Metroid Dread

, also known as Metroid 5, is a science-fiction action-adventure game in the Metroid series, developed by MercurySteam. It is their second Metroid game after Metroid: Samus Returns (2017). It was released on October 8, 2021Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "While Samus is facing some strong new threats, she is the only bounty hunter in the universe fit for such a challenge. There will be more #MetroidDread news to share in the near future, so look forward to the game’s release on 10/8! ¶ http://ninten.do/6011nG3MH" 16 June 2021 11:30 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1405185917606936585Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "Samus’ next 2D adventure, #MetroidDread, launches October 8 on #NintendoSwitch! Don’t forget to learn more about the history of the series in the latest Metroid Dread report:" https://t.co/CPtiT2k3GE?amp=1 6 August 2021 10:00 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1423645066447441921Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "Before #MetroidDread invades #NintendoSwitch systems next week, how fast do you think you can conquer Mother Brain in #SuperMetroid? See if you’re faster than your friends by posting a screenshot of your game completion time, and don’t forget to tag #NintendoConquerorsClub!" 1 October 2021 2:00 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1443999161209298944Enric Alvarez (Enric_Alvarez). "Just One Week. Can you believe it?" 1 October 2021 3:13 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/Enric_Alvarez/status/1443836543257489442 for Nintendo Switch. A direct sequel to Metroid Fusion, Dread was planned since 2005 for the Nintendo DS, but cancelled because of technical limitations. It lingered in development hell for 15 years until it was revived following the success of Samus Returns.Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "It’s been 19 long years... ¶ Here's a look at the box art for #MetroidDread, coming to #NintendoSwitch on 10/8! ¶ Pre-order: http://metroid.nintendo.com" 16 June 2021 4:37 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1405263266234855425 Metroid Dread sold 3 million copies worldwide by August 2023, becoming the best-selling Metroid game and surpassing Metroid Prime.
==Plot==
Following the events of Fusion, it was thought that all X Parasites had been eradicated following the destruction of SR388. However, the Galactic Federation receives video footage from an unknown sender that shows an X Parasite out in the open. The footage was traced to a planet called ZDR. The Galactic Federation dispatched a unit of seven E.M.M.I, made from the "strongest stuff in the universe" to investigate the presence of the X on ZDR. Unfortunately, the Federation lost contact with the E.M.M.I soon after arrival. As the only being in the universe with immunity against the X Parasites, Samus Aran is hired to investigate ZDR.
Soon after arriving on ZDR, Samus encounters a hostile, living Chozo (who previously appeared in the Chozo Memories of Metroid: Samus Returns) in Artaria, deep underneath the planet. The Chozo attacks Samus, completely shrugging off all of her attacks save for a Super Missile hit, which leaves a small crack in his faceplate. The Chozo overpowers Samus, causing an unknown power within her to awaken. Samus regains consciousness without her power-ups and with her access to the surface of ZDR destroyed. She is prevented from radioing ADAM by undergound interference and is only able to contact him at Network Stations. As she explores the planet in search of a way back to her ship, Samus finds the E.M.M.I. robots, which have gone rogue and now seek to extract her DNA. Discovering that she can harness the power of Central Units, Samus begins to hunt down each E.M.M.I., acquiring and reacquiring new abilities as she does so. She also encounters Kraid, previously thought to have died in the destruction of Zebes, among other fiendish creatures.
While exploring Ferenia, a region with Chozo ruins, Samus discovers hieroglyphs depicting the Chozo that attacked her, and her hand briefly surges with power. She is then ambushed by a purple E.M.M.I., who is soon deactivated by a benevolent Chozo named Quiet Robe. Quiet Robe greets Samus and tells her that the Chozo who attacked her - Raven Beak - leads the Mawkin, a warrior tribe of the Chozo that massacred the Thoha, the scientist tribe that created the Metroids, in order to prevent them from destroying the planet; the Mawkin had previously cooperated with the Thoha to contain the Metroids but betrayed them when Raven Beak sought to take the Metroids for himself. Quiet Robe was the sole survivor, taken captive in order to work for the Mawkin. The Mawkin planned to return to SR388 following their massacre, but one soldier in Raven Beak's battalion was secretly an X, and it infected the other soldiers before being contained by Raven Beak. By the time the infection was contained, Samus had wiped out the Metroids. Quiet Robe explains that Raven Beak hacked the E.M.M.I. and commanded them to extract Samus's Metroid DNA so that he could resurrect the Metroids for galactic domination. Quiet Robe deactivates the remaining three E.M.M.I. and opens a path for Samus, but is killed by a Robot Chozo Soldier, which Samus then destroys.
Entering Elun, Samus discovers the X Parasites, which Raven Beak releases into ZDR, infecting all life on the planet. One X infects Quiet Robe, who reactivates the remaining E.M.M.I. Samus approaches Hanubia, the surface of ZDR, and is attacked by the final E.M.M.I. She experiences the power surge once more and completely siphons the E.M.M.I. of its energy, which destroys its Central Unit as well. In a following conversation in a Network Station, ADAM realizes that Samus has awakened Metroid powers.
When Samus infilitrates Raven Beak's aerial fortress, Itorash, ADAM states that Samus is becoming a Metroid and reveals that the Chozo DNA Samus received as a child was donated by a Thoha and a Mawkin, with her Thoha genes slowing her Metroid transformation and her Mawkin genes responsible for her superior physical prowess. He suggests that Raven Beak's attack awakened her Metroid genes, since the Metroids were programmed to identify the Mawkin as enemies. Finally, he warns Samus that she has become a "threat to the galaxy" and tells her to submit to him. However, Samus sees through this deception and attacks, revealing Raven Beak, who has been impersonating ADAM all along. Raven Beak tells Samus that her Mawkin DNA came from him, making her his "daughter".
Samus and Raven Beak engage in a fierce battle, but Raven Beak overpowers her once again. As he strangles Samus, Raven Beak explains that he now intends to create an army of clones of Samus, now the most powerful Metroid of all. Suddenly, Samus's suit metamorphosizes into a Metroid-like armor, and she, revitalized and having gone completely berserk, drains Raven Beak of his energy through the crack in his faceplate. Itorash, having also being drained of energy, crashes onto the surface of ZDR. The two survive, but Raven Beak is infected by an X Parasite that turns him into the monstrous Raven Beak X. Samus destroys Raven Beak X and the X Parasite within him, then races back to her Gunship to escape the exploding planet. However, Samus finds herself unable to pilot her ship without draining its energy. The X-infected Quiet Robe appears behind her and allows her to absorb his X form. Quiet Robe's Thoha genes allow Samus to stabilize her powers and revert her suit, allowing her to safely pilot her ship off the planet.
Collecting items will unlock Chozo Archives, similar to the Chozo Memories of Samus Returns, which show the background of Raven Beak and Quiet Robe.
==Gameplay==
New to the series, Samus can use the Spider Magnet to hang on to and scale magnetic surfaces, and the Aeion ability Phantom Cloak renders her temporarily invisible.Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "Samus may be outnumbered, but the fearless heroine has new moves and tactics at her disposal to battle hostile creatures and the relentless E.M.M.I. as she takes on her mission at ZDR. #MetroidDread" 16 June 2021 11:16 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1405182404952825856/photo/1Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "Samus can aim in any direction, grab ledges, and will be able to make it through tight spaces quickly with her new slide move. Also, with the Spider Magnet, she can move and shoot freely while hanging onto specific walls and ceilings." 16 June 2021 11:18 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1405182905794678786 The latter is useful against the E.M.M.I., which pursue Samus relentlessly throughout the game. The Free Aim and Melee Counter mechanics from Samus Returns are retained, now being usable while Samus moves. Samus's movement speed in Dread was described as faster than any other previous Metroid game,Jarop. "Metroid Dread producer on the game’s difficulty". Nintendo Everything. January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022. although her fastest running speed was in Metroid: Other M. Aeion returns from Metroid: Samus Returns, and now auto-regenerates instead of having to be replenished with Aeion Orbs.
Regarding the game's difficulty, Yoshio Sakamoto said that the E.M.M.I. sequences were heavily play-tested to find the right balance between challenge and fairness, ensuring that players would be able to adapt to the situation every time they died; otherwise, easier E.M.M.I. chases would take away from the game's core component of "dread". Enemies now have an "alert" mode that triggers when they are shot at by Samus while she is out of their sight. They will move faster for a short while before returning to a docile state.Looygi Bros. "12 Cool Details in Metroid Dread (Part 9)". YouTube. February 1, 2022. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
The computerized Adam Malkovich returns in this game as a provider of gameplay hints and story-related information. Samus is able to interface with him via Network Stations. He does not give Samus orders or objectives like he did in Metroid: Other M and Metroid Fusion. A Mission Log on the Pause Screen allows access to a record of events and tutorials.
