Area-Specific Item Checklists

Area-Specific Item Checklists

This section provides a comprehensive, area-by-area breakdown of every collectible item in Metroid: Zero Mission. Use these checklists to ensure you don't miss a single Energy Tank, Missile Tank, or Power Bomb Tank on your journey through Zebes. Each entry includes specific instructions on how to reach and acquire the item, often requiring specific abilities gained later in the game. Remember that there are a total of 12 Energy Tanks, 50 Missile Tanks, and 8 Power Bomb Tanks to collect for 100% completion.

Pro-Tip: Always check your map for unexplored sections or suspicious blocks. Many items are hidden behind destructible environmental elements that require Bombs, Missiles, or Power Bombs. Don't be afraid to backtrack with new abilities – Zebes is designed for extensive exploration!

Crateria

The crash site of Samus's gunship and the initial exploration area. While sparse on items at first, several become accessible after acquiring key abilities. Crateria connects directly to Brinstar and Tourian.

• Missile Tank (1/50)
  • Location: From your starting point (Samus's crashed gunship), head left into the first vertical shaft. Descend to the very bottom. On the left wall, there's a single, discolored block.
  • Strategy: Place a Bomb directly on the discolored block to destroy it, revealing a small alcove. Morph Ball into the alcove to collect the Missile Tank.
• Missile Tank (2/50)
  • Location: After acquiring the Morph Ball ability in Brinstar, return to the very first room where Samus's gunship crashed. Look at the ceiling directly above where you initially landed. There's a small, hidden passage.
  • Strategy: Jump up and enter the passage in Morph Ball form. You don't necessarily need a "Morph Ball jump" (a bomb jump) for this; a regular jump followed by morphing in mid-air is usually sufficient. Roll to the left to find this Missile Tank.
• Missile Tank (3/50)
  • Location: In the large, open room with the waterfall, near the entrance to Brinstar. This room has several platforms and flying enemies. Look for a high-up ledge on the right side of the room, above the main path.
  • Strategy: This item requires either the Hi-Jump Boots (found in Norfair) or proficient Wall Jumps to reach. Once on the ledge, place a Bomb on the floor to reveal a hidden path leading to the tank.
• Energy Tank (1/12)
  • Location: This Energy Tank is actually found in Brinstar, not Crateria. It's the first Energy Tank you'll typically encounter. (See Brinstar section below for details).
  • Note: This item is listed here for chronological clarity regarding the first Energy Tank acquisition, but its actual location is in Brinstar.
• Missile Tank (4/50)
  • Location: In the vertical shaft that leads down to the Crateria Save Room (the one before the elevator to Brinstar). Look for a hidden passage on the left wall, roughly halfway down.
  • Strategy: Use a Bomb to destroy the hidden block and reveal the path. Morph Ball through to collect the Missile Tank.
• Power Bomb Tank (1/8)
  • Location: In the large, open room with the waterfall, near the entrance to Brinstar. This item is located in a hidden alcove high up on the left side of the room.
  • Strategy: This requires the Space Jump (from Ridley's Lair) to reach easily. Once you have Space Jump, simply jump up to the alcove. Alternatively, very precise Wall Jumps can get you there earlier.
• Energy Tank (2/12)
  • Location: In the room where you fight the first mini-boss, the "Giant Mua" (the large, green creature that drops the Morph Ball). After defeating it, proceed right into the next room. This Energy Tank is in plain sight on a small platform.
  • Strategy: Simply walk over it to collect. This is typically the first Energy Tank players acquire.

Brinstar

A lush, organic area filled with diverse flora and fauna, serving as the primary entry point into Zebes's depths. Brinstar connects to Crateria, Norfair, and Kraid's Lair.

