Artifacts/Collectibles

Artifacts and Collectibles

Beyond the primary mission objectives, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption offers a wealth of hidden items and upgrades crucial for 100% completion. These collectibles range from essential Energy Tanks and Missile Expansions to the more elusive Ship Upgrades and Friend Vouchers. This comprehensive section will guide you through locating every single one, providing precise navigation cues and strategic advice to ensure you don't miss a single item.

Energy Tanks

Energy Tanks are vital for increasing Samus's maximum health, allowing her to withstand more damage from hostile environments and powerful bosses. There are a total of 14 Energy Tanks to find throughout the game, each adding 100 units to your maximum energy. Collecting all of them significantly boosts your survivability.

• Energy Tank 1 (Norion - Generator Core): After defeating the Mogenar boss in the Generator Core, return to the central console area. Use your Grapple Lasso on the sparking, broken console to restore power to the room. A hidden panel will then retract on the wall directly opposite the console, revealing the Energy Tank.
• Energy Tank 2 (Bryyo - Gel Refinery Site): In the Gel Refinery Site on Bryyo Cliffside, once you've activated the Gel Flow and the large central platform has risen, look for a small, accessible platform on the eastern side of the room. From this platform, locate a Morph Ball tunnel entrance. Navigate through this tunnel, and the Energy Tank will be at the very end.
• Energy Tank 3 (Bryyo - Imperial Caverns): Within the Imperial Caverns on Bryyo Fire, after acquiring the Plasma Beam, proceed to the room's lower level. You'll find a doorway blocked by a thick sheet of ice. Use your Plasma Beam to melt the ice, revealing the path to a small chamber where the Energy Tank resides.
• Energy Tank 4 (Bryyo - Frozen Repository): In the Frozen Repository on Bryyo Ice, locate a series of destructible ice blocks on the northern wall, near the entrance to the Glacial Pass. Use your Boost Ball to smash through these blocks, leading to a hidden alcove containing the Energy Tank.
• Energy Tank 5 (Elysia - Spore Burst): In the Spore Burst chamber on Elysia (Fungus), after clearing the Phazon contamination and the area is safe, look towards the ceiling on the eastern side of the room. You'll spot a Grapple Point high above. Use your Grapple Lasso to swing across to a hidden ledge on the upper wall, where the Energy Tank is located.
• Energy Tank 6 (Elysia - Leviathan Seed): Located in the Leviathan Seed chamber on Elysia. Once you've dealt with the Leviathan Seed and the area stabilizes, a secret passage will open near the entrance you used to access the chamber. Look for a newly accessible alcove on the ground level, often indicated by a slight shimmer or change in the wall texture.
• Energy Tank 7 (Valhalla - Main Docking Bay): In the Main Docking Bay of the derelict Valhalla, after the initial boarding sequence and the area is cleared of enemies, look for a series of platforms leading upwards on the eastern wall. Use your Space Jump and Screw Attack to reach the highest platform, where the Energy Tank is waiting.
• Energy Tank 8 (Valhalla - Command Deck): Within the Command Deck of the Valhalla, after restoring power to the ship and the central computer console becomes active, a force field that was previously blocking a section behind the captain's chair will deactivate. This reveals a hidden compartment containing the Energy Tank.
• Energy Tank 9 (Phaaze - Phazon Core): In the Phazon Core on Phaaze, after a significant battle sequence (typically involving a large Phazon creature or a wave of enemies), a section of the wall on the northern side of the room will crumble or retract. This exposes a small, glowing alcove containing the Energy Tank.
• Energy Tank 10 (Phaaze - Phazon Mines): Deep within the Phazon Mines on Phaaze, locate a cluster of dense Phazon crystals blocking a narrow passage on the lower levels. Use your Hyper Ball (acquired from a specific upgrade) to destroy these crystals, clearing the path to the Energy Tank.
• Energy Tank 11 (Phaaze - Leviathan Trench): In the Leviathan Trench on Phaaze, after navigating a treacherous series of platforms and avoiding environmental hazards, look for a small opening near the ceiling on the western wall. This opening leads to a hidden room or ledge where the Energy Tank is located. You may need to use a well-timed Space Jump or Screw Attack to reach it.
• Energy Tank 12 (Phaaze - Dark Phazon Chamber): Located in the Dark Phazon Chamber on Phaaze. After defeating the Omega Ridley boss in this area, a secret panel will open on the wall, usually near the exit or a previously inaccessible section, revealing the Energy Tank.
• Energy Tank 13 (Phaaze - Phazon Processing Plant): In the Phazon Processing Plant on Phaaze, use your X-Ray Visor to spot a weak point in the floor on the upper level, often near the central processing machinery. Shoot this weak point to reveal a hidden shaft leading down to the Energy Tank.
• Energy Tank 14 (Phaaze - Genesis Chamber): The final Energy Tank is found in the Genesis Chamber on Phaaze, accessible only after defeating the final boss of the game. It's a reward for fully exploring the area post-game, typically located in a newly opened or previously inaccessible alcove near the main platform.