==Release==
The game was released on October 8, 2021.Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "#MetroidDread is coming. ¶ We’re taking a closer look at the legendary bounty hunter Samus Aran’s upcoming adventure. Stalked by a seemingly invulnerable threat, can she overcome the threat plaguing the planet ZDR? ¶ https://metroid.nintendo.com" 16 June 2021 11:10 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1405181060606873601MercurySteam (mercurysteam). "Explore the planet ZDR and feel the Dread. The latest adventure of Samus Aran is out now!" 8 October 2021 9:38 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/mercurysteam/status/1446469998248071180 Amiibo of Samus in her new suit and an E.M.M.I. were also released alongside the game, which grant an extra Energy and Missile Tank respectively, and can be tapped again once per day to partially restore energy and Missile Ammo.Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "Have an early look at the #MetroidDread Samus and E.M.M.I. #amiibo figures, releasing alongside the game on 10/8!" 15 June 2021 12:20 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1404836197382328320 Due to logistics issues, Nintendo announced on September 22 that the amiibo's release in Europe and the United Kingdom would be delayed to November 5th.Nintendo of Europe (NintendoEurope). "These #amiibo featuring Samus Aran and an E.M.M.I. from #MetroidDread are now available from select retailers!" 5 November 2021 7:00 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoEurope/status/1456577034700865537 However, the game still launched on October 8th.Nintendo of Europe (NintendoEurope). "Due to unforeseen shipping delays, the Metroid Dread amiibo 2-pack is now scheduled to launch across the UK and Europe on November 5th. Metroid Dread will still launch for Nintendo Switch on October 8th as originally scheduled. We apologise for the delay." 22 September 2021 6:00 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoEurope/status/1440616880381718535
The previously released Super Smash Bros. amiibo of Samus, Dark Samus and Ridley also work with this game, restoring energy and Missile Ammo once per day.Nintendo UK (NintendoUK). "Prepare for Metroid Dread with Metroid amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. collection. Using Samus once a day will replenish life energy, while Dark Samus and Ridley will replenish your missile ammo! Available now on My Nintendo Store! ¶ 🛒 https://store.nintendo.co.uk/en_gb/games/enhance-your-play/amiibo/" 4 October 2021 12:03 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/1445056996428898309
Dread was reported to be the most preordered game at GameStop in the week following E3, beating even The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.Darren. Shinesparkers. "Metroid Dread is Gamestop’s most pre-ordered title post-E3" 23 June 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021. https://shinesparkers.net/metroid-dread-is-gamestops-most-pre-ordered-title-post-e3/Portis, Danielle. GamesIndustry.biz. "GameStop unveils top 10 pre-orders after E3" 22 June 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-06-22-gamestop-unveils-top-10-pre-orders-after-e3 GameStop offered an Exclusive Pin Set with pins of Samus and an E.M.M.I. for preordering the game through their store.GameStop (GameStop). "Suit up as Samus Aran in the first new entry of the 2D Metroid saga in more than 19 years, AND show off your love for the series with this Exclusive Pin Set with purchase! https://bddy.me/3BM671V" 26 July 2021 4:00 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/GameStop/status/1419749402609078275
A free demo was released onto the eShop on October 28, 2021.
===Marketing===
Metroid Dread had a significant marketing campaign online, on television and in billboard advertisements around the world. Various Nintendo social media accounts, in particular on Twitter, promoted the game before and after release.Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "How’s blasting through Planet ZDR so far? #MetroidDread" ¶ http://ninten.do/6019XtA47" 12 October 2021 12:30 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1447962802224783360
MyNintendo announced on October 1 that it would be offering a holographic foil poster set as a reward. The set was restocked on October 19, 2021Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "Metroid fans rejoice! Our #MyNintendo #MetroidDread Holographic Poster Set is now restocked! ¶ My Nintendo members can redeem 1000 Platinum Points to get this poster set. http://ninten.do/6011XF27l" 19 October 2021 1:30 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1450514590522036225 and again on October 7, 2022, a year to the day of the game's release.Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "It's been almost one year since the Metroid Dread game launched. My Nintendo is celebrating with a restock of the popular Metroid Dread Holographic Poster Set reward! Act fast—supplies are limited! https://my.nintendo.com/news/aadd41636c7ee14a" 7 October 2022 6:00 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1578505449674264576 They also held a sweepstakes to win a prize pack that consists of a Dread-branded Nintendo Switch case and Pro Controller (from PowerA Gaming), hoodie (from Fifth Sun) and 20x24 metal sublimation print. Digital wallpapers are also available from MyNintendo.Nintendo of Europe (NintendoEurope). Feel the dread of Samus Aran’s latest mission with a range of Metroid Dread wallpapers for PC and smart device, now available as My Nintendo rewards! ¶ Get yours now: https://my.nintendo.com/reward_categories/media" 23 October 2021 9:00 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoEurope/status/1451896357803921415 The controller, case and hoodie can be also purchased.Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "Ready to suit up as intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran and battle your way out of Planet ZDR? Enter for a chance to win an out-of-this-world Metroid prize pack in the My Nintendo #MetroidDread Sweepstakes! ¶ Learn More: http://ninten.do/6013Xi0FU" 1 October 2021 4:30 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1444036911589466121 On December 13, 2021, a pin set was added to My Nintendo Europe, featuring two stainless steel Samus and E.M.M.I. pins in a decorative box with a viewing window. The price is 500 Platinum Points, as well as a small shipping fee.Nintendo Players UK (NintendoPlayUK). "🎁 #MetroidDread Pin Set added to #MyNintendo Rewards in Europe. 500 Platinum Points plus £1.99 shipping. ¶ Features two stainless steel pins for #Samus and #EMMI packaged in a decorative box with a viewing window. ¶ 🛒 https://my.nintendo.com/rewards/c2ca699754edd546" 13 December 2021 12:01 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoPlayUK/status/1470438629529079809
On October 7, 2021, Nintendo of America and Japan held a Bounty Hunter Challenge, in which nine American and eight Twitch streamers were given 90 minutes to play Dread from the start, earning up to five stars depending on how far they progressed. The American streamers were Nick Eh 30Luminosity Gaming (Luminosity). "#ad Are you ready for the launch of #MetroidDread? @NickEh30 will be among the first to play the game, taking part in the Metroid Dread Bounty Hunter Challenge on Twitch. See how far he can progress in 90 minutes! ¶ Tune in on 10/7 at 11:30 a.m. EST http://twitch.tv/NickEh30" 6 October 2021 8:05 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/Luminosity/status/1445902955354501121, Elspeth, HelloMeganLee, JohnEAwesome, Trisha Hershberger, The Jovenshire, AyChristeneAyChristene (AyChristene). "Doing the Metroid Dread Bounty Hunter Challenge | Metroid Dread @NintendoAmerica live on twitch and Youtube #MetroidDread" 7 October 2021 7:48 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/AyChristene/status/1446261056037343233AyChristeneGames. "Metroid Dread Bounty Hunter Challenge | Metroid Dread" YouTube. October 7, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2022., runJDrun and The Completionist. Players who defeated E.M.M.I.-01P were given one star, and two if they defeated E.M.M.I.-02SM, three if they defeated Corpius, four if they reached the Cataris E.M.M.I. Zone and five if they reached Dairon. Only JohnEAwesome and The Completionist attained five stars, while Nick Eh 30 and runJDrun earned three, and the rest earned only one.
The eight Japanese players were Sasaki SakuSasaki Saku. "【メトロイド ドレッド】新作メトロイドを先行プレイやよ！【にじさんじ/笹木咲】". YouTube. October 7, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2022., Shakafps_shaka. "2021年10月7日：【提供】メトロイド ドレッド バウンティハンターチャレンジする (Metroid Dread)". October 7, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2022., ShutonShuton. "スマブラプレイヤーがメトロイド ドレッドを発売前先行プレイ！". YouTube. October 7, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2022., HanjouHanjou Channel. "任天堂新作ゲームを発売前にプレイ！【メトロイドドレッド】". YouTube. October 7, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2022., HikakinGamesHikakinGames. "メトロイド ドレッド初見プレイ！1時間30分でコルピウスを倒せるか!?【MetroidDread】【ヒカキンゲームズ】【Nintendo Switch】【ニンテンドースイッチ】". YouTube. October 7, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2022., PockyPocky. "「探索と恐怖」かつてない絶望を味わえるゲーム【 メトロイドドレッド 先行プレイ 】". YouTube. October 7, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2022., Company ConstructionCompany Construction (社築). "【メトロイド ドレッド】任天堂さんからのミッションを全クリアする！！【にじさんじ/社築】". YouTube. October 7, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2022. and Repchin.Repchin. "メトロイドの新作を先行体験で遊ぶ！【メトロイド ドレッド】". YouTube. October 7, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2022. Repchin was able to reach Dairon, earning five stars.
