Metroid Dread Report/Volume 11: Power through with these pointers for exploration and combat

Welcome to the Metroid™ Dread Report! This series will introduce the latest information on the Metroid Dread game and the world of the Metroid series, along with behind-the-scenes glimpses from the game’s development team.
Now that the Metroid Dread game has been available for some time, have you enjoyed exploring the mysterious planet ZDR? In this special edition of the Metroid Dread Report, we’d like to spotlight a few field-tested hints and strategies that might help when things are looking dire.
Please note that some of these hints may be considered spoilers. If you’d prefer to avoid such things, we suggest you only check out the portions labeled “transmission from the dev team” for spoiler-free insights."
==Finding Your Bearings==
;Q - Where am I supposed to go next? When I don't play for a while, I forget what I was doing.
:A: Check the Mission Log for clues.
"Here, you can check out entries for what you’ve recently accomplished, such as which abilities you’ve recently obtained or which bosses you’ve beat. You can also read messages from Adam and the in-game text tutorials that occasionally appear. Many times, a new ability or a recent message from Adam can be a big hint as to where you need to head next. You might find it worth checking in with your Mission Log whenever you find yourself stumped."
;Q - I’m stuck because every path seems to be a dead end. How do I move forward?
:A: There may be hidden blocks somewhere that you can destroy.
"The hidden breakable blocks you’ll encounter on the main story path always have some kind of hint alluding to what’s beyond. It may be an enemy, a glimpse at a passageway, or even a suspicious sound.
You might also come across interactive devices, shown on the map as a white icon in the shape of a hand. When you interact with them, the map will change in some way and a new route may be created."
;Q - I acquired a new ability. How do I know where to use it?
:A: Try using the Icon Highlight feature on the map screen. Sometimes, your next step is in a previous area.
"Your adventure will lead you back and forth between the different areas to explore new paths forward. The navigation features on the map screen can help you identify your next step.
Once you’ve acquired an ability, you can check the map screen for locked doors and destructible blocks that your newly acquired ability can help you pass through. Use the Icon Highlight feature on the map screen to locate specific types of doors and blocks (or even items) in the area you’re in—and elsewhere, too, which makes it an extremely useful tool for exploration. And if you feel you’ve scoured the area but still can’t find a place to leverage your new ability, try exploring a previous area."
===~Transmission From the Dev Team~===
"The Metroid series is full of games where the player is encouraged to explore, so we created this game with “getting lost” as one of the key elements. However, no matter how lost you are, there is always a way to figure out where to go next. There are hidden hints found in the world during gameplay, on the map screen, as well as in the Mission Log. We hope you enjoy piecing together these clues as you explore planet ZDR."
==Exploring to the Fullest==
;Q - What does “clear time” mean?
:A: This is the amount of time it took you to complete the game. It doesn’t include your time spent on the map screen or retrying.
"In Metroid Dread, the ending rewards are earned based on your play time. The faster you complete the game, the more rewards you can get.
By the way, the clear time does not count time spent on the map screen, so you don’t need to rush your map reading. And, in case you hit the “game over” screen, the time does not continue to add up the more you retry—it will only be counted from the point where you restart the game. You don't need to stress about time mounting up if you taste defeat, so focus on thinking about how to overcome the obstacles ahead instead."
;Q - Aside from the ending rewards, what else can I go after?
:A: How about trying the harsh Hard Mode or aiming for 100% item collection?
"Once you complete the game, you’ll unlock the even more challenging Hard Mode, which has its own set of ending rewards to earn.
Please keep in mind that you’ll need to play on the same save file to collect rewards for both Normal and Hard modes in the same gallery. If you’d like to leave your original save intact for whatever reason, we suggest you copy it to a different slot.
You can also unlock individual Chozo Archive rewards in your gallery. Collecting 100% of the items hidden in each area of ZDR will unlock one."
===~Transmission From the Dev Team~===
"Games in the Metroid series have traditionally rewarded players based on their clear time, and we’ve designed them in ways that allow for players to complete their adventures by exploring many different paths through the world.
Using the techniques outlined in this Metroid Dread Report, you might be able to complete the game using a route that differs from the main path. We encourage you to seek new ways forward during a second or third time through."
==Making the Most of Samus' Abilities==
;Q - What’s the most effective way to use the Phantom Cloak?
:A: Try using it with Samus’ back against the wall in an E.M.M.I. Zone.