Missile Expansions

Missile Expansions increase your maximum missile capacity by 5 each, allowing for more sustained use of powerful missile attacks. There are 40 Missile Expansions in total, providing a maximum capacity of 200 missiles. Collecting all of them is essential for tackling later bosses and puzzles.

• Norion:
  • Missile Expansion 1 (Cargo Hub): In the Cargo Hub, after the initial attack, look for a ventilation shaft above the main walkway near the entrance to the Generator Access. Use your Morph Ball to enter and navigate through to the expansion.
  • Missile Expansion 2 (Defense Access): After activating the defense system in the Defense Access, a hidden door will open in the adjacent room, the Cargo Hub, revealing the expansion.
  • Missile Expansion 3 (Main Generator): In the Main Generator room, after the initial power restoration, look for a small alcove behind one of the large generator units on the lower level. You may need to use your Morph Ball to squeeze in.
  • Missile Expansion 4 (Maintenance Shaft): Within the Maintenance Shaft, use your Grapple Lasso to pull down a weakened section of the ceiling on the upper level, revealing a hidden compartment.
• Bryyo - Cliffside:
  • Missile Expansion 5 (Gel Refinery Site): In the Gel Refinery Site, after draining the gel from the main tank, a hidden platform will become accessible on the lower level, leading to the expansion.
  • Missile Expansion 6 (Treetop Path): In the Treetop Path, use your Screw Attack to reach a high ledge on the western side of the area, often requiring a series of well-timed jumps.
  • Missile Expansion 7 (Ancient Vestige): Within the Ancient Vestige, scan the murals on the walls for a hidden switch or symbol that, when shot, opens a secret compartment in the floor or wall.
  • Missile Expansion 8 (Crag Chamber): In the Crag Chamber, locate a cracked wall on the eastern side. Use your Hyper Ball to destroy it, revealing the expansion.
• Bryyo - Fire:
  • Missile Expansion 9 (Imperial Caverns): In the Imperial Caverns, after a specific enemy encounter (often a large Bryyonian creature), a hidden passage will open on the upper level near the entrance to the Magmoor Caverns.
  • Missile Expansion 10 (Magmoor Caverns): Within the Magmoor Caverns, use your Plasma Beam to melt a frozen waterfall on the northern wall, revealing a hidden cave behind it.
  • Missile Expansion 11 (Volcanic Vent): In the Volcanic Vent, use your Boost Ball to navigate a series of lava-filled tunnels on the lower level, leading to a small, safe alcove.
  • Missile Expansion 12 (Fiery Depths): Located in the Fiery Depths. After defeating the Fission Metroid mini-boss, a secret door will become visible on the southern wall, often requiring a scan to open.
• Bryyo - Ice:
  • Missile Expansion 13 (Frozen Repository): In the Frozen Repository, use your Ice Beam to freeze a geyser on the eastern side of the room, creating a temporary platform to reach a high ledge.
  • Missile Expansion 14 (Glacial Pass): Within the Glacial Pass, look for a series of ice stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Shoot them down to create a path or reveal a hidden alcove on the upper level.
  • Missile Expansion 15 (Crystal Caves): In the Crystal Caves, use your X-Ray Visor to find a weak point in a large crystal formation on the western wall. Shoot it to break through.
  • Missile Expansion 16 (Icy Maw): Located in the Icy Maw. After a mini-boss fight with a large ice creature, a hidden alcove will open near the exit, often requiring a scan.
• Elysia - SkyTown:
  • Missile Expansion 17 (Concourse): In the Concourse, after acquiring the Grapple Voltage, look for a broken power conduit on the upper level. Use Grapple Voltage to restore power and open a nearby door.
  • Missile Expansion 18 (Main Docking Bay): Within the Main Docking Bay, after the initial G.F.S. Valhalla mission, use your Screw Attack to reach a high platform on the eastern side of the room.
