Dread Mode is a new difficulty mode added to Metroid Dread during the free update announced and launched in February of 2022. Read on to learn more about Dread Mode, its differences from Normal and Hard Mode, and how to unlock it!

How to Unlock Dread Mode

Update to Version 2.0.0

Before you can play Dread Mode, you first need to update to the Version 2.0.0 update of the game or later. Dread Mode was added as part of the free update announced and released on February 10, 2022.

Version 2.0.0 Free Update Patch Notes

Beat the Game in Hard Mode

Dread Mode cannot be unlocked until you have beaten the game in Hard Mode, which is also only unlocked once you have beaten the game in Normal Difficulty, so unlocking Dread Mode requires you to beat the game at least twice.

Hard Mode Differences and How to Unlock

Dread Mode Differences

Samus Dies in One Hit

Dread Mode is a new difficulty added during the Version 2.0.0 free update. In this new difficulty mode, when the player takes any amount of damage from either an enemy or projectile, they will immediately receive a game over.

This includes weaker enemies such as Dizzean and boss attacks, so remember to tread carefully and strategically throughout Planet ZDR.

Save Your Game Often

When playing Dread Mode, get into the habit of saving your game often, since each time Samus dies, you will need return to your most recent save point.

How to Change Difficulty Settings

Choose from the Save File Selection Screen after Beating the Game

After beating the game in Hard Mode, you will return to the main menu where you can choose to continue your last save on Hard Mode, or start up a more challenging Dread Mode.

If you have beaten Hard Mode prior to the update, you will receive a notification that you have unlocked Dread Mode once you start up the game.

Metroid Dread Related Guides

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