Metroids in their larval forms are well-known by longtime fans, but Metroid: Samus Returns is one of the few times we get to see the full evolutionary cycle of these iconic and memorable space parasites. If you thought the common and standard Metroid larva was dangerous, read on to learn what each progressive stage in the Metroid’s life cycle brings to the table.
Metroid Hatchling
You only ever see one Metroid Hatchling, but for fans of the original Metroid II: Return of Samus, Super Metroid, and Metroid: Other M, this particular Metroid is all too memorable. One of the most important creatures in the series (at least in how much its presence affects Samus), the Metroid Hatchling starts off small and quite harmless—cute, even. But big things come in small packages, as those who’ve played through Super Metroid will recall.
Metroid larva
The quintessential Metroid by most players’ reckoning, the Metroid larva is the standard green, bulbous creature adorned with three eye-like organs and is only too happy to sap the life energy out of anything it can wrap its mandibles around. Like all Metroids (save for the Queen), Metroid larvae hate the Ice Beam, but they’re particularly weak against it, compared to their older brothers and sisters. Combine the frosty weapon with a missile or two, and Metroid larvae offer little more threat than a kitten.
Alpha Metroid
While Alpha Metroids may be the first “true” evolutionary form of the Metroid family, they’re not as frightening as most Metroids you run into. We label this stage the “awkward teenage years” of the Metroid maturity chain. They feature more attacks than your standard Metroid larva, but their growing carapace means they’re much slower and less aggressive than their younger cousins. They do receive a boost in defensive ability, so the Ice Beam-and-missile trick is no longer viable. That doesn’t mean they’re immune to these weapons, not by a long shot. However, don’t expect to dispatch an Alpha as quickly as you would a Metroid larva. With Alphas and all following Metroid evolutions, you’ve gotta work for your fights.
Gamma Metroid
This is where the fight truly begins. Gamma Metroids don’t pick up any speed from the smaller, weaker Alpha phase, but they pack a massive punch. In fact, expect to be defeated again and again and again, until the Gamma beats its attack patterns into your head. It has more moves than Metroid larvae and Alpha Metroids combined, and each of them feels like getting hit by a world-class boxer. Play it safe when you see one of these mean monsters, and focus on landing attacks on its core with the Ice Beam and missiles. Once you learn its patterns, you stand a chance. Before that, it’s a fight from the ropes.
Zeta Metroid
This is the fastest Metroid of the bunch, at least relative to its size. Zetas are lizard-like Metroids that spend a good portion of their time fighting from the walls and ceilings of their respective hiding rooms while they spit acid and fire at their prey. They’re among the most cowardly of the Metroid family when it comes to fighting style—or maybe they’re the craftiest, using their climbing and projectile-spitting abilities to their advantage. Either way, expect a fight with a Zeta to be on the short side compared to most other Metroid-type fights, but one that involves an awful lot of dodging and precision strikes.
Omega Metroid
The Omega Metroid represents the most advanced stage a Metroid can attain without being a Queen. These Metroids are massive, powerful, and can leap incredibly high and fast. Evolution has also done away with the Metroid’s trademark weak point: the core. While the core is still there, the Omega’s chiton armor plating hides it deep in its chest. The only way to reach it is to force your way in with explosive attacks, but even then, you have a short amount of time to strike before the chiton self-repairs and covers the core once more. Omegas are tough and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Expect to learn how to fight them in the school of hard knocks.
Queen Metroid
The source of all Metroids is easily the deadliest of the bunch. The Queen is massive and hits harder than just about anything else in the game. Add the fact that it resides in a room barely big enough to fit it, and you’re in for one of the toughest fights of the mission.