While there is no denying that the Metroid Prime series is now as storied as its mainline sister series, the fact remains that no new games in the series have been released in 18 years. Because of this, there will likely be a fair number of players coming into Metroid Prime 4: Beyond either a bit rusty, or having never experienced a Metroid Prime game at all. With this in mind, this guide is meant to serve as a tool for old and new players alike, and will provide a list of the most useful tips and tricks for those just starting their Metroid Prime 4 journey.
All Metroid Prime 4 Amiibo Unlocks and Rewards
Metroid Prime 4 comes with great amiibo features for players to unlock. This guide details what rewards are in store.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Tips & Tricks
Keeping it Simple:
As many things have changed in Metroid Prime 4 when compared to previous entries in the franchise, this guide will be largely based around topics that will likely be considered ‘beginner,’ and won’t delve too far into the various weapons and upgrades that are available throughout the game.
How to Save in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Saving is actually one item that remains largely unchanged from the previous entries in the series. Like before, Samus will have to manually locate Save Stations that are strategically placed throughout each dungeon, as well as special underground stations in Sol Valley, the open desert overworld.
Most Save Stations are designed to be found when you need them most, and placed in convenient locations like the start of new dungeons, or just before difficult boss encounters. All Save Stations also look the same, with a round platform placed in the ground that emanates an orange glow from its center. Step into the orange glow to save your progress and refill all ammunition.
Make sure to save as often as possible, as you will revert to your last save upon death. There is no way to load saves or perform any type of save scumming.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Volt Forge Interactive Map
Our interactive map for Volt Forge in Metroid Prime 4: Evolved. All the abilities, upgrades, and collectibles found in the area.
How to Use the Scanner in Metorid Prime 4: Beyond
The scanner mechanic, which has been present in all previous entries, works a bit differently in Metroid Prime 4. Instead of making the scanner just one of four visors, the scanner is now tied to its own button. Whenever you want to scan an object in the environment, simply press the X button to enter the Psychic Visor mode. Not only does this allow you to scan objects, it’s also how you’ll use many of the game’s new psychic powers.
When you enter the Psychic Visor mode, the colors in the environment will shift. Any object that can be scanned will be highlighted in green. The green marks objects that can be scanned, but haven’t yet been. Once you scan an object, it will simply have a white outline.
To scan an object, switch to the Psychic Visor mode, then hold down ZL, the same button you’d use to Lock-On to an enemy during combat. You’ll see a progress bar appear on-screen, and once progress is complete, you’ll be notified that the scan was successful. You’ll then see a text box below the object describing what it is.
In the case of enemies or certain objects, you’ll often find out important information on weaknesses, or how to bypass certain blocks. For example, the Fire Blocker locks on doors will inform you that you need a high-heat weapon. You can then deduce that the Fire Shot is required.
How to Fast-Travel in Metroid Prime 4
It will not come as a surprise to fans of the series that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond does not actually have a traditional fast-travel system. Instead, there are ways to travel across long distances within a single dungeon/biome, but not from one dungeon to another. For example, at the end of the first major dungeon, Fury Green, you’ll be launched into the desert by a cargo launcher. When you return later, you can use the same Cargo Launcher to fast-travel to the opposite end of the dungeon, where an important NPC is located.
The next-closest mechanic to fast-travel is Metroid Prime 4‘s Vi-O-La Motorcycle. While not helpful in most dungeons (Volt Forge being a partial exception to this rule), the cycle will allow you to traverse Sol Valley, the massive open area that serves as the game’s overworld. It is certainly the fastest method of traversal we’ve experienced in a Metroid game, other than the teleporters and trams that served as fast-travel in past games.
How to Use ‘Explosive Force’ in Metroid Prime 4 (Missile Launcher)
Break Viewros Amber in Metroid Prime 4 by getting your Missile Launcher back for Samus.
How to Heal & Refill Ammo in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
If you’ve experienced any other game in the Metroid series, then you’ll know how to heal and refill ammunition in Beyond, as it works exactly the same way. If you are new to the franchise, then don’t worry, as healing is one of the easiest actions to perform.
If you find your energy meter or missile count is running low, there are two types of objects you’ll want to go after. The first is enemies. Killing enemies in Metroid Prime 4 is one of the best ways to collect healing items and ammo, which appear in the form of floating items that show up once the enemy’s body has disappeared.
For health, you’ll see different colored orbs. Each color represents a different amount of energy that will be replaced, with purple replenishing 10 energy, and all other colors going up from there. Ammo will depend on the type. For missiles, you’ll see yellow-winged rockets. For elemental shot, you’ll see a blue object with three pointed tips.
The next item you want to look out for is crates. Crates are found scattered throughout every dungeon. Destroying crates has a chance to drop the same items any enemy could drop.
To quickly collect all nearby health & ammo refills, charge the Charge Beam. This will pull in all visible items, as long as they are not too far away.
How to Increase Max Health & Ammo in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Players begin Metroid Prime 4 with a very limited amount of energy (health) and missile ammo, and increasing these systems is one of the primary goals of exploration. Each system in MP4 has a specific expansion upgrade tied to it. These items are as follows:
- Energy/Health – Energy Tanks
- Missile Launcher – Missile Expansions
- Elemental Weapons – Shot Expansions
Each of these items is usually hidden behind objects and obstructions that require specific weapons or tools to collect. Make sure to read the descriptions of the obstacles, as they will usually reveal the type of weapon or tool necessary to clear them. As you then progress through the game, you’ll immediately recognize when an item will help you retrieve an expansion item.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Fury Green Interactive Map
Our interactive map for Fury Green in Metroid Prime 4: Evolved. All the abilities, upgrades, and collectibles found in the area.
General Exploration Tips – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
These tips will help you get on your way as you start to explore in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
- Wait until you’ve unlocked some elemental weapons to explore extensively. While there is nothing wrong with exploring within the confines of the early dungeons, don’t try to break outside those boundaries too early. For the most part, you will simply get stuck because you are missing several upgrades.
- Scan Everything: For the most part, you’ll want to simply play with your visor in Psychic mode. This will not only give you an amazing insight into the lore of the world around you, there is also no better way to locate the huge amount of secrets hidden in the world. Make sure to read the scan descriptions, as the solutions to almost every puzzle can be found within.
- Try Everything You Have: Before you give up on an object, make sure you try every option at your disposal. While this may not help much at the very beginning, once you’ve unlocked the basic Psychic abilities and the Missile Launcher, there are many times when you’ll actually have the tools you’ll need. Remember though, use common sense. If something says you need an icy solution, and you don’t have the Ice Shot, nothing you try is going to work.
- Remember the Psychic Options: This is incredibly important for returning players, as they will likely forget there is an entirely new set of tools to work with. Check every puzzle through the Psychic Visor.
- Freedom & Choice is a bit of a misnomer: While Metroid Prime 4 appears to have a wide range of choice, in reality, there is a fairly set path you must take to progress. After Fury Green and Volt Forge, you may think you have several choices about what to do next. In reality, you’ll need to go to Flare Pool to get the Fire Shot. We won’t spoil the whole path here, just remember that you’ll need to backtrack several times to gather all the tools you need.
- Listen to Myles: This is going to be incredibly unpopular, but if you are stuck, don’t be afraid to listen to Myles’ suggestions. While it’s true that the Metroid franchise was built upon players finding their own solutions, ultimately, that’s up to you. If you call Myles on the radio when you are lost, he’ll send you in the right direction.
These tips should get you started. As the game is so new, we are still finding the best solutions ourselves. If you continue to get stuck, check back often, as we’ll add any ideas we come up with to the list as we continue with our next playthrough.
