Glitches & Exploits

Glitches & Exploits

While Metroid: Samus Returns is a polished experience, a few interesting glitches and exploits have been discovered that can either offer shortcuts, provide visual oddities, or simply be fun to experiment with. Be aware that some of these may be patched in future updates, so their efficacy might vary.

Wall Jump Through Thin Floors (Early Access)

This exploit allows Samus to bypass certain thin floor sections using precise wall jumps, potentially granting access to areas or items earlier than intended. This is particularly useful for sequence breaking.

• Location: Various areas with thin, destructible floors or grates. A common early example is in Area 1, near the first Missile Tank upgrade that requires the Morph Ball.
• Requirements:
• Wall Jump ability (acquired early in Area 1).
• Precise timing and positioning.
• Strategy:
1. Position Samus directly beneath the thin floor you wish to pass through.
2. Perform a wall jump against an adjacent wall.
3. As Samus ascends and her head is just about to touch the underside of the thin floor, quickly press the jump button again. The timing is crucial; you want Samus's hitbox to briefly clip into the floor as she begins her second jump.
4. If successful, Samus will momentarily pass through the floor and land on top of it. This often requires several attempts to master the timing.
• Potential Uses: Accessing Missile Tanks, Energy Tanks, or even bypassing minor environmental puzzles that would normally require a specific upgrade like the Morph Ball or Spider Ball.

Aeion Ability Cooldown Skip (Visual Glitch)

This is primarily a visual glitch that can make it seem like your Aeion abilities are recharging instantly, though their actual cooldown remains. It's more for aesthetic amusement than practical use.

• Location: Anywhere you can use an Aeion ability.
• Requirements: Any Aeion ability (e.g., Scan Pulse, Lightning Armor, Beam Burst, Phase Drift).
• Strategy:
1. Activate any Aeion ability.
2. Immediately after activation, open the map screen (by pressing the Touch Screen icon or the corresponding button).
3. Close the map screen.
4. Observe the Aeion gauge. It will appear to be full, as if the ability has instantly recharged, even if it's still on cooldown.
• Note: This does not actually reset the cooldown. If you try to activate the ability again, it will correctly show as unavailable until the real cooldown period has passed.

Infinite Beam Burst (Limited Use)

This exploit allows for a temporary, extended use of the Beam Burst Aeion ability beyond its normal duration, consuming more Aeion energy but potentially clearing enemies faster.

• Location: Anywhere the Beam Burst can be activated.
• Requirements:
• Beam Burst Aeion ability.
• A significant amount of Aeion energy.
• A target to shoot at (enemies or destructible blocks).
• Strategy:
1. Activate the Beam Burst ability.
2. While the Beam Burst is active and you are firing, continuously tap the Aeion ability button (usually 'L' or 'R' depending on your control scheme) repeatedly and rapidly.
3. If timed correctly, Samus will continue to fire the rapid Beam Burst shots even after the initial Aeion gauge for Beam Burst would have depleted. The game will continue to drain your general Aeion energy reserves as long as you keep tapping and firing.
• Warning: This will rapidly deplete your entire Aeion energy supply. Use it strategically for high-threat enemies or to quickly clear a path, but be mindful of your energy levels.