Samus Aran
A bounty hunter who explores Zebes, fights the Space Pirates, and protects the Metroid hatchling.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Directional Pad | Move Samus and aim in available directions. |
|---|---|
A | Jump; press while spinning to perform a spin jump. |
B | Fire the currently equipped weapon. |
X | Activate the Grapple Beam when equipped. |
Y | Activate the current secondary weapon or bomb-related function. |
L | Aim diagonally upward or downward. |
R | Aim diagonally upward. |
Select | Cycle through available secondary weapons. |
Start | Open the status and map screens. |
Combos and sequences
DownDown | Transform into the Morphing Ball when the ability is available. |
|---|---|
YDown | Lay a bomb while in Morphing Ball form. |
Control notes
Button functions can vary slightly with the selected controller configuration.
The Grapple Beam and bomb actions require their corresponding upgrades.
How it plays
How does Super Metroid play?
The game uses a two-dimensional side-scrolling perspective. Samus explores Zebes, defeats enemies and bosses, collects upgrades, and opens routes through previously inaccessible rooms.
Major abilities include the Morphing Ball, bombs, wall-jumping, the Grapple Beam, and several beam and suit upgrades. The adventure is primarily single-player and unfolds across distinct regions connected by elevators, doors, hidden passages, and save stations. Progress depends on recognizing environmental clues and revisiting earlier areas with new abilities.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Super Metroid?
Map the environment carefully and revisit old rooms after gaining new abilities. Hidden tunnels, breakable blocks, and suspiciously empty spaces often reveal optional expansions or essential routes.
Conserve missiles and Super Missiles for enemies and bosses that require them. Learn the timing of the dash, wall jump, and Grapple Beam, and use save stations before difficult encounters. Energy and ammunition expansions make later exploration substantially safer.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Mother Brain
The Space Pirate leader and the principal antagonist controlling the operations on Zebes.
Ridley
A powerful Space Pirate commander and recurring enemy of Samus.
Kraid
A massive Space Pirate creature guarding part of Zebes.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Clear the game in under 3 hoursFinishing quickly unlocks one of the best ending variations.
Achieve a higher completion rateBetter item collection changes the ending presentation and Samus reveal.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Shoot suspicious walls and floors; many passages are concealed.
- 2
Use the map to identify unexplored rooms and likely upgrade locations.
- 3
Reserve powerful ammunition for bosses and armored enemies.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A highly atmospheric exploration game with excellent controls and world design.
Its nonlinear map and upgrade-based progression remain influential.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0