Metroid II Metroid forms, missile tactics and the Queen
Recognize the hunt’s different enemies and prepare for each battle style.
Edition covered
Original monochrome Game Boy adventure. Metroid: Samus Returns on Nintendo 3DS is a separate remake with different maps, combat and upgrades.
Aim for exposed bodies
Alpha and Gamma Metroids are mobile flying targets. Keep enough space to see their approach and direct missiles into the vulnerable body rather than blindly firing into the shell.
| Form | Battle character | Useful response |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha | Small airborne attacker | Aim missiles at the underside |
| Gamma | Flying attacker with electricity | Avoid the electrical range before firing |
| Zeta | Agile, mobile evolution | Keep distance and punish openings |
| Omega | Large late-game evolution | Bring a strong missile reserve |
| Larval Metroid | Clinging floating creature | Freeze, then use missiles |
| Queen | Large mouth-based final encounter | Attack during the open-mouth cycle |
Adjust for later evolutions
Zeta and Omega encounters require more room to react and a larger missile reserve. Enter with energy restored and identify a safe retreat direction before committing to repeated shots.
| Check | Why it matters | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Missile reserve | Evolved Metroids need sustained missile damage | Visit a refill before a new nest |
| Energy | Contact can quickly drain Samus | Use energy recovery on the return route |
| Escape space | Small arenas limit movement | Locate safe ground before firing |
| Current beam | Late larval Metroids need freezing | Recover the Ice Beam |
| Bombs | Escape and Queen strategy | Remember Morph Ball bomb controls |
Recover the Ice Beam for larval Metroids
The familiar floating larval Metroids appear late. Freeze them with the Ice Beam, then use missiles; if one latches on, Morph Ball bombs are an escape tool.
Watch the Queen’s mouth
The Queen exposes its mouth during its attack cycle. Missiles can damage it there, while an advanced Morph Ball approach can reach its stomach and use bombs. Heal and refill before committing to the final nest.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Original Nintendo instruction booklet | www.thegameisafootarcade.com |
| Equipment reference | metroid.retropixel.net |
| Metroid forms | metroid.retropixel.net |
| Ending times | metroid.retropixel.net |