Glitches & Exploits

While Metroid Dread is a highly polished experience, like many complex games, it contains a few interesting glitches and exploits that can be leveraged for speedrunning, sequence breaking, or simply for amusement. Be aware that some of these may be patched in future updates, so their efficacy might vary depending on your game version. Always back up your save data if you're concerned about potential issues, though most of these are harmless.

Phantom Cloak Skip (Early Cross Bomb)

This exploit allows you to obtain the Cross Bomb significantly earlier than intended, bypassing the need for the Phantom Cloak in certain areas. This is a high-level technique often used in speedruns.

Location: Ghavoran, specifically the area leading to the Cross Bomb acquisition.
Requirements: You'll need the Space Jump and the Screw Attack. The Speed Booster can also be helpful but isn't strictly necessary for the core exploit.
Strategy:
1. Navigate to the room in Ghavoran where the Cross Bomb is located, but do not enter the E.M.M.I. Zone.
2. Locate the narrow horizontal tunnel that normally requires the Morph Ball and Cross Bomb to traverse.
3. Position Samus at the very edge of the platform before this tunnel.
4. Perform a precise series of Space Jumps and Screw Attacks, aiming to clip Samus's hitbox through the ceiling above the narrow tunnel. This often involves jumping directly into the corner where the ceiling meets the wall.
5. Once Samus clips through, she will be able to move above the intended path. Carefully maneuver her over the barrier that normally blocks access to the Cross Bomb item sphere.
6. Drop down to collect the Cross Bomb.
Notes: This exploit requires very precise timing and movement. It may take several attempts to master. Successfully performing this skip allows for significant sequence breaking in Ghavoran and beyond.

Wall Jump Clip (Early Gravity Suit Access)

This advanced technique enables players to reach areas that typically require the Gravity Suit, allowing for early access to certain upgrades or pathways.

Location: Burenia, specifically the flooded areas that are normally impassable without the Gravity Suit. A common target is the path leading to the Screw Attack upgrade or certain Missile Tanks.
Requirements: Morph Ball, Bombs, and a good understanding of wall jumping mechanics. The Flash Shift can make this easier but isn't mandatory.
Strategy:
1. Find a vertical shaft or narrow passage in a flooded area of Burenia where the water current is strong enough to push Samus upwards, but there's a small ledge or corner nearby.
2. Enter Morph Ball form and use Bombs to propel Samus upwards against a wall.
3. Immediately after a Bomb propels you, initiate a wall jump. The goal is to use the momentum from the Bomb and the wall jump simultaneously to gain extra height and clip through the ceiling or a small gap.
4. This often involves repeatedly bombing and wall jumping in quick succession, trying to "swim" through the air pockets or small crevices that are usually out of reach.
5. Once you clip above the water level or through a barrier, you can navigate to the desired area.
Notes: This is a highly technical maneuver. The precise angle and timing of the wall jump after a Bomb explosion are crucial. Experiment with different wall angles and Bomb placements. This exploit can open up routes to items like the Screw Attack much earlier, drastically altering the game's progression.

E.M.M.I. Zone Despawn Glitch

This glitch can temporarily despawn an E.M.M.I., giving you a brief window to traverse its zone unmolested. This is more of a convenience exploit than a major sequence break.

Location: Any E.M.M.I. Zone.
Requirements: None specific, but having a clear path to a Zone Door or a Save Station nearby is helpful.
Strategy:
1. Enter an E.M.M.I. Zone and intentionally get detected by the E.M.M.I.
2. Allow the E.M.M.I. to grab Samus, initiating the capture sequence.
3. As soon as the E.M.M.I. grabs you, immediately open your map screen or pause the game.
4. Wait a few seconds, then close the map/pause menu.
5. The E.M.M.I. will often despawn or reset its position, giving you a short period of time before it reappears.
Notes: This glitch is inconsistent and doesn't always work. The E.M.M.I. will eventually respawn, so use the brief respite to quickly move past a difficult section or reach a safe point. It's not a reliable method for avoiding E.M.M.I. encounters entirely, but can be a lifesaver in a pinch.

Boss Skip (Kraid's Lair - Morph Ball Bomb Clip)

This exploit allows you to bypass the Kraid boss fight entirely, which is a significant time-saver for speedrunners.

Location: Cataris, in the room directly above Kraid's Lair.
Requirements: Morph Ball, Bombs, and the Spider Magnet.
Strategy:
1. Proceed to the room in Cataris that is directly above Kraid's Lair, where you would normally drop down into his arena.
2. Instead of dropping, locate the small, destructible block on the ceiling that leads to a hidden passage.
3. Use a Bomb to destroy this block and enter the Morph Ball tunnel.
4. Navigate through the tunnel until you reach a section where you can use the Spider Magnet to cling to the ceiling.
5. Here's the tricky part: while in Morph Ball form and clinging to the magnetic ceiling, you need to precisely drop a Bomb. The explosion from this Bomb, combined with specific movement, can sometimes clip Samus through the floor directly into the post-Kraid area.
6. The timing and positioning of the Bomb drop are critical. You want the explosion to push Samus slightly downwards and into the geometry of the floor.
7. If successful, Samus will fall into the room where the Varia Suit is acquired, effectively skipping the Kraid fight.
Notes: This is an extremely difficult and precise clip. It often requires multiple attempts and a deep understanding of Samus's Morph Ball physics. Successfully performing this skip saves a considerable amount of time and allows for a much earlier acquisition of the Varia Suit.