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"Grapple" redirects here. For other uses, see Grapple (Disambiguation).

The Grapple Beam (グラップリングビーム Gurappuringu Bīmu?), also known as the Grappling Beam in Super Metroid, is an electrical or magnetic beam weapon with tethering properties. It is used to latch onto certain surfaces, allowing Samus to swing from this point and reach areas that would be otherwise unreachable without the Screw Attack or Space Jump.

In the 3D games, the Grapple Beam can attach to special Grapple Points as well as Gliders (which spawned the sport of 'Glider riding'). In its first 2D appearance, the beam can attach to Ripper IIs and swing from them or allow the creatures to carry her across chasms. Upgrades to the beam allow it to perform other functions such as lassoing and feeding/drawing energy in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Somewhat notably, in the Prime games, the Grapple was no longer fired from the Arm Cannon like the Grappling Beam. Instead, a second firing piece, similar to a gauntlet, is used - likely either to make more use of Samus' free hand, and/or to free up the Arm Cannon for shooting in the sequels (Prime disabled the cannon while swinging).

In the main series[]

Grapple Beam

The Grapple Beam is used in Super Metroid.

Super Metroid[]

The Grappling Beam, in its first appearance, is found in Norfair shortly after defeating Crocomire. In a normal playthrough, this allows Samus to return to Crateria and cross the flooded cavern to reach the Wrecked Ship, as well as grappling across the "walking Chozo chamber" to reach the Gravity Suit.

It can kill most small creatures in a single hit when they come into contact with the beam, but does negligible damage when it comes to larger enemies. Creatures that fly out of Air Holes are the most appropriate to dispatch with the Grappling Beam, since the item has the added functionality of absorbing Energy CapsulesMissile Ammo, Super Missile Ammo, and Power Bomb Ammo dropped by them; this greatly eases the effort of refilling Samus' suit reserves. It can also be used to open Blue Doors.

While not very powerful, the Grappling Beam seems to be the weakness of certain enemies. For example, the resilient Sciser has to be shot multiple times with the standard beam, but it is instantly destroyed by the Grapple Beam, possibly because of its aquatic nature. Most notably, the Grappling Beam can be used to prematurely kill Draygon by grabbing one of the electrified surfaces while in the grip of the boss.

It is possible to complete Super Metroid without the Grappling Beam using wall jumping to reach higher areas and Shinespark to cross gaps. When Samus obtains the Space Jump item, the Grappling Beam becomes obsolete.

Metroid: Other M[]

Mom lavaboss

Metroid: Other M

The Grapple Beam returns in Metroid: Other M, now issuing from her Arm Cannon like in Super Metroid, and is typically used to grapple onto floating hooks. It is used against two bosses, the Vorash and the Queen Metroid, as grappling them is required to aim at the enemy's weak points.

This beam proves to be highly useful, since there are some areas where Samus cannot gain any possible altitude (the Space Jump can only move horizontally and is unable to traverse through higher areas, nor is there enough room to perform a Speed Booster and a Shinespark). Its application is much faster as well. Sometimes there is a noticeable delay when the button is pressed to detach from a Grapple Point.

It is authorized immediately when Samus enters a room and sees a Rhedogian threatening to drop Anthony Higgs into a pool of lava, allowing her to grapple up to their level and save him.

Metroid: Samus Returns[]

Samus Returns Grapple Beam

The Grapple Beam appears in Metroid: Samus Returns, a 2.5D remake of Metroid II: Return of Samus. This item did not exist in the original game. It has a Grapple Lasso-like ability of being able to pull and break Pull Blocks with red Grapple Points, often found obstructing tunnels. Samus can also use her Grapple Beam to pull herself onto wall and ceiling-stationed blue Grapple Points in order to avoid obstacles, in addition to swinging from certain Grapple Points as usual. At one point, Samus grapples a red point connected to the Diggernaut, which seems to restore power to the robot in a Grapple Voltage-like manner. This causes it to activate and destroy the rubble it was buried under, which was blocking Samus' path. Red Grapple Points appear on Zeta Metroids when they climb onto ceilings, allowing Samus to pull them down and deal damage. The Queen Metroid can also be grappled via her tongue when she is successfully Melee Countered, allowing Samus to enter her esophagus and lay Power Bombs.

Like in Super Metroid, it is fired from the Arm Cannon and can be used offensively to kill weak enemies, but does negligible damage when it comes to stronger enemies. It can also be used to open normal Doors like other beams. If Samus Free Aims her Arm Cannon at a Grapple Point it will automatically switch to the Grapple Beam, though returns back to the previously selected beam (Power Beam, Ice Beam, or Beam Burst) she had selected before aiming at the Grapple Point after she has let go of the Grapple Point which allows Samus to use Grapple Points without having to constantly manually switch between beams, though she can also manually select it as well, however it will remain selected after it is used on a Grapple Point. This automatic swapping is especially useful in battle.

