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

How to Unlock Rookie Mode

Update to Version 2.0.0

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

Version 2.0.0 Free Update Patch Notes

Rookie Mode Differences

Increased Energy and Ammo Recovery

In Rookie ModeSamus recovers more energy and replenishes more ammo from killing enemies or shooting projectiles than she would in other difficulties. Based on the comparison footage in the trailers, Samus in Rookie Mode recovers around twice as much health than she would in Normal Mode.

Easier Boss Fights

Boss fights in Rookie Mode are significanltly easier than in other difficulties because Samus receives less damage from all boss attacks. Any destructible projectiles that the boss launches at Samus are also now easier to break as well.

Lastly, when it comes time to end the boss fight, the finishing counters are much easier to perform.

More Missiles at the Start of the Game

When starting a new game in Metroid Dread, Samus would automatically have 15 missiles in Normal Mode. However, when starting the game in Rookie Mode, she would instead start off with 30 missiles.

How to Change Difficulty Settings

Choose from the Save File Selection Screen Before Starting a Game

Before starting up a new game in Metroid Dread, you can choose the difficulty of your game in the main menu. If you have not beaten the game prior to this point, you will only have the option of choosing either Normal or Rookie Mode.

There is no way to change the difficulty of your game in the middle of a playthrough.

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