Metroid
Metroid

Basic Controls — Metroid Guide

Master Samus Aran's basic controls in Metroid. Learn to move, jump, and attack effectively on Zebes to survive and progress through the alien planet.

Basic Controls

Mastering Samus Aran's basic movements and actions is paramount to surviving the treacherous depths of Zebes. This section will detail the core controls you'll need to navigate, fight, and explore effectively. While the original NES version had a relatively simple control scheme, understanding its nuances is key to progression.

Movement and Jumping

  • Directional Pad (D-Pad): This is your primary input for movement.
    • Left/Right: Moves Samus horizontally across the screen. Pay attention to the environment; some platforms require precise movement.
    • Up: A less common movement input, but crucial for aiming your beam upwards when standing still. It also allows Samus to enter doors or climb certain vertical shafts (though true climbing is limited).
    • Down: Ducks Samus, allowing her to avoid certain projectiles and fit into small passages. When combined with the Jump button, it's essential for activating the Morph Ball.
  • A Button (Jump): Pressing the A button makes Samus jump.
    • Standard Jump: A simple press will execute a basic jump. The height and distance are fixed until you acquire upgrades.
    • High Jump: After obtaining the High Jump Boots (found in Brinstar, accessible early on by navigating through a series of red doors and a small tunnel), your jumps will be significantly higher, allowing access to previously unreachable ledges.
    • Space Jump: This incredibly powerful upgrade (located in Norfair, often requiring the Ice Beam to freeze enemies for platforming) allows Samus to jump infinitely in mid-air, granting complete aerial freedom. To activate, simply press the A button repeatedly while airborne.

Combat and Abilities

  • B Button (Fire Beam): This button fires Samus's arm cannon.
    • Standard Beam: Your default weapon. Fires a single projectile.
    • Long Beam: An early upgrade (found in Brinstar, often in a hidden alcove near the start) that extends the range of your beam, making combat safer and easier.
    • Ice Beam: A critical upgrade (located in Norfair, usually after defeating Kraid) that freezes enemies solid. Frozen enemies can be used as temporary platforms to reach higher areas or block projectiles.
    • Wave Beam: This powerful beam (found in Tourian, often requiring the Screw Attack to access) allows your shots to pass through walls and enemies, hitting multiple targets.
    • Spazer Beam: An advanced beam (found in Maridia, often requiring the Gravity Suit to navigate underwater) that fires a wide, multi-shot projectile, dealing significant damage.
    • Plasma Beam: The ultimate beam upgrade (located in Ridley's Lair, usually after defeating Ridley) fires a powerful, piercing projectile that can destroy most enemies in a single hit.
  • Select Button (Missiles): Pressing Select switches your weapon from the beam to Missiles.
    • Missile Usage: Missiles are powerful, limited-use projectiles that can destroy tougher enemies and open specific Red Doors (requiring 5 missiles per door) and Bomb Blocks. You start with 5 Missiles and can increase your capacity by collecting Missile Tanks (each tank adds 5 missiles).
    • Switching Back: Press Select again to return to your beam weapon.
  • Morph Ball: To activate the Morph Ball, press Down + A simultaneously. Samus will curl into a small ball, allowing her to roll through narrow passages.
    • Bomb Placement: While in Morph Ball form, press the B button to drop a Bomb. Bombs can destroy Bomb Blocks (often revealing hidden paths or items like Energy Tanks or Missile Tanks) and damage enemies. You acquire the Morph Ball and Bombs very early in Brinstar, typically in the first few rooms.
    • Bomb Jumping: A more advanced technique, you can use the explosion of a bomb to propel Samus upwards while in Morph Ball form. This is essential for reaching certain high ledges before acquiring the Space Jump.
  • Screw Attack: This powerful ability (found in Norfair, often requiring the Varia Suit to withstand heat) is activated by jumping and spinning. While active, Samus becomes invincible and can destroy most enemies by simply touching them. To activate, perform a standard jump and Samus will automatically enter the Screw Attack animation if you have the upgrade.

Utility and Exploration

  • Start Button (Pause Menu): Pauses the game and brings up the inventory screen, displaying your current missile count, energy, and collected items. This is also where you can save your game (if at a save station) or exit.
  • Energy Tanks: These vital pickups increase Samus's maximum health. Each Energy Tank adds 100 units to your energy bar. They are often found in hidden areas, behind Bomb Blocks, or guarded by enemies.
  • Door Types:
    • Blue Doors: Open with a single beam shot.
    • Red Doors: Require 5 missiles to open.
    • Yellow Doors: Require a Bomb to open (drop a bomb while in Morph Ball form).
    • Green Doors: These are typically boss doors and require a specific number of missiles or a special item to open, or they open automatically after defeating a boss.