Metroid Database Bestiary

Ever since they established their Metroid research base on Zebes, Mother Brain became the operational leader of the Space Pirates, with Ridley maintaining his authoritative standing as the battle commander of the Zebesian forces. Years prior, Ridley and his band of pirates had struck out at numerous Galactic Federation targets, and was responsible for the savage raid on the K-2L colony and the death of Samus’s parents. Overrunning the home of the Chozo guardians that adopted her is just another indicator of the deep historical conflict between Ridley and Samus, and the confrontation in Zero Mission would certainly not be the last.

Ridley has several attacks, including the ability to spew small and large fireballs, carry his prey into the air, and slash opponents with his sharp tail. With the exception of his tail and back, his whole body is vulnerable, and should be rapidly shot at with missiles. This can be done when he's flying in the air or if he grabs Samus. (Charge Beam shots can also inflict damage but their usage isn't practical.)

Ridley will begin the battle by quickly spewing small fireballs, which can be easily shot away with beams, although you can jump and immediately start attacking him with missiles as well. It's a good strategy to pummel Ridley as early as possible with all of your Super Missiles, as it will be easier to hit him than when he starts flying around more erratically. Try to avoid his swooping tail attacks by rolling into Morph Ball, and position yourself so that you're not trailing behind his back. When he flies higher, continue firing missiles up at his body by running directly underneath him or shooting him diagonally from the side.

Ridley returned to Zebes aboard the Mother Ship after likely receiving a transmission from Mother Brain, who had detected Samus through an elevator camera system. Along with his Mecha Ridley creation, it illustrates Ridley's high-level of intelligence and ability to utilize machinery, as opposed to other bosses in the Metroid universe.