Nintendo UK held a sweepstakes a few days before the game's release date in October 2021. Fans were encouraged to share their memories of playing past Metroid games on Twitter with the hashtag #MetroidMemories for a chance to win a Dread prize pack that included a mousepad, T-shirt, notebook, double sided poster, keyring and sticker sheet.Nintendo UK (NintendoUK). What are your favourite memories of the Metroid series? Let us know using #MetroidMemories for a chance to win some Metroid Dread goodies! ¶ All info: https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2021/October/Share-your-favourite-MetroidMemories-with-us-for-a-chance-to-win-some-Metroid-Dread-goodies--2052290.html" 4 October 2021 11:25 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/1445047404487749635
From February 9 to 28, 2022, players could earn up to 10% in My Nintendo Gold Points on select digital games, including Dread, by purchasing or redeeming a download code for the digital version of the game or other titles.Special Offer for My Nintendo Members!: "For a limited time, you can earn double the My Nintendo Gold Points on select digital games, including the Metroid Dread game! That means you can earn up to 10% in Gold Points*—which you can then use toward your next eligible digital game or DLC. ¶ For more information about Gold Points, visit https://my.nintendo.com/about_gold_point". ¶ "*Gold Points are awarded based on the amount you pay (excluding tax and any points or discounts used) and have no cash value. A Nintendo Account is required to receive and redeem My Nintendo points. Terms apply. ¶ Offer valid through 2/28 11:59 p.m. PT when you purchase or redeem a download code for the digital version of Metroid™ Dread, Game Builder Garage™, New Pokémon Snap™, Mario Golf™: Super Rush, Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate, or The Legend of Zelda™: Skyward Sword HD on Nintendo eShop or Nintendo.com." metroid.nintendo.com. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 18, 2022. https://metroid.nintendo.com/news/metroid-dread-update/
One day after the June 18, 2024 Nintendo Direct, which unveiled Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Dread and Metroid Prime Remastered were put on sale worldwide for 30 and 15% off, respectively.Shinesparkers. Metroid Dread and Metroid Prime Remastered are now on sale worldwide. June 19, 2024. https://shinesparkers.net/metroid-dread-and-metroid-prime-remastered-are-now-on-sale-worldwide/
===Special Edition===
A Special Edition of Dread was released. Its contents include a SteelBook case, a regular case (in which a physical cartridge is stored), a 190 page hardcover art book, and art cards that depict the key art of Dread and the first four games in the 2D Metroid saga, with the art being region dependent.Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "Check out the #MetroidDread: Special Edition also releasing on 10/8, which includes the game, a steel game case, artbook, and art cards covering all 5 games in the 2D saga!" 15 June 2021 12:23 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1404836937672888322Nintendo UK (NintendoUK). "A Metroid Dread Special Edition is available to pre-order on My Nintendo Store now. It includes the game, a SteelBook® case, a 190-page 2D Metroid franchise artbook and five holographic art cards. 🛒 https://store.nintendo.co.uk/en_gb/metroid-dread.html" 16 June 2021 5:36 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/1405096982704758788 The cards also feature an emblem in the shape of Samus's Visor in each respective game, and the console on which the game was originally released. The Special Edition was more widely available leading up to release in the United Kingdom, but was beset by scalping in North America.
==Development==
===2005-2006===
Metroid Dread was first announced in the June 2005 issue of Game Informer, and further details emerged on the magazine's online forums. According to the forum moderators, the game was a 2D side-scroller being developed for the Nintendo DS, with its plot following the events of Metroid Fusion.
On September 19, 2005, IGN reported that Metroid Dread was being developed but would not be formally announced for some time. Nintendo had neither confirmed nor denied its existence. On February 17, 2006, Official Nintendo Magazine listed Metroid Dread as having a possible release date in November 2006. However, on March 16, 2006, in the second issue of the magazine, the game was marked with a vague 2006 release date. It was also listed for release in 2006 in the April, May and June 2006 issues of the magazine, but disappeared from the schedule in the July 2006 issue. The April 2006 issue stated:
On October 7, 2005, the Nintendo-Next website reported that the game was cancelled without giving a source. However, on March 23, 2006, the website N-Sider reported that IGN editor Craig Harris was asked about Metroid Dread, who stated that it was too early to show Dread at E3 2005, but that it could be shown later that year. 
===Metroid Prime 3: Corruption reference===
On August 27, 2007, IGN discovered a scannable Space Pirate log from a terminal in the Metroid Processing room, on the Pirate Homeworld. The message stated:
The adjacent terminal states that the project had failed:
Fans were led to believe that these messages were a reference to Metroid Dread and indicated the game had been cancelled, but on September 6, 2007, Nintendo denied the existence of Dread and said "Nintendo is not making the 2D Metroid at this point in time". While Retro Studios developers stated that the reference was a coincidence, Mike Wikan later admitted that it was a joke.Monnens, Devin "CapCom" (2012, June 21). "Where is Metroid Dread?" [Msg 12] Message posted to http://www.metroiddatabase.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=169869&sid=06c720bd8f48f75e0cc6156a55f0bef7#p169869 (dead link, see here for the post)
The Metroid Dread reference was removed in the Japanese version of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption only. It now reads:
Bryan Walker later insisted that the Corruption reference to Dread was a coincidence. He stated that Nintendo and Shigeru Miyamoto had "pretty strict rules" against adding easter eggs into games, and Retro Studios was not privy to the status of any 2D Metroid games in development. He also stated that he knew who added the Dread reference to Metroid Processing.DidYouKnowGaming?. "The Untold History of Metroid Dread: Rumors, Missteps & Rebirth" (2:32 and 4:37). YouTube. January 2, 2022. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
===2010-2018===
Yoshio Sakamoto revealed that the game did exist at one point and stated that if he were to return to it, he would prefer to "reset the situation at once and start from scratch." 
On the May 3, 2010, 75th episode of IGN's Nintendo Voice Chat Podcast, editor Craig Harris confirmed that the story for Dread was fully written and he had seen it at one point in time, claiming "[Nintendo] has it and can bring it back at any time."
In July 2015, a Nintendo Software Technology insider revealed that a working prototype of Dread had been created around 2008, and was shown in secrecy to Nintendo of America staff around E3 2009. By this point, the game no longer bore the "Dread" title and had a graphical style very similar to Fusion. http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/07/unseen64_digs_up_development_insights_into_metroid_prime_hunters_dread_and_federation_force The source stated that NST had been considered as a priority studio in the development of Dread, but were dropped by Nintendo after the failure of their game Project H.A.M.M.E.R.http://www.nintendo-insider.com/2015/07/08/nintendo-software-technologys-involvement-in-the-metroid-series-explored/
On a followup podcast, Liam Robertson, the video game researcher who broke the NST story, revealed some more details. The prototype had a Map on the bottom screen of the DS, with the gameplay being on the top screen. He also revealed that Craig Harris could not recall the synopsis he had seen of the game, which he had seen in materials selectively distributed to the press circa 2005. Robertson speculated that Dread was dead by 2010, and developed by the same team behind Fusion.Switch On: A Nintendo Podcast. "Metroid Dread: What Happened to the Nintendo DS Game? — NWC | Gamnesia" YouTube. October 26, 2015. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
When asked by IGN whether Metroid: Samus Returns, the forthcoming remake of Metroid II: Return of Samus for Nintendo 3DS was linked to Dread, Sakamoto quickly shot down any connection, saying "I think it’s better to say that this is a remake, remastering of Metroid II, a powered-up version of that, and not something to do with the other project."http://za.ign.com/metroid-samus-returns/107972/news/e3-2017-metroid-samus-returns-is-not-metroid-dread He did, however, indirectly confirm the earlier statement by the anonymous NST developer, about Dread having a dual screen setup with the Map and UI on the bottom screen, and gameplay on the top screen.Sakamoto: One of the themes we chose to stick with this time [with Metroid: Samus Returns] was utilizing both 3D visuals and a dual screen setup. In fact, I’d been interested in creating a Metroid title that allowed you display the map constantly on a second screen and interact with the elements of the UI by touching them since the time of the original DS. In a 2018 interview with Hobby Consolas, Sakamoto stated that the DS did not have the technical specifications to make the new Metroid game he had in mind, which he reiterated when Dread was finally announced. He also implied in the same interview that the next game would explain the Chozo Memories ending from Samus Returns.https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/listas/asi-hizo-metroid-samus-returns-entrevista-yoshio-sakamoto-279253
===2021===
Metroid Dread was officially announced at Nintendo's E3 2021 Direct on June 15, 2021. A trailer was presented, followed by a presentation given by Sakamoto in which he detailed the game's long development history. About 40 minutes of gameplay was shown after the Direct during the Treehouse Live event.Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "Samus. The galaxy's greatest bounty hunter. ¶ #MetroidDread #NintendoTreehouseLive ¶ Part 1: http://ninten.do/6014ny6qG ¶ Part 2: http://ninten.do/6018ny6qK" 21 June 2021 12:00 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1407005440731459592Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "New segment acquired. The second part of our #MetroidDread gameplay is now live on #NintendoTreehouseLive | #E32021. ¶ Watch: http://ninten.do/6014n1YvQ" 15 June 2021 4:26 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1404898201681936391 It was later revealed that development of Dread lasted four years.
