Boss 10: Ridley [BS10]

Learn how to defeat Ridley in Metroid: Other M. This guide covers his attacks, weaknesses, and strategies for each phase of the boss fight.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Vulnerable to Super Missile when hide darkens.
• Plasma Beam is effective when hide is not darkened.

Phases:

1. Initial Attacks: Ridley uses a fast dash attack (Sense Move and counter with Charge Beam), claw attacks, firebreath, and tailwhips (Sense Move right to dodge).
2. Aerial Attacks: When Ridley flies, he will either shoot a fireball creating a shockwave (jump over) or attempt to skewer you with his tail (dodge 3-5 times and punish with charge shots).
3. Armored Phase: Ridley's hide darkens and becomes invulnerable to all weapons except the Super Missile. Dodge his attacks and continuously fire your regular Plasma Beam.
4. Vulnerable Phase: Fire a Super Missile as soon as his hide changes color or after his fiery shockwave. If you miss the opportunity, use the Fast Super Missile trick. Landing a Super Missile removes his armor, allowing you to use the Plasma Beam again.
5. Lethal Strike Opportunity: If the camera zooms in on Ridley while he is on the floor after taking enough damage, run over and Lethal Strike him. Avoid damaging him too much in the air if this is the goal.

Strategy:

• Use Sense Move to dodge his fast dash attack and counter with a Charge Beam.
• Sense Move right to dodge firebreath and tailwhips.
• When Ridley flies, anticipate his shockwave or tail skewer attacks and react accordingly.
• While dodging, continuously fire your Plasma Beam.
• Focus on dodging and look for opportunities to use Concentration, especially when Ridley is not flying.
• Use Super Missiles when his hide darkens.
• Execute a Lethal Strike when the camera zooms in on Ridley on the floor.
• If you miss a Super Missile opportunity, use the Fast Super Missile trick to avoid damage.

Post-Boss: Use the Grapple Point to exit, then open the Super Missile door. Find a Missile Tank in a tunnel on the left side of the shaft. Climb up, shoot the switch, and proceed through the space. Enter the Morph Ball slot, shoot the Sovas, take the door to the right, and use the elevator to reach the Main Sector. You should have 48% of items.