Metroid Database Bestiary

A huge, hulking beast that can shoot a limitless supply of spikes from its belly. Kraid’s hideout is located in a subdomain of Brinstar. As one of the two minibosses of Zebes, his defeat is required before the bridge to Tourian can be opened. Kraid’s hairy back can also release razor-sharp, boomerang-shaped frills that fly high into the air. Kraid is not too intelligent, living mostly on instinct, and became another easily manipulated creature under Mother Brain’s mind control.

Like Ridley, Kraid can be fought a number of ways. The easiest, however, is to get near him, use the Morph Ball and continuously lay bombs. You can also get right next to him and blast away with rapid-fire missiles. In either case, he should be done in no time. Kraid gives you an upgrade of 75 missiles upon his defeat. There is also a hidden Energy Tank on the right wall of Kraid’s room. If you need to, use this tank to replenish all your energy during battle.

Kraid received a massive redesign upon the release of Super Metroid, relieving him of his hairy back, making him less mammalian and more reptilian. Since Zero Mission retcons Metroid, this look is his “official” design.