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For a release-order playthrough, start with the 1993 Star Fox, then follow the games in the order they first became publicly available: Star Fox 64, Adventures, Assault, Command, Star Fox 64 3D, Zero, Guard, Star Fox 2, and the 2026 Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2. This sequence includes remakes and a companion game; they are not all new chapters in one continuous story.

If you are choosing what to play rather than documenting the entire release history, you can take a shorter route. The clearest story-focused core is Star Fox 64, Star Fox Adventures, Star Fox: Assault, and Star Fox Command. The full chronology is useful for seeing how the series was released; the shorter route prioritizes story continuity and distinct developments.

Star Fox games in release order

The years below refer to each game’s first public release, not when it was developed or when a later port appeared. Exact launch dates can differ by region, so the list uses years unless a regional date is useful to explain a point. The sequence includes games that revisit an earlier premise as well as entries that move the series in a different direction.

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Order Game First public release System or context
1 Star Fox 1993 Super Nintendo/Super Famicom
2 Star Fox 64 1997 Nintendo 64; known in Europe as Lylat Wars
3 Star Fox Adventures 2002 GameCube; an action-adventure change of pace
4 Star Fox: Assault 2005 GameCube
5 Star Fox Command 2006 Nintendo DS
6 Star Fox 64 3D 2011 Nintendo 3DS; an update of Star Fox 64
7 Star Fox Zero 2016 Wii U
8 Star Fox Guard 2016 Wii U; companion strategy game associated with Zero
9 Star Fox 2 2017 First officially released in 2017; its original planned release did not happen
10 Star Fox 2026 Nintendo Switch 2; a new version based on Star Fox 64

The first game debuted in Japan on February 21, 1993. For the 2026 game, Nintendo announced a June 25, 2026 release. Those are regional or specific launch details; the year-based list avoids implying that every game launched everywhere on the same date.

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How to read the chronology

Use the order column when your goal is a chronological tour of first public releases. The 2011 Star Fox 64 3D stays in that list even though it updates the 1997 game, because it was a distinct release in the series’ history. Guard also stays in the complete list because it is a Star Fox-branded companion title. Neither one should be mistaken for a required new chapter in the central story.

The entries that most change the shape of a playthrough are Adventures, Guard, and Star Fox 2. Adventures shifts toward action-adventure rather than the familiar shooter format. Guard is a companion strategy game released alongside Zero. Star Fox 2 was developed earlier but did not reach the public until 2017, so a release chronology puts it after the 2016 games. These distinctions help explain why simply counting titles does not produce one straightforward sequence of story chapters.

Which release-order list should you play?

For every distinct Star Fox-branded release

Play all ten entries in the table in order. This is the most complete approach if you want to see the series as players encountered it over time, including the update, companion title, and delayed first public release of Star Fox 2. It is also the right list if you are using “release order” literally: a game’s place is determined by when it first became publicly available, not by its setting, development period, or relationship to an earlier game.

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This route has a few deliberate repeats and detours. Star Fox 64 3D revisits a game already represented by Star Fox 64. Zero and the 2026 Star Fox return to the 64 premise rather than continuing from Command. Guard adds a companion strategy release, while Adventures offers a change of genre. Think of the route as a history of releases, not ten successive episodes of a single plot.

For the mainline release history

Use Star Fox (1993) → Star Fox 64 → Star Fox Adventures → Star Fox: Assault → Star Fox Command → Star Fox Zero → Star Fox (2026). This shorter path leaves out Star Fox 64 3D, which updates an existing game, Star Fox Guard, which is a companion, and Star Fox 2, which is worth including for a complete release history but is not needed to understand the later core sequence.

“Mainline” is useful shorthand here, not a claim that each game forms a seamless plot continuation. It distinguishes the broader series path from a remake or companion release. If you want the most literal release-order answer, use all ten entries; if you want a shorter series overview, this path keeps the main release milestones and skips the three entries that are easiest to treat as optional.

For the clearest story-focused core

Play Star Fox 64 → Star Fox Adventures → Star Fox: Assault → Star Fox Command. This is a story-focused sequence, not release order. It starts with the 1997 game because the original SNES Star Fox retells the opening conflict. Zero and the 2026 game revisit the Star Fox 64 premise rather than simply carrying on from Command.

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This four-game route is the best fit if your question is, “Which games should I play to follow the central story?” It does not mean the other releases are irrelevant. The 1993 original matters to release history, and Star Fox 2 is part of the franchise’s public release history, but neither is required to understand the sequence listed here. Likewise, the 64 update and the later takes on its premise can be interesting comparisons without serving as the next story step after Command.

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Why release order is different from story order

The series does not form a single, uninterrupted chronology in which every release advances the same plot. In particular, Star Fox 64 retells the opening conflict introduced by the original, and Nintendo describes the 2026 game as based on Star Fox 64. Consequently, “play every release” and “follow the central story” lead to different routes through the games.