In the development history video, Sakamoto said that the game was cancelled twice. According to Eurogamer, Dread had been revived in 2008, with a playable prototype being created and shown internally at Nintendo before being cancelled again.Phillips, Tom. Eurogamer. "Nintendo's Sakamoto on bringing Metroid Dread back from the dead" 17 June 2021. Retrieved on June 17, 2021. https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-06-17-nintendos-sakamoto-on-bringing-metroid-dread-back-from-the-dead This appears to confirm the report from Liam Robertson suggesting a Dread prototype was presented in secret at E3 2009.
According to Sakamoto, he first conceived the general concept of a "dreadful" enemy - the E.M.M.I. - fifteen years earlier, but their design, as well as the game's overall story and design had been finalized recently with the help of MercurySteam.Jarop. "Metroid Dread dev on taking the series to HD, E.M.M.I.’s design, much more". Nintendo Everything (originally published in Famitsu, translated from Japanese). January 30, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022. In Sakamoto's opinion, it surpassed his original vision. The E.M.M.I. were directly inspired by the SA-X, the main antagonist of Metroid Fusion that stalked Samus throughout the game, and was too powerful for her to defeat until the very end.Myers, Maddy. Polygon. "Metroid co-creator on why Metroid Dread is all about scary robots" 17 June 2021 9:00 a.m. EST. Retrieved on June 17, 2021. https://www.polygon.com/features/22537280/metroid-dread-interview-yoshio-sakamoto-nintendo-switch
The general themes and concept of Dread, in which Samus was chased by an overwhelming enemy that she could not defeat, had not changed over the fifteen years. While the game places an emphasis on "fear-based gameplay", Sakamoto promised it was not intended to make Dread a horror game and the E.M.M.I. would not be present everywhere. He also said that while Dread places an emphasis on story, it does not do so in an intrusive way, making use of occasional cutscenes similar to Samus Returns. 
Although the story concept remained the same, Sakamoto said that the presentation and details evolved over the course of development, and exceeded his original expectations. Dread was also designed in a way that newcomers could enjoy the game even if they had not played any previous Metroid titles, with the introduction summarizing past events, particularly those of Fusion. Gameplay-wise, it took more reference from past Metroid titles than unrelated Metroidvania games.Ramée, Jordan (October 8, 2021). "Making Metroid Dread: Concluding The Saga, Samus' Voice, And Cinematic Storytelling" GameSpot. Retrieved November 16, 2021. Sakamoto recommended that the game be played with the Nintendo Switch in TV mode.
The announcement of Dread led to an increase in sales of previous Metroid titles on the Wii U eShop.https://shinesparkers.net/metroid-tops-wii-u-eshop-best-sellers/
Following the game's official announcement, Harris clarified that he had only seen a one paragraph synopsis of Dread's story on an internal product sheet off-record. It said something to the effect of Samus would return in the next game in the Metroid series. He did not take notes as he expected it would be shown when E3 began the next day.
It was announced during the Nintendo Direct on February 9, 2022 that Dread would receive two free updates adding additional difficulty modes. Shortly after the presentation, easier and harder modes called Rookie and Dread Mode were released. The second update on April 7, 2022 added a Boss Rush mode.
====Uncredited developers====
Shortly after the release of Metroid Dread, multiple developers had found that they were not included in the game's ending credits. Roberto MejíasRoberto Mejías. "I would like to sincerely congratulate the Metroid Dread team for putting out such an outstanding game. I'm not surprised of the quality of the game though, since the amount of talent on that team was through the roof. I know this first hand because, despite not being included on the game's credits, I was part of that team for for eight months. ¶ While playing the game, I've recognized quite a few assets and environments I worked on... so my work is there. ¶ Then, I would like to ask MercurySteam: Why do I not appear on the game's credits? Is it some kind of mistake? ¶ I would really appreciate having some answer to this. Thank you in advance. Again: CONGRATS, TEAM!" LinkedIn. October 11, 2021. Archived from the original on October 15, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2022., a 3D artist and Tania Peñaranda Hernández, a 3D character animator, both posted on LinkedIn that they were not credited despite having made assets and environments that were present in the finished product. A third developer also came forward anonymously. MercurySteam responded to these claims by explaining the company's policy of developers needing to stay at the studio for at least 25% of a project's development time (about a year)Matas, Fran G. "Former MercurySteam employees who worked on Metroid Dread are not credited". Vandal. October 14, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2022. (translated from Spanish) to appear in the credits, with some exceptions.https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-14-mercurysteam-responds-to-complaints-some-metroid-dread-devs-were-left-out-of-credits This led to controversy among fans of the game, who felt this practice was unfair.https://shinesparkers.net/we-spoke-to-mercurysteam-on-developer-credit-in-metroid-dread/
==Reception==
===Commercial===
Dread was the number one selling game on the Nintendo Switch eShop in multiple countries for the week of October 11, 2021.Shinesparkers (Shinesparkers). "An update from the eShop sales chart in the United Kingdom as it stands, on 11th October 2021. ¶ SWITCH: #1 Metroid Dread ¶ WII U: #1 Metroid Fusion #2 Metroid Zero Mission #7 Metroid Prime Trilogy #9 Super Metroid ¶ 3DS: #3 Metroid: Samus Returns" 11 October 2021 8:02 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/Shinesparkers/status/1447533111408041987Ezereal (So_Ethereal). "#NintendoSwitch eShop Charts for Metroid Dread #October10 ¶ Canada #1 France #1 Germany #1 Japan #1 Mexico #1 Spain #1 UK #1 USA #1 ¶ #MetroidDread is the consecration #Metroid, rejoice! ¶ By eShop Team @So_Ethereal @CrocOclock @_UmbraWitch @SamNX236 @Kibaku59 @M1narc" 10 October 2021 3:56 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/So_Ethereal/status/1447289955995340805 According to GamesIndustry editor Christopher Dring, Dread surpassed physical sales of Metroid: Samus Returns within its launch week.Dring, Christopher (Chris_Dring). "Fun fact: Metroid Dread has already sold more in 1 week than Samus Returns sold in its entirety (boxed sales only)" 11 October 2021 9:05 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/Chris_Dring/status/1447548881567354882 On March 20, 2022, Dring reported that Dread had become the best selling 2D Metroid game and third best selling in the overall franchise in the United Kingdom, behind Metroid Prime and Corruption.Dring, Christopher (Chris_Dring). "Metroid Dread is now the third biggest Metroid game in UK history, behind Metroid Prime and Prime 3. It’s already the UK’s best-selling 2D Metroid. This doesn’t include digital sales, so it’s quite likely it’s now, or will soon be, the No.1 Metroid overall (GfK data)" 20 March 2022 10:55 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/Chris_Dring/status/1505558707463143429?s=20&t=klRFfQtPInBilcFH78SeEQ
Famitsu reported that Dread sold an estimated 86,798 physical copies in Japan within its first week,https://www.famitsu.com/news/202110/14237319.html and achieved 128,257 in lifetime sales by November 7, 2021.https://web.archive.org/web/20211112150323/https://www.famitsu.com/ranking/game-sales/ Doug Bowser confirmed to The Verge on November 12 that Dread sold 854,000 units in the United States, making it the best launch for a Metroid title.Webster, Andrew. "The Nintendo Switch is back on top in the US after OLED launch" The Verge. November 12, 2021. Retrieved November 13, 2021. https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/12/22776640/nintendo-switch-oled-sales-october-2021-doug-bowser-interview The NPD Group, a market research company, estimated that Dread was the third best selling game during the month of October, although their estimate does not take digital sales into account.https://www.npd.com/news/entertainment-top-10/2021/top-10-video-games/ 
According to Nintendo's financial earnings report released February 3, 2022, Dread had sold 2.74 million copies - including physical and digital - globally up to that point, making it the second best selling Metroid game after Metroid Prime.Page 17 of https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2022/220203_4e.pdf It surpassed Metroid Prime in May 2022, reaching total sales of 2.9 million.Darren. "Metroid Dread Becomes The Best Selling Metroid Title Ever". Shinesparkers. May 10, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022. In late July 2023, Enric Álvarez said that Dread had sold more than 3 million copies.Caballero, David. MercurySteam, on the end of Metroid Dread and 'that' Samus: "We were hungry and Nintendo was open". Game Reactor. July 28, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023. https://www.gamereactor.es/mercurysteam-sobre-el-final-de-metroid-dread-y-esa-samus-teniamos-hambre-y-en-nintendo-estaban-abiertos-998873/ (Spanish)
