]] on October 8, 2021.<ref name="venturebeat.com"/> The special edition included a 190-page art book, holographic art cards featuring the covers of the five 2D ''Metroid'' games, and a steelbook case.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Olivia|date=June 16, 2021|title=Metroid Dread Special Edition Includes Art Book, Cards, & Steelbook|url=https://screenrant.com/metroid-dread-special-edition-art-book-cards-steelbook/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620231125/https://screenrant.com/metroid-dread-special-edition-art-book-cards-steelbook/|archive-date=June 20, 2021|publisher=Screen Rant|access-date=March 4, 2024}}</ref> Two Amiibo figurines were released.<ref name="polygon_amiibo">{{cite web | url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/22536807/metroid-dread-samus-emmi-amiibo-nintendo-switch | title=Metroid Dread's amiibo gives Samus three helpful power-ups | work=Polygon | publisher=[[Company:Vox Media|Vox Media]] | first=Michael | last=McWhertor | date=16 June 2021 | access-date=4 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616184822/https://www.polygon.com/e3/22536807/metroid-dread-samus-emmi-amiibo-nintendo-switch | archive-date=16 June 2021 | url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 88/100<ref name="MCmd">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-dread/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Metroid Dread for Switch Reviews|work=Metacritic|publisher=Red Ventures|date=October 8, 2021|access-date=October 29, 2021|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208112520/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/metroid-dread|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Destruct = 8.5/10<ref name="DestructMD">{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Chris|url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-metroid-dread/|title=Review: Metroid Dread — The end of the Metroid saga|work=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|date=October 6, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125193846/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-metroid-dread/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| EuroG = Essential<ref name="EuroGmd">{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Martin|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-06-metroid-dread-review-a-sublime-return-for-a-nintendo-icon|title=Metroid Dread review - a sublime return for a Nintendo icon|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|date=October 6, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210012113/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-06-metroid-dread-review-a-sublime-return-for-a-nintendo-icon|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Fam = 8/10, 8/10, 9/10, 9/10<ref name="FamMD">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/43348/reviews/|title=NEW GAMES CROSS REVIEW: メトロイド ドレッド|magazine=Famitsu|issue=1714|publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage|date=October 6, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021|lang=ja|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125125241/https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/43348/reviews/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GI = 9/10<ref name="GImd">{{cite magazine|last=Reeves|first=Ben|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/metroid-dread/metroid-dread-review-astro-dreadnought|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006131335/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/metroid-dread/metroid-dread-review-astro-dreadnought|url-status=live|archive-date=October 6, 2021|title=Metroid Dread Review – Astro Dreadnought|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=[[Company:GameStop|GameStop]]|date=October 6, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8/10<ref name="GSpotMD">{{cite web|last=Petite|first=Steven|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/metroid-dread-review-space-truckin/1900-6417757/|title=Metroid Dread Review: Space Truckin'|work=GameSpot|publisher=Red Ventures|date=October 6, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021|archive-date=December 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228223606/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/metroid-dread-review-space-truckin/1900-6417757/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GRadar = 3.5/5<ref name="GRadarMD">{{cite web|last=West|first=Josh|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/metroid-dread-review/|title=Metroid Dread review: "Samus Aran is a little off her game"|work=GamesRadar+|publisher=Future plc|date=October 6, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222153713/https://www.gamesradar.com/metroid-dread-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN = 9/10<ref name="IGNmd">{{cite web|last=Claiborn|first=Samuel|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/metroid-dread-review-nintendo-switch|title=Metroid Dread Review — Tanks for the memories|work=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=October 6, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021|archive-date=February 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201190344/https://www.ign.com/articles/metroid-dread-review-nintendo-switch|url-status=live}}</ref>