[embedded video with hints: "Try to use dead ends to avoid detection. Even if the E.M.M.I. can't see you, it can still bump into you. Phantom Cloak won't help if you're already spotted. You can hide from regular enemies, too."]
"The Phantom Cloak renders Samus invisible, but that doesn’t mean she can’t get hit by enemies when it’s active. If Samus collides with an E.M.M.I. or if it already has her locked on (look for a red ring surrounding Samus), the Phantom Cloak will be useless. Please be careful!
Try standing close to the wall in a dead end and activating Phantom Cloak. The E.M.M.I. will scout the area and check to ensure Samus is not there. If she isn’t spotted, the E.M.M.I. will go away and Samus will be safe for the moment.
There may be cases where you use the Phantom Cloak in places other than dead ends. If so, try to move yourself somewhere safe while invisible.
The Phantom Cloak is also effective against regular enemies, too. It can be especially useful at times when Samus’ energy is low, allowing her to move forward without being spotted.'"
;Q - How do I make the best use of the Storm Missile ability?
:A: You can use it without going into Free Aim mode. Also, it can attack enemies surrounded by electricity.
"Activate Storm Missile by holding down the R button. If you stand your ground and use Free Aim, it might be easier to lock on to certain enemies—however, it isn’t necessary to use Free Aim to lock on. You can lock on simply by holding the R button. This way, you can target enemies in front of Samus, or aim at enemies while running, which adds a layer of versatility to the ability. Also, you can damage enemies surrounded by electricity that otherwise shrug off attacks."
;Q - How can I make better use of the Flash Shift ability?
:A: Try going immediately into an attack position right after dodging.
[embedded video of Chozo Soldier in Elun with this hint: "Flash Shift backwards to keep the enemy in your sights."]
"Flash Shift is an Aeion ability that allows Samus to move forward and backward multiple times at high speed. You can activate it by tilting the Left Stick in the direction you wish to go and then pressing the A button. But if you press the A button first and then tilt in the opposite direction that Samus is facing, you can immediately move away with a back step. When using this technique while confronting enemies, that means Samus can reposition herself away from the enemy without having to turn around.
The timing can be a bit difficult at first, but this can be helpful against strong enemies. Try it out for yourself!"
;Q - How can I make better use of the Spin Boost and Space Jump abilities?
:"A: You can launch Samus into another leap while falling from the top of a jump arc. This can also be done underwater to cross gaps.
Using the Spin Boost and Space Jump abilities in concert will allow Samus to continuously Spin Jump. Press the B button right as Samus begins to fall from the top of her Spin Jump arc. You can’t do this during a regular jump or before reaching the top of the Spin Jump arc, so please be mindful of Samus’ movements to accomplish this.
Continuous Spin Jumping also works while under water. While Samus can’t go any higher than the first jump in her standard Power Suit or Varia Suit, she can continue jumping along the same height to cross gaps. Certain areas require this technique to successfully explore, so keep a watchful eye on the terrain even when submerged."''
;Q - How in the world do you destroy some of these Speed Booster blocks?
:A: The key is to use the Speed Booster and Shine Spark abilities to their fullest.
[embedded video with these hints: "Speed Booster can be combined with other actions", "If you cancel a Spin Jump by shooting, you can activate Shine Spark in the air." "If you launch Shine Spark at a slope, you can keep going with Speed Booster."]
"Some items can only be obtained after using the Speed Booster and Shine Spark abilities to their fullest. These techniques may seem advanced at first, but with practice come much more naturally.
Clicking the Left Stick while moving will activate the Speed Booster ability—with enough runway, Samus will begin to glow and move at a very high speed. During a Speed Boost, tilting the Left Stick down will allow Samus to hold a Shine Spark. You can then use this by pressing the B Button. If you tilt the Left Stick right after that, you can launch her at high speed in that direction.
Speed Booster momentum can be maintained even after jumping, sliding, and wall kicking. If you launch a Shine Spark against a hill, you will automatically switch to Speed Booster again when you touch the hill and continue on.
At the start of a Shine Spark, you can tilt the Left Stick to determine which of the eight directions in which you want to launch Samus. While Shine Spark can’t be used during a Spin Jump, you can activate it after canceling a Spin Jump via shooting your Arm Cannon or activating Free Aim."
===~Transmission From the Dev Team~===
"Samus’ power will grow as she progresses. By the end, she’ll have many abilities at her disposal, which is a defining characteristic of the Metroid series.