Along with the Ice Beam, the Grapple Beam acts as a standalone beam option that is separate from the Power Beam (which the Wave, Spazer, and Plasma Beams stack on top of) and does not stack. Unlike the Ice Beam, it remains selectable beam option even when the Beam Burst is activated (which takes up the top two beam slots). As a result, Samus can switch between it even when the Beam Burst is activated.

Metroid Dread[]

Metroid Dread Grapple Beam swinging
Metroid Dread Grapple Beam pulling a Pull Block

Samus pulling a Grapple Beam Box

The Grapple Beam was confirmed as returning in Dread in Volume 5 of the Metroid Dread Report. It can once again destroy Grapple Beam Blocks, and is also capable of removing the shells of Shelmits and shield of the Elite Chozo Soldier. Additionally, the Grapple Beam is used for opening new Grapple Beam Doors and pulling Samus onto blue magnetic strips. Samus acquires it in an Artaria Item Room.

In the Prime series[]

Metroid Prime[]

Grapple beam Prime

The Grapple Beam is used in Prime.

The Grapple Beam's first 3D appearance was first seen in use by Samus in Metroid Prime, where it was primarily used to get across long distances via special Grapple Points dotted throughout the environment. The Grapple Beam is one of the abilities Samus can use on the Frigate Orpheon before losing all her upgrades due to an electrical surge whilst escaping the ship. However, unlike all the other upgrades Samus can use at this point, Samus did not obtain the Grapple Beam in Metroid. Where Samus first obtained the Grapple Beam is unknown, as she did not have it during her Zero Mission.

After losing her power ups, Samus manages to track all of her original items down on the planet Tallon IV, along with several new ones. It is not until Samus ventures deep into the Space Pirates' Phazon Mines for a second time that she is able to retrieve the final one of her original upgrades, the Grapple Beam from Storage Depot B. The Pirates seem to have discovered the item and placed it in the Depot, rather than it being a technology of their own - it is believed to be of Chozo origin, due to Samus' computer in Echoes referring to it as such when detecting its location.[1] The Grapple Beam is vital in reaching the Omega Pirate.

The appearance of the Grapple Beam is seen as a long attachment with a tall barrel running down the arm. The outer plating is laced with purple tubes and coils bearing a small resemblance to a Spider Ball Track, both the color and design could represent the Grapple Beam's electrical and/or magnetic properties. The outer workings are more noticeable during the item acquisition cutscene in Metroid Prime Remastered. When fired, the Grapple Beam's tether is fired as a swirling whip at a lock-on point.

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes[]

Grapple Beam Echoes

The Grapple Beam is used in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.

Samus was able to shoot while swinging on the Grapple Beam in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, a skill that was not possible in Prime. Like in the previous game, Samus loses her abilities at the beginning of her mission on planet Aether, due to an ambush by a race of creatures known as the Ing who steal and absorb her items. Whilst her mission progresses, Samus recovers the stolen upgrades and battles each of the Ing that has mutated to use them. The use of the Grapple Beam is made somewhat redundant by the acquisition of the Screw Attack later in the game, which allows Samus to jump five times in succession.

The Grapple Beam's thief fled to the Dark Torvus Bog and possessed a large Grenchler residing there. This creature was mutated by addition of the Ing possessor's Grapple Beam. The "Grapple Guardian" was then contained in a Sacrificial Chamber, where foes would be placed in to be devoured by the creature. When Samus arrived here, she was able to trick the creature into using its Grapple abilities on a magnetic surface, so she could attack while it struggled to break free. Samus defeats the Guardian and reclaims her Grapple Beam.

The Grapple Beam takes on a different appearances than its previous version. When Samus has the Dark Suit or the Varia Suit (via Sequence Breaking) and obtains the item, the Grapple Beam will be a silver side-arm like device attached to her left arm with two secure clamps or bases, one of which doesn't fully encircle the arm. When Samus obtains the Light Suit, a small coil runs along the back of her arm.

Multiplayer[]

The Grapple Beam is one of the usable items in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Multiplayer. It uses the default non-Light Suit design from single-player for all players and retains its single-player features. Curiusly, the attachment itself is never seen by other players, only on a player's screen when they are the one using it. If two players bump into each other while swinging, both players will cease Grappling.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption[]

Grapple Beam Corruption

The Grapple Swing is used in Corruption.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption features several variations of the Grapple Beam. Samus first obtains a Grapple device on Norion during the Space Pirate invasion. It is placed in an enclosed cache in Docking Hub Alpha. The Grapple Lasso allows Samus to attach to surfaces and rip them from their support. Instead of a forearm attachment, the Lasso is integrated into Samus' existing armor in the form of a glove, with other additions being integrated in the same way.

