Acquire the Screw Attack

Acquire the Screw Attack

The Screw Attack is one of the most iconic and powerful upgrades in Samus's arsenal, allowing you to become temporarily invincible and deal massive damage to anything you touch. Obtaining it requires navigating some of Aether's most treacherous areas and solving a series of environmental puzzles.

Journey to the Sanctuary Fortress

Your quest for the Screw Attack begins in the Sanctuary Fortress. If you haven't already, ensure you have the Spider Ball and Boost Ball abilities, as they are crucial for traversing this area.

1. From the Main Energy Controller, head through the door leading to the Reactor Core.
2. Utilize the Spider Ball tracks to ascend the Reactor Core, eventually reaching the upper levels.
3. Proceed through the Central Area Transport and then the Sanctuary Entrance.
4. Navigate through the various rooms of the Sanctuary Fortress, battling against the Ing and Space Pirates. Your goal is to reach the Grand Spire.

Navigating the Grand Spire

The Grand Spire is a multi-layered vertical shaft that will test your platforming skills. Be prepared for a challenging ascent.

1. Upon entering the Grand Spire, you'll notice a series of Spider Ball tracks and Boost Ball slots.
2. Carefully use your Spider Ball to climb the initial tracks.
3. At various points, you'll need to activate Boost Ball slots to launch yourself to higher tracks or platforms. Pay close attention to the timing and trajectory.
4. Watch out for patrolling Ing creatures and Space Pirates. While the Screw Attack will make short work of them later, for now, avoid or dispatch them efficiently to conserve energy.
5. Continue your ascent, utilizing every available Spider Ball track and Boost Ball slot. There are often hidden pathways or less obvious routes that require a keen eye.
6. Eventually, you will reach the very top of the Grand Spire.

The Screw Attack Chamber

Once you've conquered the Grand Spire, the Screw Attack is within your grasp.

1. At the summit of the Grand Spire, you will find a door leading to the Screw Attack Chamber.
2. Enter the chamber. Inside, you will see the iconic Screw Attack upgrade pedestal.
3. Approach the pedestal and collect the Screw Attack.

Using the Screw Attack

The Screw Attack is activated by performing a third jump in mid-air (after a double jump). Samus will spin rapidly, becoming invincible and damaging any enemies or breakable blocks she comes into contact with. This ability also allows you to cross large gaps that were previously impassable.

• Activation: Jump, then jump again, then jump a third time in quick succession.
• Duration: The Screw Attack lasts for a short period or until you land, hit a wall, or take damage from certain sources (like Dark Aether hazards).
• Combat: Use it to tear through groups of enemies, especially those that are otherwise tough to defeat.
• Exploration: Look for areas with multiple breakable blocks or long chasms that can now be traversed with ease.

With the Screw Attack in hand, many previously inaccessible areas will now be open to you, and combat will become significantly easier. Congratulations, Samus!