All Super Missile Tank Locations in Metroid: Zero Mission

Super Missile Tank Locations

Super Missile Tanks are invaluable upgrades in Metroid: Zero Mission, permanently increasing your Super Missile capacity by 2. Super Missiles are a significantly more powerful variant of your standard Missiles, dealing substantially greater damage and, crucially, capable of opening distinctive green blast doors that regular Missiles cannot. They are absolutely essential for defeating many mid-to-late game bosses, tougher enemies, and for accessing new areas. There are fewer Super Missile Tanks scattered across Zebes compared to regular Missile Tanks, making each acquisition particularly impactful on your combat effectiveness and exploration capabilities.

These tanks are typically found in more advanced areas of Zebes, often requiring specific late-game power-ups like the Screw Attack, Power Bombs, or the Space Jump to reach. They are usually well-hidden behind destructible blocks, intricate platforming challenges, or environmental puzzles. Prioritize collecting these once you have the necessary abilities, as they will make a noticeable difference in your combat effectiveness and open up new pathways.

Early-Game Super Missile Tank Locations

While many Super Missile Tanks require advanced abilities, a few can be acquired relatively early, significantly boosting your firepower for upcoming challenges. Here are a couple of examples:

1. Brinstar - First Super Missile Tank

• Location: Deep within Brinstar, accessible after acquiring the Varia Suit.
• Requirements: Varia Suit, Morph Ball, Missiles.
• Walkthrough:
  1. From the main elevator connecting Crateria to Brinstar, head left through the long corridor until you reach the large vertical shaft with the Save Station.
  2. Descend this shaft, taking the first door on your right (it leads to the area where you fought the first mini-boss, the "Acid Worm").
  3. Continue right through the room where you acquired the Long Beam. You'll eventually reach a room with a large pool of acid and some Ripper enemies flying above.
  4. Use the platforms or freeze the Rippers to cross the acid pool. On the far right side of this room, you'll see a small alcove above the acid.
  5. Fire a Missile at the ceiling of this alcove. It will reveal a hidden passage.
  6. Morph Ball into this passage and follow it. You'll find the Super Missile Tank at the end.
• Reward: +2 Super Missiles
• Strategy Tip: This tank is crucial for dealing with the upcoming Kraid boss fight, as Super Missiles are highly effective against him.

2. Kraid's Lair - Post-Kraid Super Missile Tank

• Location: In the room directly above Kraid's boss arena.
• Requirements: Varia Suit, Morph Ball, Missiles, Super Missiles (to open green doors).
• Walkthrough:
  1. After defeating Kraid, exit his boss arena to the left.
  2. You will be in a large vertical shaft. Ascend this shaft.
  3. Near the top, you'll notice a green blast door on the right side.
  4. Fire a Super Missile at this door to open it.
  5. Enter the room. You'll see the Super Missile Tank on a small platform.
  6. Jump to collect it.
• Reward: +2 Super Missiles
• Common Pitfall: Players often overlook this tank, assuming the area above Kraid's lair is just a pathway. Always re-explore boss rooms and their immediate surroundings after a major victory!

General Strategies for Finding Super Missile Tanks

• Scan Everything: Use your Power Beam to shoot at suspicious blocks, ceilings, and floors. Many Super Missile Tanks are hidden behind destructible blocks that blend into the environment.
• Look for Anomalies: Keep an eye out for single blocks that look slightly different, or platforms that seem to lead nowhere. These often indicate a hidden path.
• Revisit Areas with New Abilities: As you gain new power-ups like the Screw Attack, Space Jump, or Power Bombs, make a mental note to revisit older areas. Many tanks are locked behind environmental puzzles that require these specific abilities.
• Check Your Map: The in-game map will highlight areas you haven't fully explored. If a room shows an unexplored section, there's a good chance an item, including a Super Missile Tank, is hidden there.
• Listen for Clues: Sometimes, the subtle sound of a hidden block breaking can alert you to a secret passage.
• Power Bomb Everything: Once you acquire Power Bombs, they become an invaluable tool for revealing hidden passages. If you're stuck, try dropping a Power Bomb in a suspicious area.

Collecting all Super Missile Tanks is crucial for achieving 100% completion and for making your journey through Zebes significantly easier. Each tank provides a valuable boost to your arsenal, empowering Samus to overcome the toughest challenges Mother Brain and her Space Pirates can throw at her.