You can check what abilities are available to her and how to use them by looking at the Samus screen in the menu, as well as in Mission Log entries. If you get stuck, it can be helpful to check there.
When acquiring a new ability, many times there are signals around how to best use it—these could be demonstrated in a cutscene or simply by inviting you to try it out against enemies or bosses that soon appear. We suggest you keep these clues in mind when strategizing your way through the world."
==Boss Battles==
;Q - Some of the boss battles are really difficult for me. How am I supposed to defeat them?
:A: Keep a close eye on how they strike and look for patterns.
[embedded clip of Corpius with this hint: "Study attack patterns to predict what's next."]
"The bosses Samus faces are extremely strong and durable, so there may be times where you find yourself struggling to get through. Please don’t be discouraged—you can prevail!
Even the most intimidating bosses have weaknesses. As you battle them, see if you can spot patterns that signal the type of attack coming up. Knowing what’s coming may make attacks easier to dodge, so try to watch their movements carefully for hints on how to defeat them.
Take Corpius as an example: its attacks include stabbing its tail into the ground, swinging its tail, and spitting acid. If you can identify patterns in its movements before each attack, you can better evade and be one step closer to victory."
;Q - Is there a way to complete boss battles faster?
:A: Seize your chance to Melee Counter!
[embedded clip of Corpius and Kraid with this hint: "Melee Counter flashing attacks for a chance to deal heavy damage."]
"Some bosses have attacks that spark light.
If you successfully Melee Counter such attacks and strike during the opening it creates, you can begin the “grab sequence” where you can dish out heavy damage with Missile attacks. You’ll also obtain replenishments for Missiles and Energy, so make sure not to miss your Melee Counter chance! Also, try to rapid-fire Missiles instead of Beams while grabbing the enemy."
===~Transmission From the Dev Team~===
"Basically, each boss has a weak point where a Charge Beam or Missile is effective most of the time. If you hear a “clink” sound as if the attack was repelled, the boss didn’t take damage. A standard Beam attack may be effective on certain parts of the enemy, so watch how it reacts and listen for sounds that suggest the attack has dealt damage. Missiles can be replenished with a successful Melee Counter, so don’t hesitate to use them as much as you need.
Bosses are strong, but there are no attacks that cannot be dodged! Watch their moves carefully and don’t hesitate to challenge them."
==Hidden Techniques==
;Q - Are there any techniques not covered in the tutorials?
:A: Several!
Reach New Heights with the "Bomb Jump"
[embedded video of a Turbo Bomb in the "Artaria entrance"]
"This technique uses the Morph Ball bomb. The blast of an exploding bomb will launch Samus when in Morph Ball form. If you set another bomb while in the air and position Samus over it as it explodes, Samus can go even higher. Continuously doing this will let you reach places that the regular jump cannot."
Speed Up Ledge Climbs with "Quick Rise"
[embedded video of a Quick Rise being performed, with this hint: "Use Quick Rise when clinging to a ledge to pull yourself up faster."]
"If you press the jump button at just the right time when climbing up the edge of a platform, you can lift yourself up quicker than usual. This may make just a tiny difference when done once but being consistent with it might help you cut down your clear time somewhat. If you’re aiming for certain ending rewards, we suggest you regularly try to apply this technique."
Reach the Unreachable with "Slide Jump"
[embedded video of Slide Jumps being performed, with this hint: "Use Slide Jump to gain a bit more jumping distance."]
"If you Slide right before the edge of a platform and then press the jump button right after you slide off the side, you can jump in the air. This technique allows you to reach spots that are otherwise inaccessible and can open the way for new routes through the map."
Shatter Enemies in One Strike with "Ice Breaker"
"You can crush an enemy in one blow by freezing it with Ice Missiles and striking it with a Melee Counter. This technique allows you to shatter enemies while running through them, allowing for an even speedier pace."
===~Transmission From the Dev Team~===
"Combining Samus’ abilities allows you to move more fluidly through the world and carve out alternate paths through the world of ZDR. You’ll need these techniques to obtain all ending rewards and fill out the Chozo Archive. Even if you’ve completed the game once already, we encourage you to have another go at it using what you’ve learned.
If you haven’t tried Metroid Dread yet, there’s a free demo available to get a feel for the movement and atmosphere.
And if you want to prepare a bit more before trying the demo or full game, please check out this video featuring five tips for getting a strong start."
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