Metroid Dread Complete Guide (29 Sections) | Ludo.guide

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Metroid Dread plunges you into the role of bounty hunter Samus Aran, stranded on the hostile planet ZDR. As you explore its labyrinthine environments, you'll engage in challenging combat, master new abilities, and constantly evade the relentless pursuit of the terrifying E.M.M.I. robots. This installment picks up after the events of Metroid Fusion, tasking you with investigating the potential resurgence of the dangerous X Parasite.

This guide is your essential companion for conquering ZDR. We'll provide a complete walkthrough from your initial awakening to the final confrontation, offering expert strategies for every boss fight, including those E.M.M.I. encounters. You'll also find the precise locations for all Missile Tanks, Energy Tanks, and crucial weapon upgrades, ensuring you don't miss any vital equipment needed to survive.

Map

The map feature in Metroid Dread can be confusing due to its many icons and colors. This guide covers key map elements to help players understand their meaning and function.

Here is a breakdown of the various map icons:

Icon	Object	Description
	Power Beam Doors	Blas these open with a single power beam shot.
	Network Stations	Communicate With Adam, Save Game.
	Map Stations	Reveals the map for the current area that Samus is located in.
	Save Stations	Players can save their game here.
	Total Recharge Stations	Refills all health and all ammunition.
	Missile Tanks	Increases Missile Capacity x2.
	Interactive Devices	Various types of objects that can be interacted with for an effect on the planet ZDR.
	Energy Recharge Stations	Refills all of Samus Aran's Health.
	Shutter Doors	Use the Phantom Cloak to proceed through the shutters.
	Shuttle/Travel Station	Shuttles will take Samus Aran to other locations on Planet ZDR.

Power Beam Doors
These are the most basic doors in the game. They are yellow with a large yellow circle in the middle and can be opened with a single power beam shot. On the mini-map, they resemble the icon shown.

Network Stations
At a Network Station, Samus can plug into the network with her Arm Cannon to receive hints, lore, or story information from Adam. Players can also save their game here.

Total Recharge Stations
These Chozo Statues, identified by a golden glow and a gold Chozo representation on the map, fully recharge both ammunition and health when Samus steps on the plate in front of them.

Missile Tank Markers
These markers indicate the location of Missile Tanks, which increase Missile Capacity by two. They appear on the World Map with a red circle outline, similar to the icon shown.

Interactive Devices
These devices, marked by a Hand Icon on the world map, can trigger various effects on Planet ZDR, such as lowering water levels or changing temperatures. They are clutch for main game progression.

Energy Recharge Stations
These stations glow purple and instantly restore all of Samus Aran's health and energy tanks. They rarely offer checkpoints and do not allow for saving the game.

Shutter Doors
To pass through Shutter Doors, Samus must use the Phantom Cloak. Be mindful of Aeion Energy levels, as depleting them will result in losing energy tanks.

Shuttles
Shuttles open up travel between different locations on Planet ZDR. The first encountered shuttle in Cataris transports Samus to Dairon, with more available for other destinations later in the game.

GameFAQs

Walkthrough

1
Aiming the Omega Cannon can be challenging; practice is key to improving.
2
For rookie players, defeating an EMMI often requires maintaining a good distance and setting up your attack effectively.
3
A video demonstrating how to take out EMMI 02 is available, showing the necessary setup.

Tips

Focus on maintaining a good distance from the EMMI.
Ensure you have a proper setup before engaging the EMMI.
Practice makes perfect when aiming the Omega Cannon.

Navigation:

Previous: Introduction
Next: Controls

Controls

Options

The (-) button opens the options menu, where you can reload previous checkpoints (a save point that marks your progress), check amiibo, restart to the main menu, or reload your current saved file.

Map

The (+) button displays the game's map. Initially, only parts of the map are visible; claiming the map for each area reveals more, though many secrets remain hidden until discovered or specific criteria are met.

Expand Minimap (the small circular map in the bottom-left corner of your screen)

Pressing Left on the Directional Pad expands the minimap (a small, real-time map shown on the HUD (heads-up display — the on-screen icons showing health, ammo and the minimap), or Heads-Up Display) in the top right corner, offering a better view of your surroundings. This is particularly useful for finding items or evading the EMMI. Any button press exits this view.

Melee Counter

The Melee Counter, activated by pressing (X), allows you to counter certain enemy attacks and set up a charged shot that typically defeats basic enemies in one blast. This is a good way to regain health and ammunition but can be risky due to precise timing requirements. Samus Aran can also dash into targets by running and pressing (X), which can be combined with the melee counter if timed correctly. Acquiring the Varia Suit increases the Melee Dash attack power.

Slide

The (ZL) button performs a slide, an ability available from the start of the game. The slide is useful for hiding, sliding through floor gaps, and escaping the EMMI.

Free Aim

Holding the (L) shoulder button enables Free Aim, allowing Samus to aim in any direction. While holding (L), move the left joystick to aim using red laser sights. This works with missiles and later with the Grapple Beam. Aiming can be challenging, especially with the Omega Cannon against EMMI, but becomes more manageable during general gameplay.

Missile Mode

Holding the (R) button toggles missile modes. While some players find this control scheme difficult initially, it becomes more appreciated as you lean on the game's various abilities.

Advanced Controls

Wall Jumping

Samus Aran can jump towards a wall and press the (L) Joystick towards it in combination with the jump button to perform a wall jump, gaining additional height. This is available from the start of the game and is easier to execute in Metroid Dread compared to previous installments.

Speed Boosting

Begin a Speed Boost by pressing the (L) button or Left Joystick. Hold (L) to activate the boosters on Samus Aran's back. Mastering Speed Boosting is essential for unlocking 100% of in-game items and is required for using the Shinespark.

Shinespark

Once a Speed Boost is fully charged, Samus Aran will glow and emit a sound. Pressing Down on the Left Joystick triggers a Shine Spark Charge, indicated by a pink glow. You have a limited time to perform a Shine Spark before the charge is lost. This is game-changing for 100% game completion and speed runs. The Shine Spark can be maintained through certain actions, such as entering Morph Ball formation, allowing you to boost or Shine Spark while in Morph Ball mode.

Morph Ball

Press (ZL) or double-tap Down on the Left Joystick to enter Morph Ball formation. In Morph Ball mode, you can access tighter spaces and lean on different abilities. You can jump in Morph Ball mode with the (B) button, and Samus Aran will perform a melee kick if the (X) button is pressed.