| NLife = 10/10<ref name="NLifeMD">{{cite web|last=O'Reilly|first=PJ|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/metroid-dread|title=Metroid Dread Review (Switch) — And the E.M.M.I. goes to...|work=Nintendo Life|publisher=Nlife Media|date=October 6, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021|archive-date=January 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127223927/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/metroid-dread|url-status=live}}</ref>
|PCM = 4.5/5<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greenwald |first=Will |title=Metroid Dread (for Nintendo Switch) Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/metroid-dread-for-nintendo-switch |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=PCMAG |date=October 6, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=October 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025015105/https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/metroid-dread-for-nintendo-switch |url-status=live}}</ref>
| VB = 5/5<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grubb |first1=Jeff |title=Metroid Dread review — The best 2D Metroid |url=https://venturebeat.com/2021/10/13/metroid-dread-review-the-best-2d-metroid/ |website=VentureBeat |date=13 October 2021 |access-date=2 November 2021 |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309095542/https://venturebeat.com/2021/10/13/metroid-dread-review-the-best-2d-metroid/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
| NWR = 10/10<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/58647/metroid-dread-switch-review|title=Metroid Dread review - Metroid Dread (Switch) Review - The Best Metroid Ever?|date=10 October 2021|access-date=December 27, 2022|archive-date=December 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227030604/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/58647/metroid-dread-switch-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

On the review aggregator website Metacritic, ''Metroid Dread'' has a score of 88 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.<ref name="MCmd" /> Samuel Claiborn of ''IGN'' praised the boss fights, writing that they "range from the traditional big, drooling monsters with patterns and weak points to learn, to almost ''Smash Bros.''-esque encounters with enemies that mimic your move set".<ref name="IGNmd" /> Chris Carter of ''[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]'' said ''Dread'' "masterfully" executed the [[Software:Metroidvania|Metroidvania]] formula, and that it "doesn't take a lot of big swings, but it rarely bats a foul ball".<ref name="DestructMD" /> ''Nintendo Life''{{'}}s PJ O'Reilly liked the returning mechanics and the newer additions, saying "it always feels as though you've got a ton of choice in how to explore and move around your richly detailed surroundings".<ref name="NLifeMD"/> Joe Findly of ''CGMagazine'' wrote that "''Metroid Dread'' is a wonderful, modern take on a classic game from childhood".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Metroid Dread (Nintendo Switch) Review - CGMagazine|url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/metroid-dread-review/|access-date=2021-11-10|language=en-CA|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817143007/https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/metroid-dread-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''IGN'' wrote that it "brings back the legendary exploration and progression and merges it with excellent modern combat and some of the best boss fights ever".<ref>{{Citation|first=Samuel|last=Claiborn|title=Metroid Dread Review - IGN|date=October 6, 2021|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/metroid-dread-review-nintendo-switch|language=en|access-date=2021-11-10|archive-date=February 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201190344/https://www.ign.com/articles/metroid-dread-review-nintendo-switch|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Sales===
''Metroid Dread'' pre-orders topped the Amazon Video Game Best Sellers list in the US, UK, and Japan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mastro|first=Max|date=June 18, 2021|title=Metroid Dread Tops Amazon Preorder Charts|url=https://screenrant.com/metroid-dread-tops-amazon-preorder-charts/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624113034/https://screenrant.com/metroid-dread-tops-amazon-preorder-charts/|archive-date=June 24, 2021|publisher=Screen Rant|access-date=June 30, 2021}}</ref> It was also the most pre-ordered game following E3 2021 at [[Company:GameStop|GameStop]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Doolan|first=Liam|date=December 27, 2017|title=Metroid Dread Is GameStop's Top Pre-Order Following E3 2021|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/06/metroid_dread_is_gamestops_top_pre-order_following_e3_2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622160016/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/06/metroid_dread_is_gamestops_top_pre-order_following_e3_2021|archive-date=June 22, 2021|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>

