Controls Guide: Basic Controls and Button Settings

This is a guide to all the game controls in Metroid Dread for the Nintendo Switch. Read on to see details on all the button controls for moving Samus, as well as map controls!

List of Basic Controls

These are the basic controls for Metroid Dread. The info shown here reflects how Samus can be controlled as the game starts out.

Controls	Action
	Move Crouch (Tilt downwards once)
	Expand Minimap
	Interact with characters and objects Continue dialogue Selecting options
	Jump Wall Jump (Press B near a wall while spin jumping)
	Melee Counter (While running: Dash Melee)
	Shoot a beam
+	Free Aim
+	Slide (Move L-Stick left and right while holding down ZL)
	Missile Mode
+	Shoot a Missile
	Options
	Map

This page will be updated to reflect more upgrades and abilities are discovered.

List of Map Controls

Controls	Action
	Move Cursor
/	Zoom Out / In
Press	Reset Position
Press	Fast Cursor
	View Global Map
	Highlight Icons
	Place Marker
	Close Map

All Locations and Maps Guide

How to Use Basic Controls

Free Aim

You can free aim at any time by holding down the L button and moving the left analog stick. This ability is best used when you need to accurately aim to hit a target, or when you are required to use missiles.

The drawback is that Samus is almost completely immobile when free aiming. You can still jump while free aiming, but only vertically, with no horizontal mobility.

Wall Jumps

To perform a wall jump, Samus' first jump towards the wall must have a certain amount of horizontal momentum and she will begin spinning in mid air. Upon coming in contact with the wall, reverse directions on the analog stick and hit the jump button again. This ability is best used when trying to explore areas that a normal jump cannot reach.

Note that Wall Jumps Cannot be performed underwater.

Counters

Counters are performed by tapping the X button with the correct timing while an enemy is attacking you, and following up by pressing the Y button to finish off the enemy.

Note that only some enemy attacks can be countered, with those attacks showing a flash to indicate the counter timing. This ability is best used when facing specific enemies whose attacks can be countered. Enemies that have been countered will also give more Missiles and Energy when defeated.

Sliding

Sliding is performed by pressing the ZL button while running. This ability is best used to get under low terrain or to avoid enemies. Note that sliding cannot be performed underwater.

Best Control Settings

For those who have played through the Samus Returns remake on the 3DS, the default controls of Metroid Dread should feel right at home. The control layouts have mostly remained the same including the jump, aim, missile mode, and melee counter buttons.

For those that have not played Samus Returns or even new players to the series, you are also able to customize your button layout to fit your preferences.

Can Controls Be Changed?

As of April 13, 2020, the Nintendo Switch V10.0.0 system update added the option to change your controller button mapping. You can see more of the update patch notes on Nintendo's official site.

How to Change Button Mapping

Metroid Dread Related Guides

Tips and Tricks Top Page