During a sale in October 2022, Dread re-entered the eShop sales chart at #28,Croc #Bayonetta3 Oclock (CrocOclock). "Metroid Dread re-enters the Nintendo Switch eShop charts at no.28 thanks to a 30% sale. #MetroidDread" 17 October 2022 12:58 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/CrocOclock/status/1582053383514357760 climbing to #15 the following week.Croc #Bayonetta3 Oclock (CrocOclock). "Metroid Dread climbs to no.15 on Nintendo Switch eShop charts 🔥 #MetroidDread #NintendoSwitch" 23 October 2022 8:36 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/CrocOclock/status/1584161925956456449
===Accolades===
Dread won Nintendo Game of the YearLoveridge, Sam. "Metroid Dread is your Nintendo Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards" GamesRadar. November 23, 2021. and was nominated for Ultimate Game of the Year at the 2021 Golden Joystick Awards.Ben Tyrer. "Golden Joystick Awards 2021: see the full list of nominees and how to vote today" GamesRadar. Published October 19, 2021. Retrieved October 20, 2021. https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2021-nominations/ Nintendo UK general manager Nicolas Wegnez accepted the Golden Joystick Award on Nintendo's behalf. Dread also won the award for Best Spanish Game at the Huawei 3D Games Awards on Dec. 2, 2021, with Jose Luis Márquez accepting it (this can be seen here).3DJuegos (3djuegos). "El Premio a Mejor Juego Español es para... ¶ Metroid Dread de @mercurysteam y @NintendoES ¶ #Premios3DJuegosHuawei" ("The Best Spanish Game Award goes to ... ¶ Metroid Dread of @mercurysteam and @NintendoES ¶ #Premios3DJuegosHuawei") 2 December 2021 3:35 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/3djuegos/status/1466506380718886918
At The Game Awards 2021, Dread won the award for Best Action/Adventure GameThe Game Awards (thegameawards). "Metroid Dread from @NintendoAmerica + @MercurySteam wins Best Action/Adventure Game! #TheGameAwards" 9 December 2021 9:51 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/thegameawards/status/1469137655354966016Carlos (MetanoKid). "OMG OMG! Congratulations, team! 👏👏👏❤️😭" 9 December 2021 9:52 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/MetanoKid/status/1469137911694114817Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "Thank you for voting #MetroidDread as the Best Action/Adventure Game this year at #TheGameAwards! ¶ We’re so honored to hear that the action filled adventure of Samus’ latest mission was dreadfully satisfying!" 9 December 2021 9:52 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1469137982015868933Nintendo UK (NintendoUK). "Metroid Dread won Best Action/Adventure at #TheGameAwards. Thank you for all of the amazing support and for enjoying Samus’ latest adventure!" 10 December 2021 5:00 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/1469245511609638912Pablo Manresa Molina (PabloManresa). "Metroid Dread no se habrá llevado el GOTY pero sí se ha llevado el premio a mejor juego de acción/aventura. Siento un orgullo y alegría enormes. ¶ #MetroidDread" ("Metroid Dread may not have won the GOTY but it has won the award for best action/adventure game. I feel enormous pride and joy. ¶ #MetroidDread") 10 December 2021 6:03 p.m. Tweet. https://mobile.twitter.com/PabloManresa/status/1469442623689555969 and was nominated for Game of the Year.Del Rosario, Alexandra (November 16, 2021). "The Game Awards Nominees: ‘Deathloop,’ ‘Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart’ Lead 2021 List" Deadline. Retrieved November 16, 2021. The Game Awards (thegameawards). "@nintendoamerica ¶ Congratulations on your nomination for Game of the Year! #TheGameAwards Vote now at https://thegameawards.com" 16 November 2021 1:20 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/thegameawards/status/1460674034937434115 Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). We’re honored that #MetroidDread has been nominated for Game of the Year and Best Action/Adventure Game at #TheGameAwards! ¶ Have you completed Samus’ latest mission yet? Thank you to all for your support!" 17 November 2021 11:37 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1461010697840521223Christian González Suárez (chris____gs). "So Metroid Dread has been nominated to Game of the Year. Wow, dreams really comes true" 16 November 2021 4:29 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/chris____gs/status/1460721833750188032 The award arrived at MercurySteam on March 9, 2022 and was displayed by multiple developers on their Twitter profiles.Jose Luis Márquez (J_Luis_Marquez). "And finally The Game Award for Metroid Dread arrived at the office! What an awesome day and what an awesome trophy. To all Metroid fans around the world: you inspire us so much, this award is also yours. #Metroid ¶ P.S. See you all soon playing the Boss Rush ;)" 9 March 2022 2:36 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/J_Luis_Marquez/status/1501643119716192265Nikki García (nikkigarcia_es). "This is amazing and well deserved!!!! 🎉🎉🎉 Congratulations!!!" 10 March 2022 11:47 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/nikkigarcia_es/status/1501962981059743745 It was also a runner-up for the Player's Voice Award, losing to Halo Infinite.SICKR. "Halo Infinite beats Metroid Dread wins Player’s Voice 2021 at The Game Awards 2021". My Nintendo News. December 9, 2021. Dread was also declared the Best Action-Adventure Game of 2021 by IGNIGN Staff. "The Best Action-Adventure Game of 2021 Winner". IGN. December 15, 2021. and Game of the Year by Time magazine.Rodríguez, David. "Metroid Dread es elegido como el GOTY de 2021 por la prestigiosa revista TIME". Hobby Consolas. December 17, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2022.Nikki García (nikkigarcia_es). "GAME OF THE YEAR!!! 💥💥💥 ¶ Congratulations @mercurysteam. Well-deserved!! ¶ Thank you for letting me be a part of it voicing the most amazing character ever. ❤️" 10 March 2022 12:02 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/nikkigarcia_es/status/1501966723737661445 It won Best-Action Adventure Game at the Famitsu Dengeki Game Awards 2021, which took place on March 12, 2022.Brian. "Famitsu Dengeki Game Awards 2021 winners announced". Nintendo Everything. March 12, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
Dread has been nominated for EE Game of the Year at the 2022 BAFTA Games Awards.MercurySteam (mercurysteam). "Metroid Dread has been nominated for the EE Game of the Year 2022! Vote your favorite!" 2 March 2022 11:56 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/mercurysteam/status/1499066172729401347
==Future==
During his Development History presentation, Sakamoto stated this about the game's story: "The series has chronicled the uncanny relationship between these Metroids and the heroine Samus, but this game will mark an end to that story arc. We're hoping fans of the series will wonder "what does 'mark an end to the story arc' mean?" as they play the game."
Two days later, he later clarified that Dread was not going to be the final game of the Metroid series, and he meant that the game would resolve the connection between Samus and the Metroids, while introducing new storylines for future titles. He said another game is "waiting in the works, and we want you to look forward with what we do with that next — but there are no specifics now." He also told Eurogamer that the ending of Dread would offer an idea of Samus's next adventure.
In an interview after the release of Dread, Sakamoto stated: "As long as the character Samus exists, I think her adventure will continue. I feel that Samus should continue her adventure, and that's something that we would really need to put our best effort into. Metroid Dread does conclude the five-story arc that has been going on for 35 years. However, I feel that it's not the ultimate end. There should be something that is able to continue the franchise and the universe. So yes, as long as your character Samus is loved, I would like to do what I have to do."
==Official data==
===Metroid.nintendo.com===
;A CRYPTIC TRANSMISSION
:"Video footage from an unknown source indicates that the deadly X parasite—thought to have been eradicated—may still live.
:The Galactic Federation dispatches a special unit consisting of seven E.M.M.I. robots to the remote planet ZDR, believed to be the source of the transmission. Soon after arriving on ZDR, the whole unit vanishes.
:As the only one immune to the X parasite, intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran is sent in to find out what happened.
:Shortly after landing, a mysterious foe traps Samus deep below the surface of this dangerous world.
:Now, Samus must hunt or be hunted as she makes her way through a labyrinth of enemies to reach the surface."