  • Release order answers when each distinct game first reached the public. It places Star Fox 2 in 2017, despite its earlier development history.
  • Story-focused order prioritizes the best-supported core sequence: 64, Adventures, Assault, then Command.
  • Repeat visits to the 64 premise include Star Fox 64 3D, Zero, and the 2026 Star Fox. These are relevant to release history, but a player seeking new story beats can skip the 3DS update and the 2026 retelling.

There are three useful comparison points when choosing a route. First, release date and story continuity are different measures: the 1993 original begins the public release history, while the story-focused core begins with 64. Second, a later release may update or revisit an earlier game rather than introduce a new plot chapter. Third, a main series entry and a companion title do not have the same role: Guard belongs in a completionist release list, but its companion status makes it optional for a story run.

That distinction also prevents a common ordering mistake. Do not put Star Fox 2 ahead of Star Fox 64 simply because it was developed earlier. A play order based on public release places it in 2017. A play order based on development history would answer a different question, and it would not match this chronology.

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What to know about the entries that are easy to misplace

Star Fox 2 belongs in 2017 release order

Star Fox 2 was developed earlier, but its originally planned release did not happen. Since this guide is ordered by first public release, it belongs after the 2016 games, not among the 1990s releases. Its placement here is about publication history, not a claim about where it fits in the story.

If you are approaching the games as a story sequence, there is no need to play Star Fox 2 before Star Fox 64. The chronology’s rule is simpler: follow the year the public first received a game. That makes Star Fox 2 a later stop for release-history players and an optional detour for players focused on the core story.

Star Fox 64 3D is an update, not a new story chapter

The 2011 Nintendo 3DS release is an update of Star Fox 64. Keep it in a complete release chronology; skip it if your priority is to experience distinct story developments rather than another version of the same game.

Its position after Command can look odd if you read the list as a plot outline. It is there because the release came out in 2011, not because the story must happen after the DS game. For a player comparing editions and releases, keep it in place. For a player who wants to move from one new story beat to another, treat it as an optional repeat visit to the earlier 64 premise.

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Adventures changes the genre

Star Fox Adventures remains part of the release sequence even though it moves away from the series’ familiar shooter format toward action-adventure. A shooter-focused player should expect a different style of play, not treat its position in the list as a promise that it plays like Star Fox 64.

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This is why it should not be dropped from a release chronology just because it differs from the games around it. The release-order list records the series’ change of direction as well as its shooter entries. If you are choosing a short sample rather than completing the story-focused core, know that Adventures is the genre change in that core sequence.

Guard is optional alongside Zero

Nintendo presented Star Fox Guard as a companion strategy title associated with Star Fox Zero. Both launched in Europe on April 22, 2016. Include Guard when your goal is to cover every distinct Star Fox-branded release; it is not required as the next main story chapter after Zero.

Its same-year release explains why it appears immediately after Zero in the table. The order is chronological at the year level, while the shared 2016 date and companion relationship make the pair easy to think of together. For a complete collection or historical playthrough, include both. For a shorter mainline or story-focused run, Guard can be left out without breaking the recommended core sequence.

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The 2026 Star Fox revisits 64

The Nintendo Switch 2 release shares its title with the 1993 original, so identify it by year and platform when discussing it. Nintendo describes it as a cinematic take on Star Fox 64, with overhauled character designs, revamped stage presentation, detailed cutscenes, fully voiced dialogue, and an orchestral soundtrack. Nintendo also announced a new 4-vs-4 Battle Mode. It is the newest release in the sequence, but its connection to 64 does not make it a continuation of Command.

That makes the 2026 game a useful comparison point, not a prerequisite for the story-focused route. If you want to see how the 64 premise is presented in a later release, put it at the end of the complete release list. If you mainly want new story developments after Command, do not assume that the newest title is the next chapter in that plot.

Nintendo’s game page lists the Nintendo 64 Controller for Nintendo Switch as a separately sold compatible option. It is optional, not a required controller. The announcement also establishes the Switch 2 platform and June 25, 2026 release date, but it does not establish a universal price or identical retailer listing in every region.

Where to start if you only want a few games

Choose according to what you want from the series rather than assuming the oldest game is automatically the best starting point. These routes answer different questions, so decide whether your priority is release history, story continuity, or seeing another version of a familiar premise.

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  • Want the historical starting point? Begin with the 1993 SNES/Super Famicom Star Fox, then proceed in the table’s order. This follows first public release and takes you through all the distinct branded releases.
  • Want the core story sequence? Start with Star Fox 64, followed by Adventures, Assault, and Command. This is the clearest supported core story route, even though it does not start with the earliest release.
  • Want the familiar 64 premise in later forms? Treat Star Fox 64 3D as an updated version, and the 2016 Zero and 2026 Star Fox as later revisits rather than necessary story sequels.
  • Want every branded game? Follow the full ten-game chronology, including Guard and Star Fox 2.