• Energy Tank (1/12)
  • Location: After defeating the Giant Mua mini-boss and acquiring the Morph Ball, proceed right into the next room. This Energy Tank is in plain sight on a small platform.
  • Strategy: Simply walk over it to collect. This is typically the first Energy Tank players acquire.
• Missile Tank (5/50)
  • Location: From the first Save Room in Brinstar (the one near the elevator back to Crateria), head down the vertical shaft. About halfway down on the left wall, there's a suspicious-looking block.
  • Strategy: Place a Bomb on the block to reveal a hidden passage. Morph Ball through to claim the Missile Tank.
• Missile Tank (6/50)
  • Location: In the large, multi-level room with red platforms and numerous Zoomers, located deeper within Brinstar. This room is characterized by its open layout and multiple paths. Look for a high-up platform on the right side of the room, near the top-right exit.
  • Strategy: Navigate the platforms and enemies. The Missile Tank is on a small ledge accessible by jumping. The Long Beam (acquired in Brinstar) can help clear enemies from a distance.
• Power Bomb Tank (2/8)
  • Location: In the large, multi-level room with the Rippers and a water section, located deeper within Brinstar, often referred to as the "Water Room." Look for a small, bombable section of the floor in the upper-left area of the room, near a small pool of water.
  • Strategy: You'll need the Morph Ball and Bombs. Drop a bomb on the specific floor tile to reveal a hidden path leading to a small chamber containing the Power Bomb Tank.
• Missile Tank (7/50)
  • Location: After acquiring the Long Beam, return to the room directly above the first Brinstar elevator (the one connecting to Crateria). There's a high-up platform on the right side of this room, previously out of reach.
  • Strategy: Use the Long Beam to clear any enemies, then jump across to the platform to collect the Missile Tank.
• Energy Tank (3/12)
  • Location: In the room where you acquire the Long Beam, after defeating the mini-boss (the Acid Worm). This Energy Tank is located in the top-right corner of the room.
  • Strategy: After the fight, simply jump up to the platform to collect it.
• Missile Tank (8/50)
  • Location: In the vertical shaft that leads down to the room where you acquire the Varia Suit. Look for a hidden passage on the right wall, about halfway down.
  • Strategy: Use a Bomb to reveal the path. Morph Ball through to claim the Missile Tank.
• Missile Tank (9/50)
  • Location: In the room directly after the Varia Suit acquisition room. This room has several Rippers and a high ceiling. Look for a bombable block in the ceiling on the left side of the room.
  • Strategy: Use a Bomb to break the block. You'll need Hi-Jump Boots (from Norfair) or precise Wall Jumps to reach the hidden alcove above and collect the Missile Tank.
• Missile Tank (10/50)
  • Location: In the large, multi-level room with the "red gates" (which open with the Long Beam). This room is located deeper in Brinstar, leading towards Norfair. Look for a hidden passage behind a destructible block on the left wall, near the bottom.
  • Strategy: Fire a Missile at the discolored block on the wall to destroy it, revealing the Missile Tank.

Norfair

A scorching, volcanic region characterized by lava pits, high temperatures, and resilient enemies. Access requires the Varia Suit. Norfair connects to Brinstar and Ridley's Lair.

• Energy Tank (4/12)
  • Location: In the long, horizontal room filled with lava and flying enemies (Mellows), shortly after entering Norfair. It's on a high platform in the middle of the room, often guarded by a Mellow.
  • Strategy: Requires precise platforming over the lava. The Space Jump (acquired later in Norfair/Ridley's Lair) makes this significantly easier, but it's possible with careful Wall Jumps if you're skilled.
• Missile Tank (11/50)
  • Location: In the room with the first lava waterfall you encounter. Look for a hidden path on the right wall, directly across from the waterfall.
  • Strategy: Place a Bomb on the wall to reveal a secret passage. Morph Ball through to collect the Missile Tank.
• Missile Tank (12/50)
  • Location: After acquiring the Hi-Jump Boots (from Norfair), return to the vertical shaft near the first Norfair Save Room. There's a high-up ledge on the right side of the shaft that was previously unreachable.
  • Strategy: Use the Hi-Jump Boots to easily reach the ledge and the Missile Tank.
• Power Bomb Tank (3/8)
  • Location: In the room directly preceding the first Kraid encounter (the room with the large, green statue of Kraid). Look for a bombable block in the ceiling directly above the entrance to Kraid's lair.
  • Strategy: Perform a Morph Ball jump (by placing a bomb, then another just before the first one explodes, launching you higher) and place a Bomb on the ceiling block. Roll through the hidden passage to find the Power Bomb Tank.
• Missile Tank (13/50)
  • Location: In the room where you acquire the Hi-Jump Boots. After collecting the boots, look for a bombable block on the floor directly below the item pedestal.
  • Strategy: Place a Bomb on the floor to reveal a hidden passage. Drop down to collect the Missile Tank.
• Missile Tank (14/50)
  • Location: In the long, horizontal room with numerous Fire Fleas and lava pits, located deeper in Norfair. Look for a hidden passage on the ceiling, near the middle of the room.
  • Strategy: Use Hi-Jump Boots or Wall Jump to reach the ceiling. Fire a Missile at the discolored block to reveal the Missile Tank.
• Energy Tank (5/12)
  • Location: In the room where you acquire the Screw Attack. After defeating the mini-boss (the Imago cocoon), the Energy Tank is in plain sight on a platform.
  • Strategy: Simply jump up and collect it after the fight.
• Power Bomb Tank (4/8)
  • Location: In the vertical shaft that leads down to Ridley's Lair. Look for a hidden passage on the left wall, near the bottom of the shaft, behind a block that requires a Power Bomb to destroy.
  • Strategy: Place a Power Bomb to destroy the block and reveal the passage. Morph Ball through to collect the Power Bomb Tank.

