Acquire the Plasma Beam

Acquire the Plasma Beam

The Plasma Beam is one of the most powerful upgrades in Metroid II, allowing Samus to pierce through enemies and certain environmental blocks that were previously impenetrable. Obtaining it requires navigating through challenging areas and defeating several Metroids. Follow these steps carefully:

Reaching the Plasma Beam Chamber

1. From the Area 6 Save Point: After defeating the Metroids in Area 6 and the subsequent earthquake, you'll find a save point. Save your game here, as the upcoming sections can be tough.
2. Head Right and Down: Proceed to the right from the save point, then drop down a long shaft. You'll encounter new enemy types in this area, so be prepared.
3. Navigate the Lava Pits: This section is characterized by numerous lava pits. Use your Space Jump and Screw Attack (if acquired) to safely traverse these hazards. Be mindful of enemies that emerge from the lava.
4. Locate the Hidden Passage: In one of the larger rooms with lava, look for a seemingly solid wall on the right side. Fire a missile or bomb at it to reveal a hidden passage. This passage leads to a vertical shaft.
5. Ascend the Shaft: Climb this vertical shaft, dealing with any flying enemies. At the top, you'll find a door.
6. Enter the Plasma Beam Chamber: Go through the door. You'll enter a distinctive chamber, often with a unique architectural style, indicating a major item upgrade is near.

The Plasma Beam Challenge

The Plasma Beam isn't simply handed to you. You'll face a final guardian or a series of obstacles within its chamber:

• Environmental Puzzles: The chamber itself might present a small puzzle. Look for blocks that can be destroyed with bombs or missiles, or platforms that need to be activated.
• Mini-Boss Encounter (Possible): While not always a full-fledged Metroid, you might encounter a stronger-than-average enemy or a series of tougher regular enemies guarding the Plasma Beam. Utilize your Super Missiles and Screw Attack for maximum damage.
• The Item Pedestal: Once the path is clear, you'll see the Plasma Beam resting on a pedestal. Simply walk over it to acquire this invaluable upgrade.

Utilizing Your New Power

With the Plasma Beam, Samus's arm cannon becomes significantly more potent:

• Penetrating Shots: Your shots will now pass through multiple enemies, making crowd control much easier.
• Destroying Plasma Blocks: Certain previously indestructible blocks, often marked by a distinct texture, can now be destroyed with the Plasma Beam. This will open up new pathways and access to hidden areas.
• Increased Damage: The Plasma Beam deals substantially more damage than your previous beam weapons, making subsequent Metroid encounters and boss fights more manageable.

Immediately after acquiring the Plasma Beam, take some time to experiment with its power on nearby enemies and look for any Plasma Blocks that might have been blocking your progress in previous areas. This upgrade is crucial for advancing deeper into SR388.