Metroid Dread – Here’s a closer look at the deadly areas you’ll explore on planet ZDR

Nintendo has released the latest edition of its Metroid Dread report, giving us excellent insight into the areas you’ll be exploring when the game launches on Switch next month.

As you may already know from all the images shared so far, Metroid Dread takes Samus on a new adventure through Planet ZDR. This unexplored planet shares certain similarities with SR388, a planet that fans of Metroid II: Return of Samus and Metroid: Samus Returns will be more than familiar with, and is divided into several areas.

Each of these individual layers contains its own unique traits and organisms that will need to be taken care of if Samus is to complete her mission, and Nintendo’s report delves into each and the life forms you’ll find there. So without further ado, let’s jump right in (but be aware that there are little spoilers inside!):

ARTARIA

Samus awakens in the cavernous Artaria after being attacked by a mysterious and powerful Chozo figure. This area is located in the deepest part of ZDR and has low temperature environments. The upper part of Artaria contains large amounts of magma, which is used as the main source of energy for the planet.

ERROR: This four-legged land creature calls ZDR home. It won’t attack Samus, but it will deal damage and repel her if touched. It’s not protected by hard armor, so you can deal damage to any part of the creature.

CAP: A small flying creature whose head resembles a large eyeball. Once it spots Samus, it follows her, takes aim, and then charges up with its large barbed tail. Sometimes found in flocks. Their small body and agile movements can make the hit difficult, but the Wide Beam is quite effective against them.

MUZBY: This heavy-armed land creature is one of the largest life forms on Artaria. Drag your arms back as you walk. Because it inhabits and has evolved in darkness, a Muzby does not have the equivalent of a face. It has a tough, tough skin and great endurance, so high-powered attacks like missile or charge beam are effective. Samus can also slide between his legs when he raises his arms to attack.

CATARIS

Home to the central system that manages the supply and circulation of power generating magma throughout the planet, which powers various facilities. Hot streams of magma flow in many places. Some of its high-temperature areas are too much for Samus to handle with just her standard Power Suit.

VULKRAN: This little creature can cling and move on floors, walls, and ceilings. It stores magma in its body and spits it out when it senses danger. Spits out multiple shots of magma, which can be difficult to avoid. It may be more effective to attack him from afar before he goes on the offensive.

AUTCLAST: A robot believed to have been created with advanced Chozo technology. Cylinders on both sides can strike with great force, creating an explosion that sends bolts of fire through the ground. He can be stunned with a quick Dash Melee when paused for a moment just before attacking.

OBSYDOMITHON: A rock-like creature that lives near magma. He usually remains immobile in ore form, but transforms into a battle form when he detects Samus. Be careful if you charge – the high temperature burst attack you are about to unleash can penetrate the terrain.

DAIRON

A biological research site and home to many robots believed to have been developed using advanced Chozo technology. There is a power outage in some places, making it difficult to spot enemies. Danger lurks in the shadows.

AUTSHARP: A robotic enemy that shoots out of its base when it detects Samus. It has a strong, rotating energy blade on its exterior that generates energy as it spins, capable of damaging anything it touches. When you hit a bomb, the force of the explosion propels it upward.

AUTSNIPER: A small sniper robot with a precision laser. It can operate on the ground, walls, and ceilings while aiming and shooting at its target from many angles. The laser is a threat capable of dealing great damage, but there is an opening for the Melee Counter just before it goes off. If it’s on a wall or ceiling, an aerial melee counter would be effective.

ARMADIGGER: A violent four-legged creature native to ZDR. Charge into Samus with great speed when detected and she will quickly change direction and try again if she evades the attack. Counter with a melee counter or attack it from outside its charge path.

BURENIA

The lower half of this marine research site is underwater. Many aquatic creatures that reside here cannot be found in other areas.

BATALLOON: An aquatic creature that calls ZDR home. It floats underwater, but slowly approaches Samus if it hits him. Despite its appearance, it is surprisingly durable; be careful not to underestimate it.

DIZZEAN: This sea creature looks like a small jellyfish. While individually they are weak, they find strength in numbers and always rack up big hits. Get the group out quickly so you don’t get cornered.

SLAAGA: A creature with a yellow hump on its back where it stores acid. When it detects Samus, it shoots acid with great precision. These acid blasts can be avoided with jumps and the Flash Shift ability. They can also be destroyed with Arm Cannon blasts or a melee counter if you react quickly enough.

GHAVORAN

An area of ​​underground forest very close to the surface. Sunlight peeks out from above. Native flora and fauna abound, including many plant-like beings and ancient creatures.

HECATON: This large creature has been around in ZDR since ancient times and can be seen flying among trees and plants in high and low areas. It is capable of breaking down its prey into more digestible particles. It will rarely seek fights on its own, but when attacked, it will become angry and emit a light capable of decomposing other creatures. Be careful not to accidentally hit this creature with a stray shot.

YAMPA: A spider-like creature. Normally, the jaw under your body remains closed. When he attacks, he opens wide and charges his opponent with a powerful bite attack. You can’t move between platforms on different levels, so take advantage of your surroundings when facing one.

QUETZOA: This medium-sized, insect-like flying creature is native to ZDR. When it detects Samus, it fixes on its position and charges at high speed. This creature is very fast and therefore difficult to counter, but a successful hit will open up a great opportunity to attack. Using skills like Flash Shift and Slide to effectively avoid his attacks, and then hitting him with Missiles is also a good option.

There’s still plenty of time to pre-order before the game’s release on October 8 if you’re interested in trying this out. Or, if you’re in the mood for some Metroid goodness right now and can’t wait that long, why not check out our recommendations for what other Metroid games you should play before Dread hits the Switch?