==Update history==
===1.0.1===
A first bugfix patch was released on October 20, 2021. This patch fixed a game crash that would occur if a marker was placed on the Hyper Beam Door at the end of the game before destroying it, and said door was destroyed afterward.
The first patch also fixed a softlock where if Samus died fighting the Robot Chozo Soldier that killed Quiet Robe, and then spoke to ADAM instead of defeating the robot, the gate in Burenia would remain locked.
This patch added several unused audio files, which were removed in the next update. This includes ADAM saying "Samus, this is the worst thing that could’ve happened," a duplicate of "Uploading data" (which Samus's Gunship AI says when using a Network Station), a single line from Raven Beak's post-battle monologue without his usual vocal effects, and an ambient sound called "bugswater_ms01".OatmealDome (OatmealDome). "[Metroid Dread] ¶ Version 1.0.1 is out and fixes the crashing bug at the end of the game. ¶ For some reason, this update is ~161mb large and also changes a lot of texture and voice files in the game. ¶ Some new audio files were added as well." 21 October 2021 1:18 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/OatmealDome/status/1451055391224258561OatmealDome (OatmealDome). "The new audio files: ¶ - Adam saying “Samus, this is the worst thing that could’ve happened”, supposedly used in Ghavoran ¶ - A duplicate of “Uploading data” ¶ - A spoiler-y character speaking ¶ - Ambient sounds, labelled “bugswater_ms01”" 21 October 2021 1:18 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/OatmealDome/status/1451055392646209538
*Fixed an issue where, if a map marker is placed on a specific door on the map screen (the door destroyed with the beam obtained at the end of the game), destroying that door at the end of the game would cause the game to forcefully quit with the message “The software was closed because an error occurred”.
*Fixed several other issues to improve overall gameplay experience.
===1.0.2===
A second bugfix patch was released on November 3, 2021.
*Fixed an issue where retrying after a game over would cause the play time to be added only when retrying a specific boss fight.
*Fixed an issue where the game would force-quit if you hit an enemy frozen by an Ice Missile with the Shine Spark in a certain way.
*Fixed an issue that caused Samus to move strangely when jumping at certain times in the Morph Ball Launcher.
*Fixed an issue where the final boss would get stuck on a wall and not be able to move during a certain attack, making it impossible to progress in the game.
*Fixed an issue where Samus would get stuck in the wall when defeating the E.M.M.I. in Ferenia in a certain position.
===1.0.3===
A third bugfix patch was released on November 16, 2021. This patch fixed a glitch where Samus could become invulnerable to damage if she unmorphed from Morph Ball right before entering an E.M.M.I. Zone Door.
*Fixed an issue where Samus’ damage detection would disappear under certain conditions.
**We made the decision to fix this issue because there is a possibility that it may occur unintentionally, and if it does, it will result in a play experience that is far different from the way Metroid Dread was originally intended to be experienced.
===2.0.0===
A fourth update and bugfix patch was released on February 9, 2022. This patch added Rookie Mode, Dread Mode, and updated the Metroid Dread Demo to include the Corpius boss fight.
New Difficulties Available
*"ROOKIE MODE" has been added to the game. This is a mode suited towards new players, with the following adjustments:
:*Dropped items from enemies now replenish greater amounts when picked-up.
:*Damage received from Boss attacks has been lowered.
:*Destructible Boss projectiles have been made easier to break than usual (excluding some attacks).
:*Increased number of missiles available when beginning game.
:*Made the finishing counters when defeating some Bosses easier to perform.
::*Selected when starting a New Game, and choosing "SELECT DIFFICULTY".
*“DREAD MODE” has been added to the game. This is an extremely high-difficulty mode, where any damage taken from enemies or traps will lead to an instant Game Over.
:*Can be selected after clearing HARD MODE, when beginning a New Game, and choosing “SELECT DIFFICULTY”.
New Details Added to Results Screen
:*Several new details have been added to the results screen that appears after clearing the game. These new details will not appear, however, for game files that were started prior to updating the game.
General Fixes
:*Fixed an issue where Samus sliding down a surface and touching a frozen enemy would force the game to close, after the message “The software was closed because an error occurred” appears.
:*Made several other fixes to improve playability and enjoyment of game.
Demo Update
The following updates to the “Metroid Dread DEMO” are also now available (Ver. 2.0.0).
:*The scale of the playable area has been expanded, with the Corpius boss fight now being available.
:*Added “ROOKIE MODE”, a mode suited towards new players, where dropped items from enemies now replenish a greater amount, and bosses’ attack power has been lowered.
:*Added “SELECT DIFFICULTY” options when beginning the demo.
===2.1.0===
A fifth update was released on April 7th, 2022. This patch added Boss Rush.
New Modes Added
Three different boss rush modes have been added to the game. Press the R Button on the “Samus Files” screen to move to the Boss Rush selection screen.
Boss Rush
*A mode where players fight 12 continuous boss battles, and aim for the best time.
*Any damage received is carried-over into the next fight. Weapons are fully-restored between battles.
*If Samus is defeated, players may select “Retry” to continue playing from the start of the battle they lost. There is, however, a time penalty for being defeated.
*Bosses fought in Boss Rush can be fought one-on-one at any time by selecting “Practice”.
:*Unlocked by clearing the main game a single time. (In the event that a player has completed the game before the update was released, they will be able to play Boss Rush immediately after updating).
Survival Rush
*A mode where players see how many bosses they can defeat inside of the 5 minute time limit.
*Any damage received, or weapons spent are carried-over into the next battle. Even if time remains on the clock, Samus being defeated will result in a game over.
*Defeating a boss will add a fixed amount of time to the countdown clock. Defeat a boss without receiving any damage to receive an even bigger time bonus.
:*Survival Rush is unlocked by completing either Boss Rush or Dread Rush.
Dread Rush
*The basic rules are the same as in Boss Rush, but if Samus is hit by a boss, her energy drops to zero and she is defeated.
*Bosses fought in Dread Rush can be fought one-on-one at any time by selecting “Practice”.
:*Unlocked by clearing the main game using Dread Mode. (In the event that a player has completed Dread Mode before the update was released, they will be able to play Dread Rush immediately after updating).
General Fixes
*Fixed an error where the Game Over screen would not display properly when Samus takes damage and is defeated immediately after destroying a central unit.
==Trivia==
*Footage of Dread from the Announcement Trailer appears in the trailer for the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch.
*The development codename of Dread was Cazadora, which means Huntress in Spanish."Codename appears to be “cazadora” (Spanish for “huntress”)." https://twitter.com/OatmealDome/status/1445245017744887809
*Metroid Dread is the first 2D game in the series that does not appear to be directly influenced by a recent Alien film. However, its plot does bear some similarities to the spinoff prequel film Prometheus. Both works feature the protagonists' first encounter with a living member of the ancient race that created the the titular species (the Engineers in Alien and the Chozo in Metroid), and being forced to stop him when he is revealed to have malevolent intentions.
**Coincidentally, both Dread and Prometheus underwent a lengthy development period beforehand (in the case of Prometheus it was initially shelved in favor of Alien vs. Predator).
**Metroid Dread also shares similarities with the video game Alien: Isolation, primarily in the stealth sequences where a powerful enemy that stalks the female protagonist can only be harmed at certain points with powerful weaponry (the E.M.M.I in Dread, and the Alien in Isolation), only appears in certain locations, and will instantly kill the protagonist once they grab her. However, while it is impossible to escape from an Alien once caught, Samus does have a small window of opportunity to counter an E.M.M.I.'s fatal attack and escape.
*In previous 2D Metroid titles, if Samus stood on the edge of a platform it would appear as though she were standing in midair. In Dread, approaching an edge causes her to lean forward slightly without stepping off.Looygi Bros. "20 Cool Details in Metroid Dread" YouTube. November 26, 2021. Retrieved November 30, 2021. Her feet are also able to adapt to any surface, including slopes.Looygi Bros. "20 Cool Details in Metroid Dread" YouTube. November 26, 2021. Retrieved November 30, 2021. If Samus runs toward a ledge and stops right before it, she will stagger forward slightly before moving her rear leg back to regain her balance.Looygi Bros. "13 Cool Details in Metroid Dread (Part 7)" YouTube. January 21, 2022.
*Metroid Dread was included among the games listed in Nintendo's Annual Review 2021 trailer.