''Dread'' had the highest-grossing physical launch of the franchise in the UK, debuting at number three on the weekly video games sales charts. Including digital copies, it became the fastest-selling ''[[Software:Metroid|Metroid]]'' game in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dring |first1=Christopher |title=''Metroid Dread'' is the highest-grossing Metroid game launch in UK history {{!}} UK Boxed Charts |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-10-11-metroid-dread-is-the-fastest-selling-metroid-game-in-uk-history-uk-boxed-charts |website=GamesIndustry.biz |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=October 19, 2021 |date=October 11, 2021 |archive-date=November 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111195346/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-10-11-metroid-dread-is-the-fastest-selling-metroid-game-in-uk-history-uk-boxed-charts/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In the United States, ''Dread'' debuted at #3 and sold 854,000 copies in its first month, making it the fastest-selling ''Metroid'', according to Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=2021-11-12|title=The Nintendo Switch is back on top in the US after OLED launch|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/12/22776640/nintendo-switch-oled-sales-october-2021-doug-bowser-interview|access-date=2021-11-12|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112161822/https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/12/22776640/nintendo-switch-oled-sales-october-2021-doug-bowser-interview|url-status=live}}</ref> In Japan, it debuted at number one, selling 86,798 retail copies in its first week of release.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=Famitsu Sales: 10/4/21 – 10/10/21 [Update] |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/10/famitsu-sales-10-4-21-10-10-21 |website=Gematsu |access-date=October 19, 2021 |date=October 14, 2021 |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809233234/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/10/famitsu-sales-10-4-21-10-10-21 |url-status=live}}</ref> Including digital copies, ''Dread'' outsold the life-to-date sales of nearly every ''Metroid'' game in Japan in its first week.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Andy |title=''Dread'' has already outsold nearly every ''Metroid'' game in Japan |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/dread-has-already-outsold-nearly-every-metroid-game-in-japan/ |website=VGC |publisher=1981 Media |access-date=October 19, 2021 |date=October 14, 2021 |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019111311/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/dread-has-already-outsold-nearly-every-metroid-game-in-japan/ |url-status=live}}</ref> As of December 2022, ''Dread'' had sold 3.07 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling ''Metroid'' game.<ref>{{Cite book |title=2023CESAゲーム白書 (2023 CESA Games White Papers) |publisher=Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association |year=2023 |isbn=978-4-902346-47-3}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-10 |title=It's Official, Metroid Dread Is The Best-Selling Game In The Metroid Series |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/05/its-official-metroid-dread-is-the-best-selling-game-in-the-metroid-series |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510110044/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/05/its-official-metroid-dread-is-the-best-selling-game-in-the-metroid-series |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Awards and accolades===
At the Game Awards 2021, ''Metroid Dread'' won the award for Best Action/Adventure Game.<ref name="bankhurst">{{Citation|last=Bankhurst|first=Adam|title=The Game Awards 2021 Winners: The Full List - IGN|date=December 10, 2021 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2021-winners-revealed|language=en|access-date=June 24, 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405200409/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2021-winners-revealed|archivedate=April 5, 2024}}</ref> At the Golden Joystick Awards, it won in the category Nintendo Game of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Flynn|first=Shannon|date=2021-12-05|title=5 Highlights from the Golden Joystick Awards 2021|url=https://www.vgr.com/5-highlights-from-the-golden-joystick-awards-2021/|access-date=2021-12-10|website=VGR|language=en|archive-date=June 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615145940/https://www.vgr.com/5-highlights-from-the-golden-joystick-awards-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also named Game of the Year by ''Time'' and ''[[Company:Digital Trends|Digital Trends]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/6126797/best-video-games-2021/|title=The 10 Best Video Games of 2021|magazine=Time|access-date=December 15, 2021|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225172021/https://time.com/6126797/best-video-games-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/metroid-dread-game-of-the-year/|title=Staff Picks: Why Metroid Dread is Our Game of the Year|date=December 11, 2021|website=Digital Trends|access-date=December 15, 2021|archive-date=May 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527051119/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/metroid-dread-game-of-the-year/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year !! Award !! Category !! Result !! {{Refh}}
|-
| rowspan="7" style="text-align:center;" | 2021
