Metroid Dread Report Vol. 11 Released

Today, Nintendo has released Metroid Dread Report Vol. 11 on Metroid Dread‘s site. This report is about powering through with pointers for exploration and combat. This is another fun one, but it is absolutely worth your time if you are new to the series and need a little bit of insight. This is the shortened on, so make sure you head to the actual site for full explanations.

For your convenience, here is the full Metroid Dread Report Vol. 11:

Metroid Dread Report vol. 11: Power through with these pointers for exploration and combat

Welcome to the Metroid™ Dread Report! This series will introduce the latest information on the Metroid Dread game and the world of the Metroid series, along with behind-the-scenes glimpses from the game’s development team.

Now that the Metroid Dread game has been available for some time, have you enjoyed exploring the mysterious planet ZDR? In this special edition of the Metroid Dread Report, we’d like to spotlight a few field-tested hints and strategies that might help when things are looking dire.

Please note that some of these hints may be considered spoilers. If you’d prefer to avoid such things, we suggest you only check out the portions labeled “transmission from the dev team” for spoiler-free insights.

Finding your bearings

Q: Where am I supposed to go next? When I don’t play for a while, I forget what I was doing. A: Check the Mission Log for clues. Q: I’m stuck because every path seems to be a dead end. How do I move forward? A: There may be hidden blocks somewhere that you can destroy. Q: I acquired a new ability. How do I know where to use it? A: Try using the Icon Highlight feature on the map screen. Sometimes, your next step is in a previous area.

~Transmission from the dev team~

The Metroid series is full of games where the player is encouraged to explore, so we created this game with “getting lost” as one of the key elements. However, no matter how lost you are, there is always a way to figure out where to go next. There are hidden hints found in the world during gameplay, on the map screen, as well as in the Mission Log. We hope you enjoy piecing together these clues as you explore planet ZDR.

Exploring to the fullest

Q: What does “clear time” mean? A: This is the amount of time it took you to complete the game. It doesn’t include your time spent on the map screen or retrying. Q: Aside from the ending rewards, what else can I go after? A: How about trying the harsh Hard Mode or aiming for 100% item collection?

~Transmission from the dev team~

Games in the Metroid series have traditionally rewarded players based on their clear time, and we’ve designed them in ways that allow for players to complete their adventures by exploring many different paths through the world.

Using the techniques outlined in this Metroid Dread Report, you might be able to complete the game using a route that differs from the main path. We encourage you to seek new ways forward during a second or third time through.

Making the most of Samus’ abilities

Q: What’s the most effective way to use the Phantom Cloak? A: Try using it with Samus’ back against the wall in an E.M.M.I. Zone. Q: How do I make the best use of the Storm Missile ability? A: You can use it without going into Free Aim mode. Also, it can attack enemies surrounded by electricity. Q: How can I make better use of the Flash Shift ability? A: Try going immediately into an attack position right after dodging. Q: How can I make better use of the Spin Boost and Space Jump abilities? A: You can launch Samus into another leap while falling from the top of a jump arc. This can also be done underwater to cross gaps. Q: How in the world do you destroy some of these Speed Booster blocks? A: The key is to use the Speed Booster and Shine Spark abilities to their fullest.

~Transmission from the dev team~

Samus’ power will grow as she progresses. By the end, she’ll have many abilities at her disposal, which is a defining characteristic of the Metroid series.

You can check what abilities are available to her and how to use them by looking at the Samus screen in the menu, as well as in Mission Log entries. If you get stuck, it can be helpful to check there.

When acquiring a new ability, many times there are signals around how to best use it—these could be demonstrated in a cutscene or simply by inviting you to try it out against enemies or bosses that soon appear. We suggest you keep these clues in mind when strategizing your way through the world.

Boss battles

Q: Some of the boss battles are really difficult for me. How am I supposed to defeat them? A: Keep a close eye on how they strike and look for patterns. Q: Is there a way to complete boss battles faster? A: Seize your chance to Melee Counter!

Some bosses have attacks that spark light.

If you successfully Melee Counter such attacks and strike during the opening it creates, you can begin the “grab sequence” where you can dish out heavy damage with Missile attacks. You’ll also obtain replenishments for Missiles and Energy, so make sure not to miss your Melee Counter chance! Also, try to rapid-fire Missiles instead of Beams while grabbing the enemy.

~Transmission from the dev team~

Basically, each boss has a weak point where a Charge Beam or Missile is effective most of the time. If you hear a “clink” sound as if the attack was repelled, the boss didn’t take damage. A standard Beam attack may be effective on certain parts of the enemy, so watch how it reacts and listen for sounds that suggest the attack has dealt damage. Missiles can be replenished with a successful Melee Counter, so don’t hesitate to use them as much as you need.

Bosses are strong, but there are no attacks that cannot be dodged! Watch their moves carefully and don’t hesitate to challenge them.

Hidden techniques

Q: Are there any techniques not covered in the tutorials? A: Several!

~Transmission from the dev team~

Combining Samus’ abilities allows you to move more fluidly through the world and carve out alternate paths through the world of ZDR. You’ll need these techniques to obtain all ending rewards and fill out the Chozo Archive. Even if you’ve completed the game once already, we encourage you to have another go at it using what you’ve learned.

If you haven’t tried Metroid Dread yet, there’s a free demo available to get a feel for the movement and atmosphere.

And if you want to prepare a bit more before trying the demo or full game, please check out this video featuring five tips for getting a strong start.

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Thank you for stopping by Nintendo Link for all of your Metroid Dread news and updates. What did you think of Metroid Dread Report Vol. 11? Were these these reports helpful at all? Let us know in the comments below! You can read previous reports here. Happy gaming, everyone.