If you're new to the Star Fox series in 2026, you have eleven games to choose from across nine platforms — including a brand-new Switch 2 remake. This guide cuts through the noise and tells you exactly which Star Fox game to play first based on what you own, how much time you have, and what kind of game you actually want.
Start with Star Fox 2026. Same campaign as Star Fox 64, much better presentation, and 4v4 online multiplayer that extends replay value far beyond what any earlier Star Fox game offered. Skip every other entry until you've finished this one — and even then, only return for specific reasons (Adventures for the Krystal arc, Command for the nine endings, etc).
Start with Star Fox 64 via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The N64 library includes Star Fox 64 in its original form. If you finish it and want more, Starlink: Battle for Atlas is the only other Star Fox content on the Switch eShop.
Start with Star Fox 64 3D. The 2011 remake is the most polished pre-2026 way to play the SF64 campaign — better visuals than the N64 original, gyro aim, and stereoscopic 3D depth. You'll have to find a physical cartridge since the 3DS eShop closed in 2023. See the full SF64 3D review.
Start with Star Fox 64 via Wii U Virtual Console (if still accessible) — not Star Fox Zero. Star Fox Zero's dual-screen controls are not the right introduction to the series. Once you've played SF64, then try Star Fox Zero if you're curious.
Start with Star Fox Assault. A GameCube disc still works on Wii. Skip Star Fox Adventures unless you're specifically into Zelda-style action-adventures.
SNES: Star Fox (1993) for historical interest, but SF64 supersedes it.
N64: Star Fox 64 — the unambiguous best entry on this hardware.
DS: Star Fox Command, the only Star Fox handheld original.
One full path through Star Fox 64 (or its 3D / 2026 remakes). The single-run length is the shortest of any Star Fox game and the most rewarding payoff per minute.
All seven paths through Star Fox 64. This is the canonical "complete Star Fox 64 experience."
Star Fox 64 (any version) + a campaign run through Star Fox 2026's online matches + Star Fox 2 (90 minutes) + Starlink: Battle for Atlas Star Fox campaign.
Everything in chronological order: Star Fox 1993 → Star Fox 2 → Star Fox 64 → Adventures → Assault → Command → Star Fox 64 3D → Zero → Guard → Starlink → Star Fox 2026.
The Star Fox series has a soft canon at best — most games are loose continuity reboots. If you want to follow the most cohesive story, the order is: Star Fox 64 → Star Fox Adventures → Star Fox Assault → Star Fox Command → (optionally) Star Fox 2026 (which retells SF64 with modernized presentation).
The 1993 Star Fox and Star Fox 2 are not part of the 64-onward continuity.