Ending & Post-Game Content

Congratulations, bounty hunter! You've reached the climactic conclusion of your mission on SR388. This section will guide you through the final confrontation and detail what awaits you after the credits roll.

The Final Confrontation: Queen Metroid

After eliminating the last Omega Metroid, the path to the Queen Metroid's lair will open. Prepare for a grueling battle against the matriarch of the Metroid species.

Preparation is Key:

• Missiles: Ensure you have a substantial stock of Missiles. The Queen Metroid is heavily armored, and Missiles are your primary damage dealers. Aim for at least 150-200 Missiles.
• Energy Tanks: Maximize your Energy Tanks. The Queen's attacks are powerful, and you'll need all the health you can get. If you've been diligent, you should have all 10 Energy Tanks.
• Screw Attack: This ability is crucial for avoiding damage and dealing some minor contact damage during certain phases.
• Space Jump: Essential for maneuvering around the Queen's attacks and reaching vulnerable points.

Queen Metroid Battle Strategy:

1. Phase 1: Head Attack
   • The Queen will initially attack by extending her neck and biting. Dodge these attacks by using the Space Jump to jump over her head or ducking into the corners of the arena.
   • Her mouth is her primary weak point. Fire Missiles directly into her open mouth. You'll need to be quick and precise.
   • After taking enough damage, she will retreat into the lava.
2. Phase 2: Lava Attacks & Vulnerability
   • When submerged, the Queen will periodically emerge and spit fireballs. Use Space Jump to avoid these projectiles.
   • She will eventually emerge fully from the lava and roar, exposing her underbelly. This is your chance!
   • Morph into Morph Ball and roll directly into her mouth.
   • Once inside, quickly plant Power Bombs. Each Power Bomb will deal significant damage. You can usually get 2-3 Power Bombs off before she expels you.
   • Repeat this cycle of dodging, firing missiles at her head, and planting Power Bombs in her mouth until she is defeated.

The Aftermath: The Baby Metroid

Upon the Queen Metroid's defeat, a small, newly hatched Metroid larva will appear. Do NOT attack it! This is the Baby Metroid, and it will imprint on Samus, following her throughout the final sequence of the game.

Escaping SR388:

1. Follow the Baby Metroid: The Baby Metroid will guide you through a series of previously inaccessible tunnels and areas. Simply follow its lead.
2. New Paths: The Baby Metroid will use its unique abilities to clear obstacles, such as destroying certain blocks that were previously impassable.
3. Final Ascent: You will eventually reach the surface of SR388, where your gunship awaits. The Baby Metroid will enter the ship with you, marking the end of your mission and the beginning of a new chapter.

Post-Game Content & Completionist Goals

While Metroid II: Return of Samus doesn't feature traditional "New Game+" modes or extensive post-game content in the modern sense, there are still achievements and challenges for dedicated players:

1. Item Completion:

The primary post-game goal for many is to achieve 100% item collection. This means finding every:

• Energy Tank (10 total): Each tank increases your maximum health, making future playthroughs easier.
• Missile Expansion (50 total): Each expansion increases your Missile capacity by 5. A full stock of 250 Missiles is a testament to your exploration skills.
• Power Bomb Expansion (10 total): Each expansion increases your Power Bomb capacity by 2. A full stock of 20 Power Bombs provides immense destructive power.

Revisit areas with newly acquired abilities like the Space Jump, Screw Attack, and Spider Ball to uncover hidden passages and breakable blocks that lead to these valuable upgrades.

2. Speedrunning:

Metroid II is a popular title for speedrunning. Challenge yourself to complete the game as quickly as possible. This often involves:

• Optimized Routing: Planning the most efficient path through the game, minimizing backtracking.
• Sequence Breaking: using advanced techniques to acquire items or reach areas earlier than intended.
• Boss Rush: Practicing boss battles to defeat them as quickly and cleanly as possible.

Your final time is displayed after the credits, providing a clear metric for improvement.

3. Low % Runs:

For the ultimate challenge, attempt to complete the game with the fewest possible item upgrades. This demands exceptional skill in dodging, precise combat, and careful resource management.

4. Exploring the Lore:

Take time to appreciate the narrative implications of your journey. The bond formed with the Baby Metroid sets the stage for future installments in the Metroid saga. Reflect on Samus's role as both destroyer and protector.

Even after defeating the Queen, SR388 holds many secrets. Happy hunting, Samus!