Metroid Database Bestiary

The gargantuan-sized Kraid returns after being defeated by Samus during her first or “Zero” mission to Zebes. After destroying the Space Pirate's original base of operation, Mother Brain seemingly chose to double her key reinforcements, as Kraid is now one of four bosses required to gain access to Tourian. Kraid prefers to lie in wait beneath the surface, and when fully elevated, will launch a barrage of claws and large pronged-spikes from its body.

The only way to damage Kraid is by shooting Missiles, Super Missiles, or Charge Beams into his mouth. You must shoot his eyes first to make him roar, which reveals this weak point. Kraid won't immediately reveal his full form unless he receives enough damage. When he does rise fully out of the ground, use the platforms to reach his head and continue to attack him while evading the large spikes and spinning claws that fly around the room.

Kraid's design in Super Metroid is completely overhauled from his original appearance, and is later preserved in Zero Mission. His new design in Super Metroid can be credited to Toru Osawa (the creative force behind Kid Icarus), who served as a key graphic artist on the R&D1 team, and was responsible for Kraid as well as several other creatures.

Kraid was also planned to appear in the first Metroid Prime, but was removed due to development time constraints.