Metroid Dread is the first new, totally original side-scrolling Metroid game in many years. It also marks the first new game in the series to arrive on Nintendo Switch, and one that serves as the culmination of the Metroid series’ story to date. But just how long is Metroid Dread, and what can you expect from the journey?

How long does it take to beat Metroid Dread?

You can expect it to take 7-9 hours to complete Metroid Dread on your first playthrough, making it longer than Fusion and Zero Mission but shorter than Samus Returns. As with any metroidvania game, that time can vary wildly depending on a few factors–namely, how often you get lost or stuck on a boss, and how much time you spend hunting down upgrades, of which there are many in Dread.