Kraid’s Return in Metroid Dread: Unraveling the Mystery
The appearance of Kraid in Metroid Dread was a shock to many fans. This hulking beast, seemingly defeated in Super Metroid, was back with a vengeance, albeit restrained and seemingly not entirely himself. The core reason for Kraid’s presence on planet ZDR is that he was captured and cloned by the Mawkin Chozo. This answer, however, is woven into the game’s lore, involving the events of past games and the machinations of the Chozo. Understanding why Kraid is in Metroid Dread requires us to look at a few crucial factors such as the presence of Mawkin Chozo warriors on Zebes, the potential collection of injured subjects by Raven Beak, and the implications of the clone collars seen in the game.
The Capture and Cloning of Kraid
The Mawkin Connection
The most significant clue to Kraid’s capture lies in the second Chozo Archives image, unlocked after acquiring all items in Cataris. This image depicts Mawkin warriors restraining Kraid in his boss arena. This suggests that Mawkin Chozo may have been present on Zebes around the time of the X parasite outbreak, or shortly before its destruction, when they captured the injured Kraid. This contradicts the idea that the Chozo were extinct, hinting that splinter groups may have survived in the shadows, perhaps for centuries. The Mawkin were likely tasked with retrieving valuable lifeforms for experimentation or military purposes, with Kraid fitting this criteria perfectly.
Evidence of Cloning
In Metroid Dread, clone collars are a clear indicator of cloned subjects. The fact that Kraid wears one of these collars makes the theory of him being a clone highly probable. Raven Beak and the Mawkin Chozo were known for their advanced technology and cloning capabilities. It’s plausible that the Mawkin seized Kraid, possibly in a wounded state, from Zebes, transported him to ZDR, and then subjected him to cloning to serve as a formidable weapon or a research subject.
Raven Beak’s Motives
Kraid’s capture and cloning are likely tied to Raven Beak’s own objectives. Raven Beak, obsessed with acquiring Metroid DNA to create a powerful army, likely saw Kraid as a valuable asset that could be cloned, enhanced, or used as a testing bed for other experiments. The presence of Kraid on ZDR might be another facet of Raven Beak’s plan to harness lifeforms and genetic material, aligning with his wider goal of strengthening his people and their empire. This isn’t so far removed from how he intended to use Samus’ Metroid heritage too.
Dissecting the Lore: The Resurrected Kraid
Kraid’s Past and Survival
Kraid was a formidable foe in previous Metroid games. Despite his defeat at the hands of Samus Aran in Super Metroid, his remarkable resilience and his connection to the Space Pirates, and later the Mawkin Chozo, allowed him to return in Metroid Dread. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Ridley, and that resilience is common amongst the Space Pirates and their leaders.
The State of Kraid in Dread
Kraid in Dread is notably different, as he is restrained. His capture and the cloned status imply a lack of his usual ferocity. This hints that his purpose in the game is not as a free-roaming antagonist but rather as a controlled test subject or a programmed obstacle. He has been, essentially, a tool or a weapon of his captors.
Metroid Dread FAQs: Kraid & Beyond
To further illuminate the details surrounding Kraid’s appearance and related topics, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
How Did Kraid Get to ZDR?
Kraid was likely captured by Mawkin warriors present on Zebes during, or shortly after, the X-Parasite outbreak. The Mawkin Chozo would transport Kraid to ZDR where he was cloned and used as a weapon.
Was Kraid Really Dead Before Metroid Dread?
Yes, Kraid was defeated in Super Metroid, seemingly killed. However, his return as a clone in Dread is consistent with the series’ recurring themes of cloning and resurrection. He did not survive on his own.
Why does Kraid have a Collar?
The collar on Kraid is a clone collar, used by the Mawkin on ZDR to control and identify their cloned specimens. This is an established motif seen throughout Metroid Dread.
Are all the Bosses Clones in Metroid Dread?
Not all bosses in Metroid Dread are clones, but the presence of clone collars indicates that some, like Kraid, are the result of cloning by the Mawkin Chozo.
How Did Kraid Survive Super Metroid?
He didn’t. The Kraid in Dread is a clone of the original, created by the Mawkin from a sample of the original Kraid captured on Zebes. His survival is tied to cloning and not regeneration.
Was Raven Beak Involved in Kraid’s Cloning?
While it’s not explicitly stated, Raven Beak’s control over the Mawkin and their research suggests his direct involvement in the decision to capture, clone and utilize Kraid.
Why Did Samus Fight Kraid if he was a Clone?
Samus fights Kraid as an obstacle placed in her path by Raven Beak or his forces. Regardless of his origin, Kraid is a threat and must be eliminated to progress.
Was Kraid Friends with Ridley?
In Metroid lore, specifically in the manga, Kraid is referred to as Ridley’s comrade. They’re allies, not friends, and Ridley is a leader within their ranks.
Is Ridley Still Alive in Metroid Dread?
No, Ridley was defeated definitively at the end of Super Metroid. He is not mentioned in Metroid Dread’s plot, and therefore is not a part of the game.
Why is Samus Afraid of Ridley?
Ridley is responsible for the death of Samus’s parents. This event is the source of her deep-seated trauma, and her fear, though she still fights back.
How Did the Metroid Species Go Extinct?
The Metroid species was eradicated after one of the last remaining Metroid sacrificed itself to save Samus. With no more Metroids to reproduce, the species went extinct.
Are the Chozo Extinct?
While most of the Chozo civilization is thought to be gone, the existence of the Mawkin, and their continued influence suggests that pockets of the species may still exist, or at least, their legacy lives on.
Why Does Samus Lose Her Powers at the Start of Metroid Dread?
Samus’s abilities are lost after an explosion on the Frigate Orpheon sends her crashing into a wall. This triggers a deactivation of the advanced functions of her suit, reverting her to the basic Power Suit.
What are the Objectives of the Mawkin?
The Mawkin are primarily interested in power and the continuation of their own species. They seek to control other forms of life through genetic manipulation and cloning.
What Happens to Samus after Metroid Dread?
At the end of Metroid Dread, Samus’s Metroid DNA is fully awakened, with Raven Beak stating his intention to use that power to create Metroid clones. Her journey will continue in other releases.
Kraid’s reappearance in Metroid Dread is a testament to the series’ rich lore and willingness to revisit and reimagine familiar antagonists. While his return might initially seem like a simple fan service nod, it’s deeply rooted in the complex narratives surrounding the Chozo, the Metroids, and the machinations of the series’ villains. His presence serves as a poignant reminder of the lingering threats Samus must face, and expands the mythology of Metroid in a meaningful way.