In Metroid Dread, the exploration-heavy gameplay invites players to unlock new tools that gradually reveal hidden paths and previously unreachable areas. One of the most impactful upgrades in Samus Aran’s arsenal is the Grapple Beam. This powerful ability adds a new layer to both navigation and puzzle-solving, allowing players to manipulate the environment in meaningful ways. Understanding how to find, use, and master the Grapple Beam is essential for any player aiming for full completion and smooth progression through the labyrinthine planet of ZDR.
What Is the Grapple Beam?
An Essential Traversal Tool
The Grapple Beam is a versatile upgrade in Metroid Dread that attaches to Samus’s Arm Cannon. Once acquired, it enables her to latch onto specific magnetic surfaces and objects, letting her swing across gaps, pull open doors, and interact with grapple points scattered throughout the map. The Grapple Beam is often used in combination with other abilities such as the Morph Ball, Flash Shift, or Spider Magnet for advanced traversal sequences.
Core Functions of the Grapple Beam
- Pulling grapple boxes to open new paths
- Swinging across grapple points
- Removing grapple blocks to reveal hidden areas
- Activating magnetic doors or switches
Because of its utility in accessing hard-to-reach zones, the Grapple Beam is a key to exploring the game’s intricate map more efficiently and uncovering valuable upgrades like Energy Tanks, Missile Expansions, and Power Bombs.
Where to Find the Grapple Beam
Unlock Location
The Grapple Beam is obtained in the Artaria region, one of the earlier areas in the game. However, you will first need to progress through the game until after you defeat the central unit in Dairon and obtain the Morph Ball Bomb. From there, head to the lower left area of Artaria where you’ll encounter a series of obstacles requiring your newest upgrades. Eventually, you’ll come across a Chozo Statue that grants the Grapple Beam.
Acquiring the Grapple Beam opens up a number of shortcuts and previously inaccessible paths across multiple biomes, including Cataris, Burenia, and Ferenia. It’s one of the upgrades that significantly expands your exploration options.
How to Use the Grapple Beam
Controls and Targeting
To activate the Grapple Beam, hold the L button to aim and press Y to fire the beam toward a valid target. Targets must be highlighted in blue to indicate that they can be grappled. These include:
- Blue grapple points hanging over gaps
- Blue magnetic doors
- Grapple blocks and grapple boxes
- Magnet walls (in combination with Spider Magnet)
It’s important to line up your aim precisely. A mistimed grapple can cause Samus to fall, which might require you to redo a platforming sequence or avoid hazards again. The mechanic rewards precise timing and situational awareness.
Combining with Other Abilities
Many platforming sections in Metroid Dread are designed to test your reflexes and your ability to chain different upgrades. You might have to:
- Use Flash Shift to dash toward a ledge
- Latch onto a grapple point in mid-air
- Quickly drop into Morph Ball mode to squeeze into a narrow tunnel
Mastering the Grapple Beam isn’t just about reaching new places it’s about executing fluid movement through complex environments. The better you get at combining abilities, the smoother your progress will be.
Common Grapple Beam Uses
Exploring Hidden Paths
Many sections in the game contain destructible blocks and hidden corridors that are accessible only with the Grapple Beam. Look out for walls or ceilings with faint cracks or unusual patterns. If a grapple box is nearby, try pulling it you might reveal a shortcut or hidden room containing valuable upgrades.
Solving Environmental Puzzles
Environmental puzzles in Metroid Dread often require you to manipulate boxes or activate switches in a specific order. The Grapple Beam is frequently used to reset or reposition elements. For instance, pulling a grapple box may block off one path while opening another, forcing you to think about the consequences of each action.
Grappling in Combat
Although not a primary weapon, the Grapple Beam has situational utility in combat. It can be used to remove enemy shields or activate magnetic switches during boss fights or escape sequences. While not as flashy as Samus’s missiles or beam attacks, it still plays a subtle role in high-stakes encounters.
Tips for Mastering the Grapple Beam
Look for Visual Clues
Grapple points are always marked with blue coloring. In the heat of exploration, it’s easy to overlook these indicators. Always scan the environment when entering a new room, especially near high ledges or suspicious dead ends.
Don’t Forget About Older Areas
After unlocking the Grapple Beam, return to earlier zones such as Artaria and Cataris. Many areas have grapple boxes or inaccessible sections that are now reachable. Backtracking often leads to Energy Parts or valuable upgrades that boost your survivability in tougher regions.
Practice Timing
Some platforming segments demand fast reflexes. Practicing your aim and timing will help you complete sequences more efficiently. In time-sensitive situations, like collapsing platforms or rising lava, the Grapple Beam can be the difference between escape and death.
Use in Combination with Map Exploration
Mark grapple-related icons on your map as you discover them. If you encounter a grapple block before obtaining the ability, make a mental or physical note to revisit that spot later. This practice will help you maintain momentum during exploration and avoid unnecessary backtracking.
The Grapple Beam and Completionists
100% Map Completion
If you’re aiming for full completion, the Grapple Beam is crucial. Many collectibles are locked behind grapple points or require a chain of movement abilities where the beam plays a role. Learning how to use it effectively ensures you won’t miss out on key upgrades hidden in remote corners of the map.
Speedrunning Utility
In the speedrunning community, the Grapple Beam is a tool that can significantly alter route planning. Skilled players use it to bypass longer paths or trigger sequence breaks, getting to late-game areas earlier than intended. While not essential for casual players, the mechanic rewards mastery with shortcuts and creative solutions.
The Grapple Beam is one of the most impactful upgrades in Metroid Dread, offering players new ways to traverse, explore, and interact with the world. It enhances platforming, puzzle-solving, and even contributes in combat when used creatively. For those seeking to uncover every hidden item and master every movement mechanic, the Grapple Beam stands as a cornerstone ability. Once unlocked, it’s not just a tool it’s a symbol that Samus is ready to take on ZDR with even greater agility and precision.