BOSS: Kraid

Learn how to defeat Kraid in Metroid: Zero Mission! This guide covers his attacks, weak points, and strategies to overcome this early-game boss.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Weak Point: Kraid's eyes (when shot) and mouth (when open).
• Damage Type: Missiles and Charged Shots are effective.

Phases:

1. Phase 1: Kraid fires slow-moving finger nails. Shoot them down; they often drop items. Shoot Kraid in the eyes to make him open his mouth. Fire missiles into his mouth. After four missiles, the platform is destroyed by belly darts. Use these darts as temporary platforms. Kraid adds an arm swing attack. Keep hitting his mouth with missiles.
2. Phase 2: After six missiles in his mouth, the platform is destroyed again. Kraid now fires three belly darts at once. Use the highest dart as a platform to continue attacking his mouth. Fire four more missiles into his mouth to win.

Strategy:

• Early Attacks: Kraid's finger nails are slow and easy to destroy. Don't worry about them too much, just shoot them and grab any items they drop.
• Opening the Mouth: Focus your fire on Kraid's eyes. A charged shot or a missile will stagger him, causing him to open his mouth in pain. This is your window to attack!
• Missile Barrage: Quickly fire missiles into his open mouth. You'll need to land four missiles to trigger the next part of the fight.
• Platform Destruction: Kraid will eventually destroy the platform you're on with spiked darts from his belly. These darts stick in the wall and can be used as temporary platforms. Be quick! They disappear after a short time, indicated by them flashing. Try to jump to the higher grey platform before they vanish, or you'll fall and have to climb back up.
• New Attack: Kraid will add an arm swing when you're on the grey platform. To avoid this, stay towards the back of the platform or jump back onto it after he swings.
• Continued Damage: Keep shooting Kraid in the eyes and then his mouth with missiles. The strategy remains the same even with the new attacks.
• Phase 2 Platforming: After you land six missiles in his mouth, he'll destroy the platform again. This time, when he fires his belly darts, he'll shoot three at once. Use the highest dart as your platform to continue attacking his mouth.
• Finishing Blow: Land four more missiles in his mouth to defeat Kraid.
• Post-Battle: After the fight, collect any remaining items. Roll left out of the arena, bomb the blocks, and proceed to the next room to find the Speed Booster.