A practical way to decide is to pick one criterion and stick with it. For a release-history run, do not skip an entry merely because it is a remake, a genre shift, or a companion title. For a story run, do not feel obliged to play every release or to place a retelling between plot chapters. For a compact sampler, the four-game core gives you the main story-focused route without requiring the full chronology.

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Platforms and availability

The system column identifies the platforms associated with the games’ first releases; it does not establish where each older title can be bought or played today. Current availability across regional stores and subscription services can change, and a specific present-day storefront or service listing is not established here. Check the store or service for your region before planning a playthrough around access to a particular older release.

This matters especially if you are planning to play every entry in order. The chronology spans Super Nintendo/Super Famicom, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, and Nintendo Switch 2. A first-release platform in the table is a historical detail, not a promise that a current system offers that game. Verify access one title at a time, especially before committing to a complete run; a missing game can otherwise interrupt the order you planned.

For the 2026 Nintendo Switch 2 game, Nintendo lists the Nintendo 64 Controller for Nintendo Switch as a separately sold compatible option. It is optional, not a required controller. Nintendo announced the game’s June 25, 2026 release; the cited announcement does not establish a current price or guarantee that every retailer or region has the same listing. Check current local store information for price, format, and availability rather than assuming those details from the release chronology.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I play the Star Fox games in release order?

Use this order by first public release: Star Fox (1993), Star Fox 64 (1997), Star Fox Adventures (2002), Star Fox: Assault (2005), Star Fox Command (2006), Star Fox 64 3D (2011), Star Fox Zero (2016), Star Fox Guard (2016), Star Fox 2 (2017), and Star Fox (2026, Nintendo Switch 2). Years are used because exact dates vary by region.

Do I need to play Star Fox 2 before Star Fox 64?

No. Star Fox 2 is placed after the 2016 games in release order because its first official release was in 2017, even though it had been developed earlier. The story-focused core sequence begins with Star Fox 64; Star Fox 2 is optional for that route.

Is Star Fox 64 3D a sequel?

No. Nintendo describes it as an update of Star Fox 64. Keep it in a complete release chronology because it was a distinct 2011 release, but you can skip it if you are looking for a new story chapter.

Is Star Fox Guard part of the main story?

Guard is a companion strategy title associated with Star Fox Zero, not a required next story chapter. It belongs in a complete list of Star Fox-branded releases, and Nintendo reported that both games launched in Europe on April 22, 2016.

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What is the story order for the main Star Fox games?

The clearest story-focused core is Star Fox 64 → Star Fox Adventures → Star Fox: Assault → Star Fox Command. This differs from release order, which begins with the 1993 original. Star Fox 64 retells the opening conflict, while Zero and the 2026 Star Fox revisit its premise rather than simply continuing after Command.

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Do I have to play Adventures if I only like the shooter games?

Adventures is part of the release sequence and the story-focused core, but it changes the genre toward action-adventure. Keep it if you want that full sequence; expect a different style from the shooter-focused entries.

Is the 2026 Star Fox a sequel to Command?

Nintendo describes the Switch 2 game as based on Star Fox 64, so it is better treated as a return to that premise than as a continuation of Command. It is the latest release in this chronology, but release date alone does not make it the next story chapter.

Do I need the Nintendo 64 Controller for Nintendo Switch to play the 2026 game?

No. Nintendo lists the controller as a separately sold compatible option, not a requirement. Check Nintendo’s current product details for the available purchase options in your region.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I play the Star Fox games in release order?

Use first public release order: Star Fox (1993), Star Fox 64 (1997), Star Fox Adventures (2002), Star Fox: Assault (2005), Star Fox Command (2006), Star Fox 64 3D (2011), Star Fox Zero (2016), Star Fox Guard (2016), Star Fox 2 (2017), then Star Fox (2026, Nintendo Switch 2).

Do I need to play Star Fox 2 before Star Fox 64?

No. Star Fox 2 first received an official public release in 2017, so it comes after the 2016 games in release order. The story-focused core begins with Star Fox 64, and Star Fox 2 is optional for that route.

Is Star Fox 64 3D a sequel?

No. It is an update of Star Fox 64. Include it for a complete release history, but skip it if you only want new story developments.

Is Star Fox Guard part of the main story?

Guard is a companion strategy title associated with Star Fox Zero, not a required next story chapter. It is optional for a story run but belongs in a complete branded-release list.

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What is the story order for the main Star Fox games?

The clearest story-focused core is Star Fox 64, Star Fox Adventures, Star Fox: Assault, and Star Fox Command. That differs from release order, which starts with the 1993 original.

Do I need the Nintendo 64 Controller for Nintendo Switch to play the 2026 Star Fox?

No. Nintendo lists it as a separately sold compatible option, not a required controller.

The Bottom Line

For the complete release history, play the ten entries in the table by first public release, placing Star Fox 2 in 2017 and including the optional 64 3D and Guard. For the clearest story-focused run, play Star Fox 64, Adventures, Assault, and Command. Those are different goals: one follows when games reached the public, the other prioritizes the core story sequence.

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