Metroid: Samus Returns Guide – Essential Upgrades and Hidden Items for Mastering SR388

Since its release in September 2017, Metroid: Samus Returns has been hailed as a faithful reimagining of the classic Metroid II: Return of Samus, bringing the iconic galaxy-exploring action to the Nintendo 3DS.

Developed by MercurySteam in collaboration with Nintendo, the game immerses players in atmospheric environments brimming with secrets, upgrades, and cleverly hidden passages across the hostile planet SR388.

As with every entry in the Metroid series, progression in Samus Returns heavily relies on uncovering new abilities and gear, making item discovery a core aspect of the gameplay. This comprehensive Metroid: Samus Returns guide (Nintendo 3DS) will walk you through the locations and methods for acquiring Samus Aran’s most vital tools and upgrades, ensuring you’re equipped to tackle SR388’s toughest challenges. **Surface Area** - **Morph Ball**: Acquired directly after the tutorial, the Morph Ball is accessible by using a missile to open a red-barrier door.

Inside, you’ll encounter the first Chozo statue holding an orb; shoot the orb, then enter it to obtain the Morph Ball. - **Charge Beam**: After defeating your initial Metroid, look for a room featuring an ammo refill and a high ledge.

Climb up, open the next door with a missile, and interact with another Chozo statue to add the Charge Beam to Samus’s arsenal. - **Scan Pulse**: The Scan Pulse, Samus’s debut Aeion ability in the game, is found by following a short cutscene sequence.

Upon reaching a chamber with a serpent-like structure clutching a blue energy sphere, use the Morph Ball to collect the energy and receive the Scan Pulse. **Area 1** - **Bomb**: Early in Area 1, simply use a missile to open a marked door and retrieve the classic Metroid bomb power-up. - **Ice Beam**: Following the map’s locations, use missiles to access the room containing the Ice Beam. - **Spider Ball**: While heading toward the Ice Beam, spot an area that was previously inaccessible above.

With the Ice Beam, freeze flying enemies to create platforms, then reach the morph ball tunnel to find the Spider Ball after navigating through a newly opened door. **Area 2** - **Lightning Armour**: Prior to a specific point on the map, open a door using the Charge Beam and ensure you have the Spider Ball equipped.

The Lightning Armour allows Samus to pass through hazardous red plants unharmed. - **Spring Ball**: Defeat the sub-boss Arachnus to earn the Spring Ball upgrade, giving you the ability to jump while in Morph Ball mode without the need for bombs. - **Varia Suit**: At a map location blocked by intense heat, use the Spider Ball to discover a hidden ceiling path.

Navigate through the new area to find the Varia Suit, enabling exploration of high-temperature environments. - **Wave Beam**: Once you’ve equipped the Varia Suit, return to a previously inaccessible zone.

In this area, eliminate a Gamma Metroid, use the Scan Pulse to find a weak spot in the wall, then blast it open with a missile to forge a path to the Wave Beam. - **High Jump Boots**: With access to the Wave Beam, proceed to the area above the previously locked door.

Open the Wave Beam door, move toward the designated location, and collect the High Jump Boots—which allow greater vertical mobility—by simply entering the room. These core upgrades are essential for unearthing Metroid: Samus Returns’ many secrets and surviving the depths of SR388.

For those pursuing 100% completion or aiming to master every hidden passage, keep an eye on Nintendo’s official guides, as well as dedicated community walkthroughs, for further tips and strategies.

Stay tuned for more advanced guides covering endgame abilities like the Screw Attack and Space Jump. Metroid: Samus Returns is available now worldwide on the Nintendo 3DS via cartridge and the Nintendo eShop, demonstrating Nintendo’s continued commitment to delivering classic franchise experiences on handheld platforms.

Nintendo 3DS Metroid Samus Nintendo 3DS Xbox Series X|S Metroid: Samus Returns SR388 MercurySteam Samus Aran