Turn the opening rooms into a route
Learn the original controls, record connections and obtain the first navigation upgrade.
Original 1986 Metroid as adapted for the international NES release in 1987. These guides use the NES password system and original Zebes areas. The Famicom Disk System save menu, Zero Mission remake, later Metroid movement abilities and sequence-breaking glitches are excluded.
Explore both directions from the start
The opening route rewards checking the left side rather than immediately treating rightward travel as the only progress. The Maru Mari, now commonly called the Morph Ball, allows Samus to curl into a small shape. A jumps and B shoots; Down uses the ball after the item is collected. Return toward the opening corridors with this new ability in mind.
Record a few doors and shafts at a time
The original NES game has no in-game map. Draw the rooms around a vertical shaft and note which side each door exits before extending the next branch. Similar rooms become easier to tell apart when a missile pack, distinctive platform or elevator is marked. Test a short route, confirm how it connects and build the next part from that dependable reference.
Protect energy while learning movement
Samus can shoot forward or upward, but later games’ diagonal aiming and other movement refinements do not apply here. Stand where a shot reaches the approaching enemy and keep enough room to dodge. Record the NES password carefully to preserve equipment progress. Resuming starts Samus with 30 energy, so replenish on a manageable route before returning to a demanding expedition.
When you find an elevator, mark both its destination and the shaft that brought you there.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.