Table of Contents

Can You Get Softlocked in Metroid Dread? A Deep Dive

The chilling depths of Planet ZDR are fraught with peril in Metroid Dread, but the question on many a Metroidvania aficionado’s mind is this: Can you actually get softlocked in Metroid Dread? The short answer is, technically, yes, but the instances are incredibly rare and almost always due to unintended glitches. The developers at MercurySteam clearly put significant effort into preventing situations where players could become irrevocably stuck. However, let’s delve deeper into the nuances of softlocks, how they can occur, and, more importantly, how to avoid them in your harrowing journey as Samus Aran.

Understanding Softlocks vs. Hardlocks

Before we proceed, it’s crucial to differentiate between a softlock and a hardlock. A hardlock is a game-breaking bug that completely freezes the game, forcing you to restart entirely. Thankfully, hardlocks are virtually nonexistent in the final, patched version of Metroid Dread.

A softlock, on the other hand, is a more insidious issue. It occurs when the player becomes trapped in a state where they cannot progress further, despite the game technically still running. This might involve being stuck in a room with no way out, lacking the ability to damage a boss, or being unable to trigger a crucial event.

How Softlocks Can (Rarely) Happen in Metroid Dread

While Metroid Dread is designed with meticulous care to prevent softlocks, there have been a few reported instances, most of which stem from exploiting glitches or encountering very specific, unintended scenarios. Here are some examples:

Sequence Breaking Gone Wrong: Metroid games are notorious for sequence breaking – completing objectives out of the intended order. While Metroid Dread allows for some degree of sequence breaking, pushing it too far, especially with unintended uses of the Shinespark, Speed Booster, or other advanced techniques, could theoretically lead to a situation where you lack a necessary item to progress through an area you’ve already accessed.
Enemy/Boss Glitches: Occasionally, players have reported instances where enemies, particularly bosses, can get stuck in a specific state, preventing them from dropping necessary items or triggering the next phase of the fight. This is extremely uncommon and usually rectified by restarting the game or the boss fight from a save point.
Map Issues: In some rare circumstances, a player might manage to get outside the boundaries of the map due to a glitch. While interesting, this almost always leads to an inescapable void and the necessity of reloading a save.
Specific Room Traps: While MercurySteam did a superb job in making sure that there are no rooms where you can get “physically” stuck, it is still important to save frequently to avoid situations where you would need to replay too much of the game after an unfortunate demise.

It’s important to emphasize that these are extremely rare occurrences. The developers have patched out many known glitches, and the average player is highly unlikely to encounter a softlock during a normal playthrough.

Tips to Avoid Softlocks

Even though softlocks are rare, it’s always a good idea to take precautions:

Save Frequently: The single most important piece of advice. Utilize the numerous Save Stations scattered throughout Planet ZDR. Save often and in different locations.
Don’t Over-Exploit Glitches (Especially in Initial Playthroughs): While experimenting with advanced techniques and sequence breaking can be fun, it’s best to avoid pushing the game too far, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the potential consequences. Stick to the intended path for your first playthrough to ensure a smooth experience.
If You Suspect a Glitch, Reload Immediately: If you encounter unusual behavior from an enemy or find yourself in an unexpected or seemingly impossible situation, don’t hesitate to reload your last save.
Consult Online Resources: If you do encounter a potential softlock, search online forums or communities for Metroid Dread. Other players may have encountered the same issue and discovered a workaround.
Keep Your Game Updated: Ensure you have the latest version of the game installed. Patches often address bugs and glitches that can potentially lead to softlocks.
Be Mindful of Your Resources: Ensure that you are managing your resources effectively, such as energy and missiles, to avoid getting stuck against a boss due to lack of offensive capabilities.

Metroid Dread FAQs: Navigating the Perilous Planet ZDR

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the path through Metroid Dread, helping you avoid potential pitfalls and maximizing your enjoyment of the game.

1. What is the best way to save in Metroid Dread?

Save as often as possible! Prioritize saving before entering a new area, especially if it looks challenging or contains a boss. The game offers plenty of Save Stations, so there’s no excuse to be caught without a recent save.

2. Can I get stuck if I don’t collect enough missiles?

While it’s unlikely to get completely stuck, running out of missiles can make certain boss fights significantly harder. It is advisable to prioritize missile upgrades as you explore.

3. I think I’ve sequence broken; am I in danger of a softlock?

Not necessarily. Metroid Dread is more forgiving than some previous Metroid games in terms of sequence breaking. However, if you find yourself unable to progress in an area, consider backtracking to see if you missed an item or upgrade in a previous area.

4. What should I do if a boss is bugged and not dying?

The most reliable solution is to reload your last save. This will reset the boss fight and hopefully resolve the glitch.

5. Is it possible to skip any major items in Metroid Dread and still beat the game?

Some items can be skipped through skillful sequence breaking, but it’s generally not recommended for a first playthrough. Skipping too many key items could make the game significantly harder and increase the risk of encountering a situation where you can’t progress.

6. Are there any known “point of no return” areas in Metroid Dread?

No, there are no areas that you cannot return from, meaning there are no true points of no return that would limit you from collecting items from previous regions.

7. What happens if I die repeatedly in an E.M.M.I. zone?

Dying repeatedly to an E.M.M.I. will simply send you back to the last checkpoint you passed before entering the zone, but there is no risk of softlocking due to repeated deaths.

8. Can I get locked in a room after defeating a boss?

No, boss rooms are designed to always provide a clear path forward after the boss is defeated, ensuring that you can always progress.

9. Is it possible to run out of energy completely and be unable to progress?

While running out of energy makes survival difficult, there are usually enemies that will replenish it or areas where you can recover enough to proceed. There is almost always a way to progress.

10. What if I fall out of the map?

Falling out of the map will usually result in an instant death, and you will be returned to your last save point, but falling out of the map will never result in a softlock scenario.

11. Are there any difficulty options that affect the likelihood of softlocks?

No, the difficulty settings primarily affect enemy damage and health and have no bearing on the likelihood of encountering glitches or softlocks.

12. I think I found a new glitch; where should I report it?

You can report glitches to Nintendo or MercurySteam through their respective support channels. Sharing your findings with the Metroid community can also help other players avoid the issue or find a workaround.

13. Will the game ever become impossible if I miss collectable items?

No. The game is designed so that even missing collectibles, you can still complete it. While having these collectibles helps you be stronger, it’s never required to finish the game.

14. Does fast traveling eliminate the risk of getting softlocked?

Fast travel offers a convenient way to return to previously visited areas. As a result, this can help you backtrack to areas where items have been missed.

15. What is the difference between a “softlock” and a difficult section in the game?

A difficult section simply means that you need to improve your skills or strategy to overcome a challenge. A softlock is a situation where you can no longer proceed because of something unintended by design.

Final Thoughts

While the possibility of encountering a softlock in Metroid Dread exists, it is exceptionally rare. By saving frequently, avoiding excessive glitch exploitation, and being mindful of your resources, you can confidently explore Planet ZDR and unravel its mysteries without fear of becoming permanently trapped. Remember to learn from the game’s mechanics and challenges, and consider exploring the wealth of knowledge and research at the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Happy hunting, bounty hunter!

Can you get softlocked in Metroid Dread?