  • Missile Expansion 19 (Hydro Bay): In the Hydro Bay, after activating the water flow, a hidden platform will rise on the western side, leading to a small chamber.
  • Missile Expansion 20 (Central Transit Station): Located in the Central Transit Station. Look for a hidden Morph Ball tunnel behind the main console, often requiring a scan to reveal.
• Elysia - Fungus:
  • Missile Expansion 21 (Spore Burst): In the Spore Burst chamber, after clearing the Phazon, look for a hidden Morph Ball tunnel behind a large mushroom on the northern wall.
  • Missile Expansion 22 (Leviathan Seed): Within the Leviathan Seed chamber, after dealing with the Seed, a small crawl space will open near the entrance you used to access the chamber.
  • Missile Expansion 23 (Bio-Storage): In the Bio-Storage, use your Grapple Lasso to pull down a hanging platform on the eastern side, revealing the expansion underneath.
  • Missile Expansion 24 (Fungal Forest): Located in the Fungal Forest. Use your Screw Attack to break through a cluster of spores on a high ledge, often requiring a precise jump.
• Valhalla:
  • Missile Expansion 25 (Main Docking Bay): In the Main Docking Bay, after the initial boarding, look for a hidden panel on the wall near the entrance to the Command Deck. A scan will often reveal it.
  • Missile Expansion 26 (Command Deck): Within the Command Deck, after restoring power, a hidden floor panel will become accessible via a Morph Ball tunnel near the central console.
  • Missile Expansion 27 (Engine Room): In the Engine Room, use your Hyper Ball to destroy a weakened section of the engine casing on the lower level, revealing a small alcove.
  • Missile Expansion 28 (Medical Bay): Located in the Medical Bay. Scan the medical equipment on the western wall for a hidden switch that opens a nearby cabinet.
• Phaaze:
  • Missile Expansion 29 (Phazon Core): In the Phazon Core, after a major battle, a hidden compartment will open in the wall on the southern side, often requiring a scan.
  • Missile Expansion 30 (Phazon Mines): Within the Phazon Mines, use your X-Ray Visor to spot a hidden path through the Phazon crystals on the upper level, leading to a small chamber.
  • Missile Expansion 31 (Leviathan Trench): In the Leviathan Trench, navigate a series of platforms and look for a small opening near the ceiling on the eastern side.
  • Missile Expansion 32 (Dark Phazon Chamber): Located in the Dark Phazon Chamber. After defeating the Omega Ridley, a secret panel will open on the wall near the main exit.
  • Missile Expansion 33 (Phazon Processing Plant): In the Phazon Processing Plant, use your Hyper Ball to destroy a cluster of Phazon crystals blocking a narrow passage on the lower level.
  • Missile Expansion 34 (Genesis Chamber): Within the Genesis Chamber, after the final boss, a hidden alcove will be revealed near the exit, often requiring a scan to open.
  • Missile Expansion 35 (Phazon Reactor): In the Phazon Reactor, look for a Grapple Point high above the main platform on the western side. Use your Grapple Lasso to reach a hidden ledge.
  • Missile Expansion 36 (Phazon Storage): Located in the Phazon Storage. Use your Morph Ball to access a hidden vent on the northern wall, leading to a small chamber.
  • Missile Expansion 37 (Phazon Control Room): In the Phazon Control Room, after activating the systems, a hidden panel will open on the eastern wall, revealing the expansion.
  • Missile Expansion 38 (Phazon Gauntlet): Within the Phazon Gauntlet, use your Screw Attack to break through a series of obstacles on the upper path, leading to a small alcove.
  • Missile Expansion 39 (Phazon Nexus): In the Phazon Nexus, look for a hidden platform accessible via a series of wall jumps or a well-timed Space Jump on the western side.
  • Missile Expansion 40 (Phazon Heart): Located in the Phazon Heart. After a challenging encounter with a Phazon creature, a secret passage will open on the southern wall, often requiring a scan to reveal.

