New Features and Abilities

This is a guide on all the new features available in Metroid Dread on the Nintendo Switch. Read on to learn about all of the new abilities, attacks, and features added to this new Metroid game.

List of New Features and Abilities

New Standard Abilities

Free Aim

Free Aim is a feature that was also first introduced in Metroid: Samus Returns, and it is now making a comeback in Metroid Dread. This feature allows you to aim and fire at any angle and make adjustments to your aim as you move.

Melee Counter

The Melee Counter is a returning ability that was first introduced in Metroid: Samus Returns. This attack can knock your enemies off-balance and can be used to target their weak points.

Melee Dash

After performing a successful Melee Counter, you can maintain Samus' momentum to unleash a powerful attack on your opponent with the Dash Melee, which transforms the defensive counter into a devastating offensive attack.

Slide

Sliding is a brand new action introduced in Metroid Dread. It allows Samus to pass through small gaps without stopping. This action is useful when trying to evade enemies or explore new areas.

Ledge Grab

Another returning feature is the Ledge Grab which allows Samus to hang on to the edge of a cliff or ledge. While hanging on a ledge, Samus can also aim and fire her cannon and use Melee Counter.

New Ability Upgrades

Grapple Beam

The Grapple Beam is an upgrade to your arm cannon that allows you to aim at Grapple Points to attach to them. You can also use it to open Grapple Doors and damage some types of enemies.

Spider Magnet

The Spider Magnet ability allows Samus to move, shoot, and counter while she is attached to walls. You can only use this ability on the blue magnetic strips on some walls and ceilings.

New Aeion Abilities

Phantom Cloak

Phantom Cloak is a new Aeion ability, which allows Samus to turn invisible. While she is using this ability, she cannot be spotted by EMMI robots and can move without making a sound.

To use this ability, she needs to consume a special type of energy called Aeion. When Samus runs out of Aeion, you can continue using Phantom Cloak, but at the cost of Samus' energy.

Flash Shift

Flash Shift is another new Aeion ability that allows Samus to move a set distance at lightning-fast speeds up to three times in a row. It is useful for both dodging attacks and exploring areas that would otherwise be unreachable to Samus.

Pulse Radar

The Pulse Radar is another useful ability of Samus as it allows you to see all the destructible walls around your vicinity. However, using this ability completely depletes your Aeion Gauge.

Omega Cannon

The Omega Cannon is a new temporary power-up that Samus acquires from specific locations on the map and is required for opening certain doors. It is the only known weapon at Samus' disposal capable of damaging the EMMI that pursue her relentlessly.

New Map Features

New navigational features were added to the map, which allows you to more easily explore the new planet and find hidden areas.

New Map Features
	Icon Highlights Highlights all icons of the same type in the map.
	Marker Place up to 6 markers of different colors on the map.
	Zoom Zoom in and out of the map screen.
	Hidden Item Hints Makes the map glow to indicate hidden items.
	Expand the Minimap Expands the view of the minimap on the corner of the screen.

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