How to Unlock All Ending Artwork in Metroid Dread: A Complete Guide
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Unlocking all the artwork rewards in Metroid Dread is a compelling goal for any fan of the series. Unlike a traditional ‘secret’ ending, Metroid Dread offers a series of unlockable art pieces that serve as a delightful callback to the entire Metroid saga. These are earned by completing the game under specific conditions. Here’s the breakdown of how to unlock all the artwork, along with a wealth of related information.
To obtain all the unlockable artwork in Metroid Dread, you must complete the game multiple times, each with varying time constraints. The game doesn’t gate you from going back to achieve 100% completion even after finishing the game. However, to unlock the artwork, the conditions must be met during the specific playthrough that you wish to unlock the art pieces for. Here’s a detailed guide:
- Metroid (NES) Artwork: Beat the game within 8 hours.
- Metroid II: Return of Samus (Game Boy) Artwork: Beat the game within 4 hours.
- Super Metroid (SNES) Artwork: Beat the game within 3 hours.
- Metroid Fusion (GBA) Artwork: Beat the game within 2 hours.
- Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA) Artwork: Beat the game with a 100% item completion rate.
- Metroid: Samus Returns (3DS) Artwork: Beat the game in under 4 hours and with a 100% item completion rate.
Each time you satisfy one or more of the above requirements, the corresponding piece of artwork will be unlocked. There is no single way to get all the art at once; you will have to repeat the game multiple times to achieve this.
Understanding the Reward System
Unlike some games that offer secret endings with significant narrative changes, Metroid Dread takes a different approach. Its reward system focuses on artwork that pays homage to each mainline game in the series. This is a great way for longtime fans to enjoy the series and an appealing challenge for speedrunners. The artwork pieces are unlocked in the order of the Metroid series, from the original Metroid to the last prior release of Metroid: Samus Returns.
No Secret Ending
It’s crucial to understand that Metroid Dread does not have a secret ending in the traditional sense, such as an extended cutscene or a plot twist. There is only the main ending cutscene. The unique aspect of Metroid Dread’s post-game is the artwork rewards which provide a sense of accomplishment and a visual tribute to the series’ legacy.
100% Completion vs. Speed Runs
Achieving 100% item collection is different from getting the fastest completion time. Many experienced players do both at once, though, it might be easier to do it across multiple playthroughs.
- 100% Completion: This means exploring every nook and cranny of the game world and finding all the Energy Tanks, Missile Tanks, Power Bomb Tanks, and other upgrades.
- Speed Runs: This focuses on finishing the game as fast as possible, often by exploiting shortcuts, optimized routes, and combat strategies.
The artwork system in Metroid Dread rewards both types of achievements, requiring both dedication to exploration and mastery of the game’s mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it possible to miss any items in Metroid Dread?
No, you cannot permanently miss any items in Metroid Dread. Even after defeating the final boss, you can freely roam the map to achieve 100% completion. All areas are accessible, and all items can be obtained regardless of your progress in the game.
How long does it take to 100% complete Metroid Dread?
For a player solely focused on the main objectives, Metroid Dread will take about 9 hours. If you’re striving to find all items for a 100% completion run, you can expect to spend around 13.5 hours. This timeframe can vary based on player skill and experience.
Is Metroid Dread difficult?
Metroid Dread is known for its challenging gameplay, especially due to the E.M.M.I. encounters. However, a Rookie Mode was added to the game to assist players who are finding the game too difficult. The game is still considered one of the hardest in the Metroid series, though the difficulty is a point of enjoyment for many players.
Was Metroid Dread a commercial success?
Metroid Dread was a tremendous success, becoming the fastest-selling Metroid game in Japan, the UK, and the US. It has sold over three million copies, solidifying its status as the best-selling game in the franchise.
What is Samus’s suit at the end of Metroid Dread?
At the end of Metroid Dread, Samus is sporting the Metroid Suit. This suit isn’t a traditional power-up but rather a transformation caused by the DNA transplant she received. Her DNA was altered, turning her into a human Metroid.
Who is the “secret boss” in Metroid Dread?
While not a secret in terms of being hidden, Kraid is considered the “secret boss” for many players in Metroid Dread. He is an iconic adversary in the series and, in this game, his defeat can be achieved early by obtaining Morph Ball bombs. This allows for a unique method of defeating him which is an Easter Egg for long time fans.
Why is Metroid Dread called Metroid 5?
Metroid Dread is considered Metroid 5 because it is the fifth and final chapter in a story arc that began with the original Metroid in 1986. It concludes the saga that has spanned multiple entries over the years.
How did Samus lose her suit at any point in the series?
Samus lost her Phazon Suit due to overload caused by exposure to pure phazon. This event occurred at the end of one of the Metroid Prime comic series.
Why is Samus’s suit blue at any point in the series?
Samus’ suit was blue in Metroid Fusion because she was infected by an X parasite. To save her life, she was injected with a vaccine using Metroid cells, resulting in a change of suit color and loss of some abilities.
How tall is Samus?
Samus is 190 cm (6 ft 3 in) and 90 kilograms (200 lb) while wearing her Power Suit. Without her suit, she is described to be 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) tall and weighs 198 pounds (90 kg).
Why is it called Metroid Dread?
The term Dread refers to the fear Samus experiences throughout the game, being pursued by deadly E.M.M.I. robots. While not in the horror genre, the game emphasizes a sense of panic and intense pressure on Samus during these encounters.
Why did Metroid Dread take 15 years to develop?
Metroid Dread was conceptualized many years prior to its release, however, the technical limitations of past hardware prevented the team from executing its vision. The technology needed to create the game finally became available, allowing the team to bring their desired concept to fruition.
Is Metroid Dread appropriate for younger gamers?
Metroid Dread is rated T for Teen due to action, combat, and somewhat scary robot enemies that pursue the player. There are visuals that depict stabbing actions but there is no blood. Mature 7-year-olds might be okay to play, but it depends on the kid. For the most part, 12-year-olds would likely have no issue with the game’s content.
Which Metroid game is the easiest?
Among the Metroid games, Metroid Prime Hunters is often considered the easiest game in the series, while Metroid Dread is considered one of the hardest. Other easier Metroid games may be considered Metroid Zero Mission, and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.
Is Metroid Dread fun to replay?
Yes, Metroid Dread has a high replayability value. Many players find it very satisfying to improve their skills and complete the game faster in subsequent playthroughs. With multiple goals to achieve, including speedruns and 100% completions, the game offers considerable replayability.
By understanding how the unlock system works in Metroid Dread, you can fully experience the game and the art that it offers. Enjoy exploring the depths of the game while unlocking each new piece of artwork.