*Enemies in Dread do not produce sound unless they are within a close enough range to Samus, potentially to avoid overlapping sound effects.Looygi Bros. "14 Cool Details in Metroid Dread (Part 4)". YouTube. December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
*According to Dan Ryckert, John Cena repeatedly expressed his wish for a new 2D Metroid game to Nintendo representatives when he was promoting the Switch. When Dread was released, Nintendo sent him a copy, and his representatives responded that he loved it.Dan Ryckert (DanRyckert). "During this photo shoot in 2017, Cena repeatedly told the Nintendo reps how much he wanted a new 2D Metroid. When Metroid Dread came out years later, he was sent a copy. Cena’s people sent an email back saying “John loves it.”" 26 June 2022 5:53 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/DanRyckert/status/1541177931027849216 He also shared a Samus Aran meme on Instagram.John Cena (johncena). Instagram. November 5, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2022. https://www.instagram.com/p/CV5R8e4lLXg/
*Metroid Dread is the first post-Samus Returns game in the series to not feature or mention the baby at all. The only reference to it is in a loading screen tip that mentions Samus was injected with "infant Metroid DNA".
==See also==
*Metroid Dread/Credits
*Metroid Dread Report
*List of rooms in Metroid Dread
*List of creatures in Metroid Dread
*List of tips in Metroid Dread
*Brie Larson
*Yuichi Nakamura
*Metroid Dread (microgame)
===Trailers===
*Metroid Dread - Announcement Trailer
*Metroid Dread - Development History
*Glimpse of Dread
*Another Glimpse of Dread
*Metroid Dread - Trailer 2
*Metroid Dread - Overview Trailer
*Find Your Power
*Be careful, Samus ...
*From Hunter to Prey...
*On October 8
*The History of Metroid in 2D - Metroid Dread Primer
*Sounds of Dread
*Beware
*Premiere October 8
*Face the Threat
*Metroid Dread - Out now!
*Do you feel the horror?
*Metroid Dread - Accolades Trailer
*Discover the Hunter Trailer
*Metroid Dread - Early Survival Tips
*Metroid Dread - Free Update Trailer
==Gallery==
For artwork, see Metroid Dread/Gallery.
===Pre-2021===
Metroid Dread in Game Informer.jpg|The issue of Game Informer in 2005 that first leaked Dread.Robinson, Andy. Video Games Chronicle. "Nintendo’s new Metroid was first reported by the media 16 years ago" 16 June 2021 1:35 p.m. Retrieved June 18, 2021. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendos-new-metroid-was-first-reported-by-the-media-16-years-ago/
IGN post about Metroid Dread.jpg|Craig Harris' comment about Dread in 2006.
Metroid Dread in ONM March 2006.png|Dread among 2006 releases in the March 2006 issue of Official Nintendo Magazine.
Metroid Dread in April 2006 issue of ONM.jpg|Dread mentioned in the April 2006 issue.
Metroid Dread in May 2006 issue of ONM.png|May 2006
Metroid Dread in June 2006 issue of ONM.png|June 2006
===Pre-release screenshots===
Metroid Dread screenshot 1.jpg|Pre-release screenshots
Metroid Dread screenshot 2.jpg
Metroid Dread screenshot 3.jpg
Metroid Dread screenshot 4.jpg
Metroid Dread screenshot 5.jpg
Metroid Dread screenshot 6.jpg
Metroid Dread Spider Magnet screenshot.png
Slide Metroid Dread Report.jpg
Metroid Dread Free Aim.png
Metroid Dread sliding platform.png
===Physical scans===
Metroid Dread game box.png|North America
Metroid Dread Japanese Boxart.png|Japan
Metroid Dread European Boxart.png|Europe
Metroid Dread Australian Boxart.png|Australia
===Merchandise===
;Special Edition
M5 Special Edition.jpg|North America
M5 Special Edition EU.jpg|Europe
M5 Special Edition JP.jpg|Japan
M5 SE art cards.jpg|Art cards
M5 SE art cards JP.jpg|Art cards (Japanese versions)
Metroid Dread Special Edition Artbook 01.png|Metroid Mission Logs art book pages 002, 003, 008 and 009 (Metroid)
Metroid Dread Special Edition Artbook 02.png|Art book pages 034 - 037 (Metroid Fusion)
Metroid Dread Special Edition Artbook 03.png|Art book pages 054 - 057
Metroid Dread Special Edition Artbook 04.png|Art book pages 064, 065, 122 and 123
;amiibo 
My Nintendo Store UK promo for Dread amiibo.png|My Nintendo Store
Metroid Dread Samus Amiibo.png|Samus
E.M.M.I. Amiibo.png|E.M.M.I.
Samus & E.M.M.I. Amiibo.png
MD Samus separate amiibo.png
MD E.M.M.I. separate amiibo.png
;Other
Hobby Consolas June 2021 cover.jpg|June 2021 cover of Hobby Consolas.
Metroid Dread Keyring.png|Metroid Dread Keyring offered when the game is preordered through My Nintendo in the United Kingdom.
Metroid Dread Sticker Sheet.png|Metroid Dread Sticker Sheet
Metroid Dread Double-Sided A2 Poster.png|Metroid Dread Double-Sided A2 Poster
Metroid Dread MyNintendo rewards.png|Nintendo UK (NintendoUK). "Metroid Dread, the first 2D Metroid game in almost 19 years, arrives on Nintendo Switch on 8th October! Pre-order on My Nintendo Store to receive a free keyring, double-sided poster and sticker sheet! ¶ 🛒 : https://store.nintendo.co.uk/en_gb/metroid-dread.html" 14 July 2021 11:18 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/1415329880200433664Nintendo UK (NintendoUK). "Already pre-ordered the standard or Special Edition on My Nintendo Store? All existing orders will automatically be upgraded." 14 July 2021 11:25 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/1415331630227537930
Metroid Dread Exclusive Pin Set.png|Exclusive Pin Set from GameStop.
Metroid Dread MyNintendo prize draw.png|Dread-themed pro controller and Switch case offered if the game is preordered through MyNintendo in the United Kingdom.Nintendo UK (NintendoUK). "Metroid Dread is almost here! Pre-order on My Nintendo Store and you'll be entered into a prize draw to win 1 of 10 Metroid Dread accessory bundles! ¶ Already pre-ordered? You're already in the draw! ¶ 🛒 https://store.nintendo.co.uk/en_gb/metroid-dread.html"
Metroid Dread Holographic Poster Set.png|Holographic Poster Set
Metroid Dread Holographic Poster Set restock image.png|Image announcing the Metroid Dread Holographic Poster Set would be restocked on My Nintendo.
Metroid Dread poster insert.jpg|Product information sheet that comes with the poster set.
Metroid Dread MyNintendo sweepstakes prize pack.png|The prize pack offered by MyNintendo.
Metroid Dread PowerA controller and case.png|The controller and Switch case.
Metroid Dread Fifth Sun hoodie.png|The hoodie.
Metroid Dread digital calendar.png|The digital calendar.
Metroid Dread MyNintendo sweepstakes.png|My Nintendo sweepstakes page.
My Nintendo Samus and E.M.M.I. Pin Set.png|Stainless steel pin set.
MyNintendoStore MD B2 posters.jpg|B2 posters from My Nintendo Store
Nintendo Tokyo Metroid selection 01.jpg|Merchandise range from Nintendo Tokyo
Nintendo Tokyo pin MD.jpg|Screw Attack symbol pin
Nintendo Tokyo T-shirt MD.jpg|T-shirt
Nintendo Tokyo folding bag MD.jpg|Folding bag
Nintendo Tokyo clear files MD.jpg|Clear files
Dread NSO icons.jpg|Icons available through Nintendo Switch Online from June 19, 2024-July 9th, 2024.
