Metroid Dread
Image: Nintendo

Nintendo has dropped the latest edition of its Metroid Dread report, giving us a great look at the areas you'll be exploring when the game launches on Switch next month.

As you may already know from all the footage 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 Metroid II: Return of Samus and Metroid: Samus Returns fans will be more than familiar with – and is split up into several areas.

These individual layers each contain their own unique traits and organisms that'll need taking care of if Samus is to complete her mission, and Nintendo's report goes deep into each one and the lifeforms you'll meet there. So, without further ado, let's jump in (but be warned that there are minor spoilers within!):

ARTARIA

Metroid Dread - Artaria
Image: Nintendo

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 portion of Artaria contains vast amounts of magma, which is used as the primary source of energy on the planet.

KLAIDA: This terrestrial, four-footed creature calls ZDR home. It won’t attack Samus but will cause damage and repel her if touched. It isn’t protected by hard armor, so you can inflict damage on any part of the creature.

PLY: A small, flying creature whose head resembles a large eyeball. Once it detects Samus, it follows her, aims, and then charges with its large-spiked tail. Sometimes found in flocks. Its small body and agile movements can make it tricky to hit, but the Wide Beam is quite effective against them.

MUZBY: This terrestrial creature with heavy arms is one of the larger lifeforms on Artaria. It drags its arms behind as it walks. Because it dwells and has evolved in darkness, a Muzby doesn’t have the equivalent to a face. It has tough, rugged skin and high endurance, so high-powered attacks like the Missile or Charge Beam are effective. Samus can also slide between its legs when it lifts its arms to attack.

CATARIS

Metroid Dread - Cataris
Image: Nintendo

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

VULKRAN: This small creature can stick to and move across floors, walls, and ceilings. It stores magma in its body and spits it out when it detects danger. It spits out multiple magma shots, which can be difficult to avoid. It may be most effective to blast it from afar before it goes on the offensive.

AUTCLAST: A robot believed to have been created with advanced Chozo technology. The cylinders on both of its sides can slam down with great force, creating an explosion that sends streaks of fire across the ground. Can be stunned with a quick Dash Melee when it pauses for a moment right before it strikes.

OBSYDOMITHON: A rock-like creature that lives near magma. Usually, it remains still in an ore-like form, but transforms into a battle form when it detects Samus. Be careful if it charges up: the high-temperature burst attack it’s about to unleash can penetrate terrain.

DAIRON

Metroid Dread - Dairon
Image: Nintendo

A biological research site and home to many robots believed to have been developed using advanced Chozo technology. The power is out in some spots, which makes it difficult to spot enemies. Danger lurks in the shadows.

AUTSHARP: A robotic enemy that shoots out from its dock when it detects Samus. It has a strong, spinning energy blade on its exterior that generates power as it turns, capable of damaging anything it touches. When it hits 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 firing at its target from many angles. The laser is a threat capable of dealing great damage, but there’s an opening to Melee Counter right before it fires. If on a wall or ceiling, an aerial Melee Counter would be effective.

ARMADIGGER: A violent, four-footed creature native to ZDR. Charges at Samus with great speed when she’s detected and will quickly change its direction and try again if she evades the attack. Fight back with a Melee Counter or attack it from outside its charging path.

BURENIA

Metroid Dread - Burenia
Image: Nintendo

The bottom half of this marine research site is underwater. Many aquatic creatures residing here can’t be found in other areas.

BATALLOON: An aquatic creature that calls ZDR home. It floats under water but slowly approaches Samus if she hits it. Despite its appearance, it’s surprisingly durable—be careful not to underestimate it.

DIZZEAN: This sea creature resembles a small jellyfish. While individually weak, they find strength in numbers and always collect in large smacks. Take out the group quickly so as not to be 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 strike if you react quickly enough.

GHAVORAN

Metroid Dread - Ghavoran
Image: Nintendo

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

HECATHON: This large creature has existed on ZDR since ancient times and can be spotted flying between trees and plants in high and low areas. It’s able to break down its prey into more digestible particles. It will rarely pick fights on its own, but when attacked, it’ll get angry and emit a light capable of decomposing other creatures. Be careful to not accidentally hit this creature with a stray shot.

YAMPA: A spider-like creature. Normally, the jaw under its body remains closed. When attacking, it opens wide and charges its opponent for a powerful bite attack. It can’t move between platforms on different levels, so take advantage of your surroundings when facing off against one.

QUETZOA: This insect-like, mid-sized flying creature is native to ZDR. When it detects Samus, it homes in on her position and charges at great speed. This creature is very fast and thus tricky to counter, but a successful strike will open up a big chance to attack. Using abilities like Flash Shift and slide to effectively avoid its attacks, then hitting it with Missiles is also a good option.

There's still plenty of time to grab a pre-order before the game launches on 8th October if you're keen on checking this one 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 on which other Metroid games you should play before Dread arrives on Switch?

[source metroid.nintendo.com]