Metroid
Metroid

Post-Game Content

Complete Metroid's post-game challenges to achieve 100% item completion. Collect every Missile Tank and Energy Tank for special endings.

Post-Game Content

Congratulations, Space Hunter! You've successfully thwarted the Space Pirates and destroyed Mother Brain. But Samus's mission isn't truly over until every last secret has been unearthed. This section details how to achieve 100% item completion and unlock special endings.

100% Item Completion Checklist

To truly master Metroid, you'll need to collect every Energy Tank and Missile Tank scattered across Zebes. While some are found naturally during your progression, many are hidden in obscure locations or require specific item combinations to access. Use the following guide to track down any missing upgrades:

  • Energy Tanks (Total: 6)
    • Brinstar (2):
      • The first is located in the vertical shaft directly above the long horizontal tunnel leading to Norfair. Use the Morph Ball to roll through a narrow passage on the right side.
      • The second is found in the upper-right section of Brinstar, accessible after acquiring the High Jump Boots. Look for a hidden path behind a false wall in a room with several Rippers.
    • Norfair (2):
      • One tank is in a hidden alcove near the first lava pit you encounter. Use the Bomb to destroy the floor and reveal the path.
      • Another is located in the infamous "Ridley's Lair" area, requiring careful platforming over lava. It's in a small chamber just before the boss room.
    • Tourian (1):
      • Surprisingly, one Energy Tank is tucked away in Tourian, just before the final ascent to Mother Brain. Look for a breakable block in the ceiling of a long horizontal corridor.
    • Kraid's Lair (1):
      • In the room directly above the main entrance to Kraid's Lair, there's a hidden passage on the left wall. Use a Bomb to reveal it and claim your prize.
  • Missile Tanks (Total: 25 - providing 250 Missiles)

    Missile Tanks are far more numerous and often require keen observation. Here are some of the trickiest to find:

    • Brinstar:
      • Beneath the initial landing zone, there's a small alcove accessible by bombing the floor.
      • In the room with the first Chozo Statue (where you get the Morph Ball), bomb the top-right corner of the room to reveal a hidden path.
      • Several tanks are hidden behind false walls in the winding corridors. Pay attention to suspicious-looking blocks or areas that don't seem to lead anywhere.
    • Norfair:
      • Many tanks in Norfair are hidden within the lava-filled rooms. Use the Varia Suit to safely explore these areas and look for breakable blocks in the floor or ceiling.
      • One particularly well-hidden tank is in a vertical shaft with numerous Rippers. Bomb the left wall about halfway up to find it.
    • Kraid's Lair:
      • After defeating Kraid, backtrack to the room directly above his lair. There's a hidden passage in the top-right corner.
      • In the long, horizontal room leading to Kraid's chamber, look for a series of breakable blocks in the ceiling.
    • Ridley's Lair:
      • Similar to Kraid's Lair, several tanks are found in the rooms surrounding Ridley's chamber. Explore every nook and cranny, especially areas that seem like dead ends.
      • One tank is in a small, isolated room accessible only by bombing a specific floor tile in a larger, multi-level chamber.

Unlocking Special Endings

Metroid features multiple endings based on your completion time. Achieving these faster times often requires intimate knowledge of the map, efficient movement, and strategic use of items. There are generally three main endings:

  • Good Ending (Under 3 Hours):

    Achieving this ending requires a focused approach. You'll see Samus without her helmet, revealing her identity. To accomplish this:

    • Prioritize essential upgrades: Morph Ball, Bombs, Varia Suit, Screw Attack, Ice Beam, and High Jump Boots.
    • Minimize backtracking. Plan your route to collect key items and defeat bosses in a logical sequence.
    • Practice boss fights to defeat them quickly and without excessive damage.
    • Utilize door glitching (if playing on original hardware/emulation that supports it) to bypass certain areas, though this is not required for the 3-hour mark.
  • Best Ending (Under 1 Hour):

    This is the ultimate challenge for speedrunners, revealing Samus in a bikini. This ending demands near-perfect execution and often involves advanced techniques:

    • Bomb Jumping: Master the art of bomb jumping to reach high areas without the High Jump Boots, saving significant time.
    • Door Glitches: Exploiting glitches to pass through certain doors without opening them, or to skip entire sections of the map. This is highly technical and requires precise timing.
    • Damage Boosting: Strategically taking damage from enemies to pass through them faster, or to reach areas that would otherwise require more time-consuming routes.
    • Minimal Item Collection: Only collect the absolute bare minimum of items needed to progress and defeat bosses. Energy Tanks and Missile Tanks are often skipped entirely.
  • Standard Ending (Over 3 Hours):

    If you take your time, explore thoroughly, and enjoy the journey, you'll likely achieve the standard ending, where Samus remains in her power suit. There's no shame in this! Metroid is a game meant to be savored.

Tips for Speedrunning

  • Map Knowledge: Memorize the layout of Zebes. Knowing where to go next without consulting a map is crucial.
  • Enemy Avoidance: Learn enemy patterns to avoid unnecessary combat and damage.
  • Beam Management: Switch between beams efficiently. The Ice Beam is essential for freezing enemies to use as platforms, while the Wave Beam offers wider coverage.
  • Save State Practice: If playing on an emulator or a version with save states, use them to practice difficult sections or boss fights until you can execute them flawlessly.

Good luck, and may your speedruns be legendary!