All Dread NSO icons and schedule.png
Dread NSO icons wave 2.jpg|Wave 2
Dread NSO icons wave 3.jpg|Wave 3
===Release countdown===
Metroid Dread 1 month to go.png|Image shared by Nintendo UK on September 8, 2021, marking a month before the game's release.Nintendo UK (NintendoUK). 8 September 2021 4:00 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/1435513271100968967
Metroid Dread - 2 weeks to go.png|Image shared by Nintendo on September 24, marking two weeks before the release date.Nintendo of Europe (NintendoEurope). 24 September 2021 4:00 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoEurope/status/1441311494033997829
5 days to go until Dread.png|Image shared by Nintendo UK on October 3, 2021, marking five days before the release date.Nintendo UK (NintendoUK). 3 October 2021 4:00 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/1444572960547815425
4 days to go until Dread.png|Image shared by Enric Álvarez.Enric Álvarez (Enric_Alvarez). 4 October 2021 5:13 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/Enric_Alvarez/status/1444953847814840324
3 days to go until Dread.png|Again shared by Álvarez.Enric Álvarez (Enric_Alvarez). 5 October 2021 5:13 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/Enric_Alvarez/status/1445316120563625985
2 days to go until Dread.png|Again shared by Álvarez.Enric Álvarez (Enric_Alvarez). 5 October 2021 5:36 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/Enric_Alvarez/status/1445684420078231552
Metroid Dread tomorrow.png|Image shared by Nintendo UK and Álvarez on October 7.Nintendo UK (NintendoUK). 7 October 2021 5:56 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/1446051795084718080
===Bounty Hunter Challenge===
Bounty Hunter Challenge American announcement.jpg|American announcement on Twitter.Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "Ready up for the #MetroidDread release by following the Metroid Dread Bounty Hunter Challenge on 10/7! Watch participating streamers play before the release, seeing how many stars they can earn for their progress within the first 90 minutes. ¶ Learn more: http://ninten.do/6012XoPqn" 6 October 2021 6:51 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/nintendoamerica/status/1445884367633584128Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "The #MetroidDread Bounty Hunter Challenge begins today at 8:30am PT! Tune-in by checking out participating streamers via the schedule below. See how far they progress in 90 minutes, then start the mission on your own when the game releases tomorrow! ¶ 📺 http://ninten.do/6010Xop5n" 7 October 2021 10:30 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1446120641829113859Nintendo of Canada (NintendoCanada). "Ready up for the #MetroidDread release by following the Metroid Dread Bounty Hunter Challenge on 10/7! Watch participating streamers play before the release, seeing how many stars they can earn for their progress within the first 90 minutes. ¶ Learn more: http://ninten.do/6014XoPsC" 6 October 2021 6:52 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoCanada/status/1445884589449388035
Bounty Hunter Challenge American streamers.png
Bounty Hunter Challenge American final scores.jpg|The final results for the American streamers.Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "The #MetroidDread Bounty Hunter Challenge is completed, but now you can continue the mission with the release of the game today! ¶ See how each of the participating streamers ranked in the challenge below, and good luck out there!" 8 October 2021 10:15 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1446479247921623041
Bounty Hunter Challenge Japanese banner.jpg|Japanese promotional banner.Nintendo (Nintendo). "本日21時より、発売直前の『#メトロイドドレッド』を体験する模様を、8名の方に同時配信していただきます。くわしくはこちらをご覧ください。https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/cd0a927f-65ab-46d0-8c12-444b0e7769aa?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=2021007&utm_campaign=topics… ※ネタバレは避けたいという方は、ご自身でゲームを体験された後にご覧いただくことをおすすめします。 #MetroidDread" ("From 21:00 today, 8 people will be simultaneously broadcasting the pattern of experiencing " #メトロイドドレッド " just before the release. For more details, please visit here. https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/cd0a927f-65ab-46d0-8c12-444b0e7769aa?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=2021007&utm_campaign=topics… ※ If you want to avoid spoilers, we recommend that you take a look after experiencing the game yourself. #MetroidDread") 7 October 2021 7:10 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/Nintendo/status/1446070362970546178
Bounty Hunter Challenge Japanese scoring.jpg|Japanese scoring chart.
===Other===
Metroid Dread trending on Twitter.png|Dread trending on Twitter the day it was announced.
Metroid™ Dread for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Game Details.png|Full capture of initial Nintendo.com website.
Metroid Dread Treehouse Live backdrop.png|Treehouse Live backdrop.
Metroid Dread banner from DDM.png|Image shared by MercurySteam's agency, Digital Development Management, congratulating them on the game's announcement.
MercurySteam Dread dev hoodies.png|MercurySteam developers with personalized hoodies.Pablo Manresa Molina (PabloManresa). "Mercurystaff wearing #MetroidDread stuff...? Sure!" 25 November 2021 7:53 a.m. Tweet. https://mobile.twitter.com/PabloManresa/status/1463853292505681920
Metroid Dread (blue space background).jpg|Space background on the official website.
Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) Twitter Banner.jpg|Nintendo of America Twitter header image.
Nintendo Monthly Rewind August 2021 thumbnail.jpg|Thumbnail for the Nintendo Monthly Rewind of August 2021.Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). "Pokémon news, more #MetroidDread, and indie games galore! Here’s a look at some of the exciting Nintendo news that landed in the month of August. Which was your favorite?" 3 September 2021 11:01 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1433807424981438473
Metroid Dread ad on Yamanote Line.png|Advertisement for Dread on the Yamanote Line in Tokyo, Japan.Forkball (ForkballMono). "Metroid Dread ads are already up on the Yamanote Line" 11 September 2021 7:39 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/ForkballMono/status/1436655727230087172
David Bolaños Gallardo Dread cake.jpg|Metroid Dread cake (photo from David Bolaños Gallardo).David Bolaños Gallardo (dbsoundd). Instagram. September 15, 2021. Retrieved January 23, 2022. https://www.instagram.com/p/CT2ISlxqIUx/
Metroid Dread and ZDR cakes by Darin Aranada Ahmed.png|Cakes made by Darin Aranda Ahmed (photo from Jose Luis Márquez).Jose Luis Márquez (J_Luis_Marquez). "Today is a very special day in the studio. Thank you so much @daariiin for these delicious cakes!. For all those out there who dare to go to ZDR... enjoy the journey! #MetroidDread" 8 October 2021 7:38 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/J_Luis_Marquez/status/1446439783635505152
Metroid Dread billboard in Mexico.png|Billboard in Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico.Jorge Martinez (George_SSBU). "21 days to go…… #MetroidDread" 17 September 2021 5:41 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/George_SSBU/status/1438981362216841216
Metroid Dread Japanese subway ad.png|Another Japanese subway advertisement.Ryusei (rt1031_bot). "メトロイドの街頭広告だ！！！！早くやりてえええええええ" ("It's a street advertisement for Metroid! !! !! !! Do it fast yeah yeah yeah yeah") 28 September 2021 12:31 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/rt1031_bot/status/1442708510697877505
Dread billboards.jpg|Compilation of billboard advertisements in multiple cities.cσσkíє 🎮 (@ArcanaLegacy). "Metroid Dread getting THIS level of marketing is something out of a dream, except it's a reality. We love to see it 👑 ¶ WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE." 2021 September 29 8:30 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/arcanalegacy/status/1443372577976631300
Metroid Memories page.png|Full capture of Nintendo UK's #MetroidMemories sweepstakes page.
DOOM Metroid artwork.png|Artwork from the Doom Twitter account, congratulating Nintendo on the launch of Dread.DOOM (DOOM). "congratulations to @NintendoAmerica on the launch of #MetroidDread" 8 October 2021 10:00 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/DOOM/status/1446475487023439876
File:Dread accolades.png|Accolades received by Dread.
Metroid Dread Spanish gaming press review scores.jpg|Accolades from the Spanish gaming press.Nintendo España (NintendoES). "La mejor cazarrecompensas de la galaxia ha vuelto. Descubre las reseñas de #MetroidDread aquí: ¶ https://www.nintendo.es/Noticias/2021/octubre/-Las-resenias-de-Metroid-Dread-ya-estan-aqui--2054739.html" ("The best bounty hunter in the galaxy is back. Discover #MetroidDread reviews here: ¶ https://www.nintendo.es/Noticias/2021/octubre/-Las-resenias-de-Metroid-Dread-ya-estan-aqui--2054739.html") 7 October 2021 12:30 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoES/status/1446150963916648454
Game Awards Metroid Dread GOTY card.png|Game Awards graphic.
TGA Best Action Adventure Game card.png|The Game Awards' Best Action Adventure Game winner card.Fernando Zazo (stehcnics). "Omg congrats to all the team! #MetroidDread #GameAwards" 9 December 2021 9:55 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/stehcnics/status/1469138732645335043
Fernando Zazo photo of Game Award.png|The award itself arrived at MercurySteam on March 9, 2022. (photo from Fernando Zazo)MercurySteam (mercurysteam). "The bounty for this mission was appropriate 😉" 9 March 2022 11:17 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/mercurysteam/status/1501592959275483142Fernando Zazo (stehcnics). "It has arrived! it weights a lot! It’s amazing to hold it in your hands 😍#TheGameAwards #MetroidDread #Metroid" 9 March 2022 6:48 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/stehcnics/status/1501525244099678209
Leading ladies.png|Image accompanying a Nintendo.com article celebrating Dread and other games with female lead protagonists, such as Princess Peach: Showtime!, Another Code: Recollection and Bayonetta Origins.Nintendo. "Meet four leading ladies and girls from games on Nintendo Switch". Nintendo.com. Published March 22, 2024. Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
Dread and MPR on sale image (Japan).png|Image accompanying the June 2024 sale of Dread and Prime Remastered.
Dread and MPR on sale image (Germany).png
==References==
==External links==
*IGN page
*Nintendo.com page (North America)
*Nintendo.com page (UK)
*Nintendo.com page (Japan)
ru:Metroid Dread
Category:Games
Category:Nintendo DS
Category:Nintendo Switch