Kraid's Lair

The fortress of the beast Kraid, a dangerous and claustrophobic area deep within Zebes. Access from Brinstar.

• Energy Tank (6/12)
  • Location: In the room with the giant Kraid statue, just before the actual boss fight with Kraid. It's on a high ledge to the left of the statue.
  • Strategy: Use the Hi-Jump Boots or precise Wall Jumps to reach the platform and collect the Energy Tank.
• Missile Tank (15/50)
  • Location: In the vertical shaft leading down to Kraid's Lair, specifically the one with the large, green blocks that retract. Look for a hidden passage on the right wall, near the bottom of this shaft.
  • Strategy: Place a Bomb on the wall to reveal the path to the Missile Tank.
• Missile Tank (16/50)
  • Location: In the room immediately after defeating Kraid. As you exit Kraid's chamber, you'll enter a small, vertical shaft. Look for a bombable block on the left wall.
  • Strategy: Place a Bomb on the block to reveal a hidden alcove containing this Missile Tank.
• Missile Tank (17/50)
  • Location: In the large, multi-level room with the "Kraid's Head" blocks that you can shoot to open paths. This room is located deeper within Kraid's Lair. Look for a hidden passage in the ceiling on the right side of the room.
  • Strategy: Use Hi-Jump Boots or Space Jump (if you have it) to reach the ceiling. Fire a Missile at the discolored block to reveal the Missile Tank.
• Power Bomb Tank (5/8)
  • Location: In the room with the large, green "Kraid's Head" blocks that you shoot. This Power Bomb Tank is located behind a hidden block on the floor in the bottom-left corner of the room.
  • Strategy: Place a Bomb on the floor to reveal the hidden passage. Morph Ball through to collect the Power Bomb Tank.

Ridley's Lair

The fiery domain of the ruthless space pirate Ridley, characterized by intense heat, lava, and powerful enemies. Access from Norfair.

• Energy Tank (7/12)
  • Location: In the long, horizontal room filled with lava and flying enemies (Mellows), shortly after entering Ridley's Lair. It's on a high platform in the middle of the room.
  • Strategy: Requires the Space Jump to reach easily. Without it, very precise Wall Jumps are needed over the lava.
• Missile Tank (18/50)
  • Location: In the vertical shaft that leads down to the main area of Ridley's Lair. Look for a hidden passage on the right wall, near the top.
  • Strategy: Use a Bomb to destroy the block and reveal the path. Morph Ball through to collect the Missile Tank.
• Missile Tank (19/50)
  • Location: In the room where you acquire the Space Jump. After collecting the item, look for a bombable block on the floor directly below the pedestal.
  • Strategy: Place a Bomb on the floor to reveal a hidden passage. Drop down to collect the Missile Tank.
• Power Bomb Tank (6/8)
  • Location: In the large, multi-level room with the "lava wave" mechanic (where the lava rises and falls). This Power Bomb Tank is located in a hidden alcove on the left wall, high up.
  • Strategy: You'll need the Space Jump to reach this. Once the lava recedes, jump up to the alcove and place a Bomb to reveal the tank.
• Missile Tank (20/50)
  • Location: In the room directly before the Ridley boss fight. This room has several platforms and flying enemies. Look for a hidden passage on the ceiling, near the center.
  • Strategy: Use Space Jump to reach the ceiling. Fire a Missile at the discolored block to reveal the Missile Tank.
• Energy Tank (8/12)
  • Location: In the room where you acquire the Plasma Beam. After defeating Ridley, proceed to the next room. The Energy Tank is in plain sight.
  • Strategy: Simply walk over it to collect.

Tourian

The final stronghold of the Metroids and the Mother Brain, accessible from Crateria after defeating Kraid and Ridley. This area is a one-way trip, so collect everything else first!

