Metroid
Metroid

Glitches & Exploits

Learn Metroid glitches and exploits for a speedrunning edge or for fun. Master advanced techniques like the Wall Jump to navigate Zebes more effectively.

Glitches & Exploits

While Metroid is a classic for its challenging gameplay, a few well-known glitches and exploits can significantly alter your experience, whether you're looking for a speedrunning edge or just some fun with the game's mechanics. Be aware that some of these can be tricky to pull off consistently.

Wall Jump

The Wall Jump is an advanced technique that allows Samus to ascend vertical shafts without the aid of the High Jump Boots or Screw Attack. Mastering this can open up early access to areas and items.

  • Requirements: None, but practice is key.
  • Strategy:
    1. Jump towards a wall.
    2. Just as Samus makes contact with the wall, press the opposite direction on the D-pad and immediately press the jump button.
    3. If timed correctly, Samus will push off the wall and gain height.
    4. Repeat this process on alternating walls in a narrow shaft to climb indefinitely.
  • Notable Uses:
    • Early Varia Suit: In Brinstar, you can wall jump up the shaft leading to the Varia Suit room, bypassing the need for the High Jump Boots or Ice Beam to defeat enemies.
    • Kraid's Lair Shortcut: Skilled You can wall jump up the long vertical shaft in Kraid's Lair to reach the boss chamber much faster, avoiding many enemy encounters.

Door Glitch (Door Skip)

This exploit allows Samus to pass through certain closed doors without opening them, often saving time in speedruns or providing access to areas earlier than intended.

  • Requirements: Morph Ball, Bombs.
  • Strategy:
    1. Approach a closed door in Morph Ball form.
    2. Position Samus as close to the door as possible.
    3. Lay a Bomb directly against the door.
    4. As the Bomb explodes, Samus will be pushed into the door. With precise timing, you can sometimes clip through to the next room. This often requires multiple attempts and specific positioning.
  • Notable Uses:
    • Early Norfair Access: There are several doors in Brinstar leading to Norfair that can be skipped, allowing you to enter the fiery region without needing to clear specific rooms or defeat certain enemies.
    • Tourian Entry: While more difficult, some players have managed to glitch through the final door into Tourian, though this is generally not recommended for casual play due to the precision required.

Mockball (Mockballing)

The Mockball is a highly advanced technique that allows Samus in Morph Ball form to maintain horizontal momentum after dropping from a ledge, effectively "rolling" over gaps that would normally require a jump or the Space Jump.

  • Requirements: Morph Ball, precise timing.
  • Strategy:
    1. While running at full speed, quickly press down to enter Morph Ball form just as Samus is about to drop from a ledge.
    2. The timing is crucial: Samus needs to be in the Morph Ball state for a single frame as she leaves the platform.
    3. If successful, Samus will continue her horizontal momentum in Morph Ball form, allowing her to clear longer distances than a standard Morph Ball roll.
  • Notable Uses:
    • Speedrunning Brinstar: Several gaps in Brinstar, particularly those leading to Missile Tanks or Energy Tanks, can be crossed with a well-executed Mockball, saving valuable seconds.
    • Norfair Navigation: Certain tricky platforming sections in Norfair become much easier to traverse, allowing for quicker movement through the area.

Experiment with these techniques to find new ways to play Metroid. Remember, practice makes perfect, especially with the more advanced exploits!