Power Bomb Expansions

Power Bomb Expansions increase your maximum Power Bomb capacity by 1 each. Power Bombs are devastating weapons capable of clearing entire rooms of weaker enemies, destroying specific reinforced barriers, and revealing hidden passages. There are 4 Power Bomb Expansions in total, providing a maximum capacity of 8 Power Bombs (you start with 4).

• Power Bomb Expansion 1 (Bryyo - Gel Refinery Site): In the Gel Refinery Site on Bryyo Cliffside, after acquiring the Plasma Beam, locate the large, reinforced door on the lower level that was previously inaccessible. Use a Power Bomb to destroy the door, revealing a small chamber with the expansion.
• Power Bomb Expansion 2 (Elysia - SkyTown - Concourse): In the Concourse of SkyTown, after acquiring the Grapple Voltage, proceed to the eastern side of the room. There's a section of floor that looks slightly different or has a subtle crack. Use a Power Bomb on this spot to reveal a hidden Morph Ball tunnel leading to the expansion.
• Power Bomb Expansion 3 (Valhalla - Engine Room): Within the Engine Room of the Valhalla, on the lower level near the central engine, you'll find a section of the wall that is heavily reinforced and glowing faintly. Use a Power Bomb to blast through this wall, revealing a hidden compartment containing the expansion.
• Power Bomb Expansion 4 (Phaaze - Phazon Mines): Deep within the Phazon Mines on Phaaze, locate a large, dense cluster of Phazon crystals that cannot be destroyed by the Hyper Ball alone. This cluster often blocks a significant pathway. Use a Power Bomb to clear the crystals and access the chamber with the final Power Bomb Expansion.

Ship Upgrades

Ship Upgrades enhance the capabilities of Samus's Gunship, providing new traversal options and combat abilities. These are often tied to main story progression, but understanding their function is key to navigating the worlds effectively and finding other collectibles.

Friend Vouchers

Friend Vouchers are a unique collectible in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, primarily earned by connecting with other players via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (though this service is now defunct, they can still be acquired through other means on emulators or specific fan servers). While not directly impacting gameplay, they unlock bonus content like concept art, sound tests, and other behind-the-scenes material. The number of vouchers you can collect is theoretically limitless, but specific rewards are tied to reaching certain thresholds.

Earning Friend Vouchers:

• Original Method (Defunct): Historically, you would connect your Wii to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and play Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Each time a friend on your Wii's friend list also played the game, you would receive a Friend Voucher. This encouraged social interaction and replayability.
• Current Methods (Emulation/Fan Servers): For players using emulators (like Dolphin) or fan-maintained Wi-Fi services, the method of earning vouchers can vary. Some emulators have built-in features to simulate voucher acquisition, or specific fan servers might replicate the original functionality. Consult the documentation for your specific setup.
• In-Game Acquisition (Limited): A very small number of Friend Vouchers can be found as hidden items within the game world itself, usually in obscure locations or after completing specific, non-story objectives. These are rare and not the primary source.

Redeeming Friend Vouchers:

To redeem your accumulated Friend Vouchers, access the "Bonus Content" section from the main menu of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Here you will find a list of unlockable extras, each requiring a certain number of vouchers. These bonuses include:

• Concept Art Galleries: Unlock various galleries showcasing early designs for characters, environments, and creatures.
• Sound Test: Access the game's full soundtrack and sound effects.
• Developer Interviews: Watch short video interviews with the game's development team.
• Bonus Game Modes/Features: While not full game modes, some vouchers might unlock minor cosmetic changes or additional options.

Note on 100% Completion: While collecting all Friend Vouchers is part of achieving true 100% completion in the game's internal tracker, due to the discontinuation of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, it may be the most challenging aspect for modern players. Focus on the in-game collectibles first.