|-
| rowspan="2"| Golden Joystick Awards 2021
| Nintendo Game of the Year
| {{won}}
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2021-nominations/|title=Golden Joystick Awards 2021: see the full list of nominees and how to vote today|first=Ben|last=Tyrer|work=GamesRadar|date=October 19, 2021|accessdate=December 8, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019130507/https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2021-nominations/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/pc-final-fantasy-14-and-resi-village-win-big-at-golden-joystick-awards-2021/|title=PC, Final Fantasy 14 and Resi Village win big at Golden Joystick Awards 2021|first=Rich|last=Stanton|work=PC Gamer|date=November 28, 2021|accessdate=December 8, 2021|archive-date=June 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615142134/https://www.pcgamer.com/pc-final-fantasy-14-and-resi-village-win-big-at-golden-joystick-awards-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Ultimate Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="3" | The Game Awards 2021
| Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-game-awards-2021-nominees-start-time-where-to-watch|title=The Game Awards 2021: Nominees, start times, and where to watch|first=Hayden|last=Hafford|work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|date=December 7, 2021|accessdate=December 8, 2021|archive-date=December 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210004228/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-game-awards-2021-nominees-start-time-where-to-watch|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-infinite-wins-the-game-awards-player-voice-award/1100-6498789|title=Halo Infinite Wins The Game Awards Player's Voice Award|first=Otto|last=Kratky|work=GameSpot|date=December 9, 2021|accessdate=December 9, 2021|archive-date=May 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501024237/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-infinite-wins-the-game-awards-player-voice-award/1100-6498789/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Best Action/Adventure Game
| {{won}}
|-
| Players' Voice
| {{nom}}
|-
| ''Famitsu'' Dengeki Game Awards
| Best Action-Adventure Game
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCMS2GStRXU|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304053926/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCMS2GStRXU&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2022|title=ファミ通・電撃ゲームアワード2021／ゲームネタGP／スーパー野田ゲーWORLD【マヂカルラブリー/青木瑠璃子】|via=www.youtube.com}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan='12' style="text-align:center;" | 2022
|-
|25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards
| Action Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/25th_annual_dice_awards_finalists_revealed.asp|title=25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Finalists Revealed|website=www.interactive.org|access-date=January 16, 2022|archive-date=January 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113200957/https://www.interactive.org/awards/25th_annual_dice_awards_finalists_revealed.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="5" | NAVGTR Awards
| Control Design, 2D or Limited 3D
| {{won}}
| rowspan="5" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://navgtr.org/2021-winners/|title=2021 Winners &#124; NAVGTR|access-date=March 23, 2022|archive-date=February 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228144518/https://navgtr.org/2021-winners/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Control Precision
| {{won}}
|-
| Gameplay Design, Franchise
| {{won}}
|-
| Game, Franchise Action
| {{nom}}
|-
| Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
|''NME'' Awards
| Game of the Year
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/awards/winners|title=BandLab NME Awards 2022: Winners|website=NME|access-date=March 23, 2022|archive-date=April 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420135139/https://www.nme.com/awards/winners|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|18th British Academy Games Awards
| EE Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2022/games/ee-game-of-the-year|title=2022 Games EE Game of the Year &#124; BAFTA Awards|website=awards.bafta.org|access-date=March 23, 2022|archive-date=May 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501024231/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2022/games/ee-game-of-the-year|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[Tom's Hardware#Related publications|Tom's Guide Awards 2022]]
| Best Switch Game
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tomsguide.com/news/toms-guide-awards-2022-gaming|title=Tom's Guide Awards 2022: Our favorite gaming hardware and software this year|first1=Marshall|last1=Honorof|date=July 19, 2022|website=Tom's Guide|access-date=July 20, 2022|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817143010/https://www.tomsguide.com/news/toms-guide-awards-2022-gaming|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

== Notes ==
{{notelist|30em}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{official website|https://metroid.nintendo.com}}

{{Metroid series}}
{{MercurySteam}}

[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional planets]]

{{Sourceattribution|Metroid Dread}}