Basic Combat Techniques — Metroid: Samus Returns Guide

Basic Combat Techniques

Mastering Samus's combat abilities is crucial for survival on SR388. Unlike previous Metroid titles, Samus Returns introduces several new mechanics that significantly enhance Samus's offensive and defensive capabilities. Understanding and using these techniques will allow you to efficiently dispatch Metroids and other hostile fauna.

Melee Counter

The Melee Counter is perhaps the most important new combat mechanic in Metroid: Samus Returns. It allows Samus to parry incoming attacks and leave enemies vulnerable to a powerful follow-up.

• Execution: When an enemy glows red and lunges at Samus, press the X button (Melee Counter) just before impact.
• Effect: A successful counter will stun most enemies, leaving them open for a devastating close-range shot. Many enemies, especially larger ones, will be knocked back, allowing you to reposition or charge a shot.
• Strategic Use:
  • One-Shot Kills: For smaller enemies like Hornoads or Mellows, a perfectly timed Melee Counter followed by a single Beam Shot will often result in an instant kill, conserving missiles.
  • Boss Vulnerability: Against Metroids and other bosses, the Melee Counter is essential for creating openings. A successful counter will often expose their weak points or stun them for a brief period, allowing you to unleash a volley of Missiles.
  • Resource Management: By using the Melee Counter effectively, you can minimize damage taken and reduce the need for Energy Tanks, allowing you to save them for more challenging encounters.

Free Aim

Samus's ability to aim in a full 360-degree arc is a game-changer, offering unparalleled precision in combat.

• Execution: Hold down the L button to activate Free Aim. While holding L, use the Circle Pad to aim Samus's arm cannon in any direction.
• Strategic Use:
  • Targeting Weak Points: Many enemies have specific weak points that are only accessible from certain angles. Free Aim allows you to precisely target these areas, maximizing damage.
  • Environmental Hazards: Use Free Aim to destroy environmental obstacles or activate switches that are not directly in front of Samus.
  • Aerial Combat: When dealing with flying enemies or enemies on ceilings, Free Aim is indispensable for maintaining consistent damage output.
  • Power Beam Charge Shots: Combine Free Aim with a charged Power Beam shot for precise, high-damage attacks on distant or difficult-to-reach targets.

Beam Attacks

Samus's primary weapon, the Power Beam, can be upgraded throughout her mission on SR388. Understanding its various forms and charge capabilities is vital.

• Standard Beam: Your basic attack. Effective against most small enemies. Rapid fire is key.
• Charge Beam: Hold down the Y button to charge your Power Beam. A fully charged shot deals significantly more damage and can often pierce through multiple enemies or certain types of armor.
  • Overcharge: After acquiring the Charge Beam, continue holding Y after a full charge to enter an "overcharge" state. This allows Samus to fire a more powerful shot or unleash a special attack depending on further upgrades.
• Beam Upgrades: As you progress, you'll acquire various Beam upgrades that stack, enhancing your Power Beam's capabilities.
  • Spazer Beam: Fires three parallel shots, increasing horizontal coverage. Found in Area 2.
  • Plasma Beam: Fires a powerful, piercing shot that can pass through enemies and some obstacles. Found in Area 4.
  • Wave Beam: Fires a wavy shot that can pass through walls and shields. Found in Area 6.

Missiles

Missiles are your heavy-hitting secondary weapon, essential for defeating Metroids, bosses, and destroying specific barriers.

• Execution: Press the R button to fire a Missile.
• Strategic Use:
  • Metroid Encounters: Missiles are the primary way to damage Metroids. After a successful Melee Counter, unleash as many Missiles as possible into their exposed weak points.
  • Boss Fights: Most bosses require Missile attacks to deal significant damage, especially during their vulnerable phases.
  • Environmental Destruction: Certain blocks and barriers can only be destroyed by Missiles, often revealing hidden paths or items.
  • Super Missiles: Later in the game, you will acquire the Super Missile upgrade (found in Area 5), which significantly increases the power of your Missiles. These are crucial for later-game bosses and more durable obstacles.
• Missile Tanks: Keep an eye out for Missile Tanks and Super Missile Tanks scattered throughout SR388 to increase your maximum Missile capacity.