Metroid Database Bestiary

Desgeegas are a more evolved form of Sidehoppers, and are faster and much more aggressive than their Brinstar counterparts. Their powerful legs are covered from top to bottom with razor-sharp spikes, and they’ll try to stomp on top of their targets or laterally spring into them with devastating effect. While smaller Desgeegas aren't nearly as fearsome, they can still attack with notable momentum and are relatively well-protected.

Since they can travel across the room very quickly, it’s usually best to shoot Desgeegaas (especially the large variety) from a distance. Small Desgeegas can be killed relatively quickly with Spazer beam weaponry or higher, but a Charge Spin Attack with any beam will kill them in one hit. For the large Desgeegas, it’s best to maintain some distance unless the Screw Attack is available. If it isn’t available, powerful beam weaponry can work well too, such as a fully-charged Ice-Wave-Plasma combo which will kill them with one hit.

As illustrated in Other M’s concept artwork, Baristutes are the most powerful subspecies of Sidehopper following the Desgeega. The Baristutes were first introduced in Zero Mission and were shown to inhabit Norfair, while the Desgeegas were relegated to the Brinstar and Ridley regions.