Metroid Character Profile: What are the Metroids?

This is an article about the Metroids from the game Metroid Dread for the Nintendo Switch. Learn more about their overview, their backstory, and their role in Metroid Dread!

Metroid Overview

What are the Metroids

This enigmatic, floating life form had the terrifying ability to attach onto other organisms and absorb their energy.

Originally, the Metroid were artificially created by the Chozo to destroy the dangerous X parasitical life form found on planet SR388.

The name Metroid comes from the Chozo word meaning ultimate warrior.

Metroids in Metroid Dread

By the time of the Metroid Dread game’s events, the Metroid species no longer exists.

However, Metroid DNA continues to live on through Samus, equipping her with a natural immunity to the X Parasite.

Metroid in Previous Games

Metroid

Some have tried to weaponize Metroids because of their energy-absorbing ability, which has made this species the source of several conflicts in the past. The events of the 1987 NES game Metroid, revolves around these conflicts.

Metroid II: Return of Samus

In the events of the 1991 game Metroid II: Return of Samus,Samus was sent to planet SR388 by the Galactic Federation on a mission to eradicate the Metroid.

She successfully accomplished her mission and returned with a Metroid hatchling in tow. As Samus was the first creature the hatchling saw, the “baby Metroid” imprinted onto her and believed Samus to be its mother.

Super Metroid

Soon after, however, this Metroid would become a source of conflict with the Space Pirates in the 1994 SNES game Super Metroid. In an ensuing battle, this Metroid would bravely sacrifice itself to save Samus. The species would go completely extinct after one of Samus’s later missions.

Metroid Fusion

By the events of the 2002 GBA game Metroid Fusion, the Metroids are now extinct. Their extinction has caused the resurgence of the even more dangerous X Parasite. On a research mission, Samus is even attacked and infected by the X Parasite putting her in a dire state.

However, with the help of a vaccine using a cell culture from the Metroid hatchling, the infection ceases instantly. As the host of the last remaining Metroid DNA in the universe, Samus alone can stand a chance against the X Parasite.

Metroid Dread Related Guides

List of All Characters

Major Characters
Samus Aran	EMMI	The Chozo
X Parasite	Metroid	ADAM
Quiet Robe