• Missile Tank (21/50)
  • Location: In the first vertical shaft of Tourian, shortly after entering. Look for a hidden passage on the right wall, near the bottom.
  • Strategy: Fire a Missile at the discolored block to reveal the path. Morph Ball through to collect the Missile Tank.
• Missile Tank (22/50)
  • Location: In the long, horizontal room filled with Metroids. This Missile Tank is located behind a destructible block on the ceiling, near the middle of the room.
  • Strategy: Use Space Jump to reach the ceiling. Fire a Missile at the discolored block to reveal the Missile Tank. Be wary of the Metroids!
• Power Bomb Tank (7/8)
  • Location: In the vertical shaft leading down to Mother Brain's chamber. Look for a hidden passage on the left wall, behind a block that requires a Power Bomb to destroy.
  • Strategy: Place a Power Bomb to destroy the block and reveal the passage. Morph Ball through to collect the Power Bomb Tank.
• Energy Tank (9/12)
  • Location: In Mother Brain's chamber itself. This Energy Tank is located on a high platform to the left of Mother Brain's containment unit.
  • Strategy: Use Space Jump to reach the platform and collect the Energy Tank before engaging Mother Brain.

Chosho (Zebes Surface / Zero Suit Segment)

After the destruction of Mother Brain, Samus's gunship is destroyed, leaving her stranded and powerless on the surface of Zebes. This segment requires stealth and evasion.

• Missile Tank (23/50)
  • Location: In the very first room after Samus's gunship is destroyed. This Missile Tank is located on a high ledge to the left.
  • Strategy: This requires precise Wall Jumps to reach. There are no abilities to help you here, so practice your wall jumps!
• Missile Tank (24/50)
  • Location: In the large, multi-level room with several Space Pirates patrolling. This Missile Tank is located behind a hidden block on the floor, near the bottom-right exit.
  • Strategy: You'll need to lure a Space Pirate to this location and have it shoot the floor block to reveal the passage. Then, quickly roll through in Morph Ball form to collect the tank before the pirate catches you.
• Energy Tank (10/12)
  • Location: In the room where you acquire the Plasma Beam for the Zero Suit (after defeating the first "Mecha Ridley" mini-boss). This Energy Tank is in plain sight.
  • Strategy: Simply walk over it to collect.
• Power Bomb Tank (8/8)
  • Location: In the room with the large, vertical shaft that has several Space Pirates patrolling. This Power Bomb Tank is located in a hidden alcove on the right wall, high up.
  • Strategy: You'll need to use the Plasma Beam to destroy the block. Lure a Space Pirate to jump up, then quickly shoot the block and jump in.
• Missile Tank (25/50)
  • Location: In the room where you acquire the Power Bomb for the Zero Suit. After collecting the item, look for a hidden passage on the left wall, behind a destructible block.
  • Strategy: Use a Power Bomb to destroy the block and reveal the Missile Tank.

Chosho (Chozo Ruins / Power Suit Segment)

After regaining the Power Suit in the Chozo Ruins, Samus is fully powered up and ready to escape Zebes. This area is linear but contains several final collectibles.

• Energy Tank (11/12)
  • Location: In the room where Samus regains her full Power Suit. This Energy Tank is in plain sight on a platform.
  • Strategy: Simply walk over it to collect after the transformation sequence.
• Missile Tank (26/50)
  • Location: In the vertical shaft immediately after regaining the Power Suit. Look for a hidden passage on the right wall, near the top.
  • Strategy: Fire a Missile at the discolored block to reveal the path. Morph Ball through to collect the Missile Tank.
• Missile Tank (27/50)
  • Location: In the long, horizontal room with several flying enemies and platforms, leading towards the final escape route. This Missile Tank is located behind a destructible block on the ceiling, near the middle.
  • Strategy: Use Space Jump to reach the ceiling. Fire a Missile at the discolored block to reveal the Missile Tank.
• Missile Tank (28/50)
  • Location: In the final vertical shaft leading to Samus's new gunship. Look for a hidden passage on the left wall, near the bottom.
  • Strategy: Place a Bomb on the wall to reveal the path. Morph Ball through to collect the Missile Tank.
• Energy Tank (12/12)
  • Location: In the final room before reaching Samus's new gunship. This Energy Tank is located on a high platform to the right.
  • Strategy: Use Space Jump to reach the platform and collect the final Energy Tank.

Congratulations on collecting all the items in Metroid: Zero Mission! Remember that precise platforming, careful observation of the environment, and strategic use of your abilities are key to achieving 100% completion. Enjoy your fully powered Samus!