Replacing the conventional Beam seen in the previous games is the Grapple Swing, which functions in a virtually identical manner. This upgrade appears to be made by the Bryyonians, as it is found in a secluded grove in Bryyo Cliffside, Reliquary I. Despite the name change, some scans and text still use the term Grapple Beam. These instances may refer to the beam itself.

Additional items which upgrade the Grapple Lasso are:

Samus Aran's Gunship also gains a Ship Grapple power-up, that gives Samus the ability to transport various large objects with Ship Grapple Points by having her Gunship fly in and grapple them via the ship-mounted Grapple Beam.

Super Smash Bros.[]

Noncanon
"What's the matter? All I said was that Komaytos look like little Metr-"

Non-canon warning: This article or section contains information that may not be considered an official part of the Metroid series in the overall storyline by Nintendo.
Main article: Grab

Since Super Metroid, the Grapple Beam has appeared in every game of the Super Smash Bros. series as as Samus's Grab, and is also utilized in her Throws. In Super Smash Bros. Melee onward, Samus could use it to hang from ledges (or attack in the air). In all versions of Melee except for the PAL version, there is an exploit that allows Samus to fire an extended Grappling Beam. When Super Smash Bros. Brawl was released, it was made into a simpler-to-use Tether Recovery (as opposed to requiring a precise aim).

As an Echo Fighter of Samus, Dark Samus also uses the Grapple Beam. Zero Suit Samus's Plasma Whip functions as a similar Tether Grab.

Non-canon warning: Non-canonical information ends here.

Official data[]

Super Metroid manual[]

Super Metroid The Official Nintendo Game Guide - Norfair

Super Metroid: The Official Nintendo Game Guide

GRAPPLING BEAM
"Method of use: Fire Button
You can use this beam to grab onto special blocks, then swing into open areas.
You can shoot the Grappling Beam into metallic blocks with holes in the center."

Super Metroid acquisition message[]

"GRAPPLING BEAM
select [Grappling Beam Icon] press & hold the X button."

Super Metroid Nintendo Player's Guide[]

GRAPPLING BEAM
"This important Item enables Samus to get to many areas that she wouldn't be able to get to without it. It latches onto certain types of blocks and enemies."
GRAPPLING BEAM
"Located in Norfair. A very necessary Item to have, the Grappling Beam allows you to swing over expansive and dangerous areas. Can be used as a weapon on weaker enemies."
GRAPPLING TACTICS
"The Grappling Beam can be used to destroy small enemies. It will also latch on to and collect any Item been given up by a defeated enemy.
Just stay put and fire off the Grappling Beam to fry smaller enemies and collect the rewards!"

Super Metroid Players' Guide[]

Terminals (page 8)
"Shoot the beam into certain blocks and Samus can swing Tarzan-like to previously unreachable platforms. It can also be used to kill the weaker nasties. To swing first make sure you're in range of a block like this one."

Nintendo Power Volume 59[]

GRAPPLING BEAM
"This device fires an electric current which can grab on to special blocks, allowing Samus to swing across open areas and climb to new heights."

Super Metroid GamePro Strategy Guide[]

Grappling Beam
"Use the Grappling Beam to swing from the ceiling (or even from enemies)."

Official Metroid Prime website[]

"The Grapple Beam upgrade allows Samus Aran to traverse large gaps by swinging from one Grapple Point to the next. The Grapple Beam can latch onto Grapple Nodes and slow-moving creatures called Gliders."

Metroid Prime Inventory data[]

Grapple Beam scanpic - RemasteredGrapple Beam scanpic
RemasteredOriginal

Grapple Beam

Metroid Prime

Inventory entry

The Grapple Beam allows you to swing back and forth from special points in the environment.
Grapple Points appear in your Visor as a Grapple Point symbol icon.
Press and hold GC L trigger/Wii Z button to fire the Grapple Beam.
Hold GC L trigger/Wii Z button down to stay connected; let go to release.

Samus's Notes

The Grapple Beam can be used to cross large gaps.
Use the GC stick sideways/Wii stick sideways while grappling to swing in different directions.

[Remastered][Original]

Metroid Prime manual[]

THE GRAPPLE BEAM
"After she tracks down the Grapple Beam, Samus will be able to latch onto specific energy nodes with an energy beam from her left arm. The icon above a node will brighten when it is in range: simply press and hold the L Button to latch onto it with the Grapple Beam. Tilt the Control Stick to vary your swinging angle, then release the L Button at the top of Samus's swing to launch into the air."

Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide[]

Grapple Beam
"The Grapple Beam is used to swing on Grapple Points as if on a rope. This makes it possible for Samus to swing over huge gaps and toxic substances safely. Grapple Points come in several shapes and sizes, but most have an orange color. Scan objects near the ceiling when looking for a Grapple Point. There's even one creature (Gliders) to which you can attach the Grapple Beam.
Using the Grapple Beam can be tricky. When you see an object to which you can attach, move around until the target icon grows and turns white. This means the target is in range. If you're too close or too far, you won't be able to latch onto the object. In cases where you're trying to latch onto a moving object, you'll need to time your grapple very carefully. It takes a moment for the beam to extend, attach, and grow taught. In that time, the targeted object will continue to move. Therefore, you must attach to the target before it moves into the proper position."

Metroid Prime: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide[]

GRAPPLE BEAM
"Samus's Grapple Beam allows her to swing from predetermined positions (known as Grapple Points) and cross large gaps instantly. By pressing, holding and releasing the L Button, Samus can swing from Grapple Point to Grapple Point, traversing even the longest landscape in a hurry."

Metroid Prime Official Strategy Guide[]

GRAPPLE BEAM
"The Grapple Beam allows Samus to swing back and forth from special points in the environment. Grapple Points appear in the Visor as a special icon. Press and hold the L Button to grab onto a Grapple Point with a Beam. Use the Grapple Beam to cross large gaps, and use the Control Stick to change the direction of the swing while hanging from a Grapple Point."

Metroid Prime Official Perfect Guide[]

GRAPPLE BEAM
"Once you find this extraordinary item, you can put it to use by holding down the L Button to clamp onto a Grapple Point (a term we'll use to describe any item which reveals a Grapple Beam icon hovering in the air in front of it), then swing across to your destination, letting go of the L Button when you're at your closest to the intended landing spot. The slowly floating enemies known as Gliders can also be used as grappling hooks, as their underbellies reveal Grapple Beam icons. Although you'll have the Grapple Beam in the Space Pirate Vessel at the beginning of the game, you won't be able to re-acquire its power until the portion of the game described in Chapter 4 of the Walkthrough."

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes manual[]

GRAPPLE BEAM
"This lets Samus latch onto specific energy nodes. The icon above a node will brighten when it is in range; simply press and hold the L Button to latch onto it with the Grapple Beam. You can still shoot while grappling."

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide[]

Grapple Beam
"The Grapple Beam attaches to Samus's left arm, and allows her to swing over chasms and pull herself up from the ground. The beam can attach only to certain devices, called grapple points, which look like small hooks and hang from the ceiling. To grapple, leap toward a grapple point and wait for the icon around it to turn from yellow to white. Then press and hold the L Button.
You will continue swinging from the grapple point as long as you hold the L Button. To change the direction of your swing, press the Control Stick. When you're ready to dismount, simply release the L Button. If you let go while on the upswing, you'll leap forward--a handy trick for reaching raised platforms or another grapple point."

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Premiere Edition[]

Grapple Swing
Location: Bryyo, Cliffside
Room: Reliquary I
"The Grapple Swing allows you to swing back and forth from special points throughout the environment. Target a Grapple Swing Point and press and hold [Z] to fire the Grapple Beam. Hold [Z] down to stay connected and let go to release. Use the control stick to turn while swinging. The Grapple Swing can be used to cross large gaps. Look for special points that shimmer (yellow) to swing from.
CAUTION: Before using the Grapple Swing, eliminate any flying enemies that may get in your way. If you're hit while swinging, you'll fall."

Metroid Prime onscreen tutorial[]

"To Grapple, use GC L trigger when
the Grapple Point symbol icon appears."

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes hint system[]

"Missing gear detected.
Chozo origin confirmed.
Recover missing gear."

Metroid Prime acquisition message[]

"Grapple Beam acquired!
Press and hold [L]/[Z] to lock onto a Grapple Point and activate the Grapple Beam. Release [L]/[Z] to stop grappling.
Additional data downloaded to Inventory Screen. Press [START]/[2] to access the Inventory Screen."

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes acquisition message[]

"Grapple Beam acquired!
Press and hold [L]/[Z] to fire the Grapple Beam. Release [L]/[Z] to stop grappling.
Additional data downloaded to Inventory Screen. Press [START]/[2] to access the Inventory Screen."

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Inventory data[]

GrappleSwingScan
GrappleSwingScan

Grapple Swing

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

Inventory entry

The Grapple Swing allows you to swing back and forth from special points throughout the environment.
Target a Grapple Point Grapple Point symbol and press and hold Wii Z button to fire the Grapple Beam. Hold Wii Z button down to stay connected and let go to release. Use Wii stick sideways to turn while swinging.

Notes

The Grapple Swing can be used to cross large gaps.
Look for special points that shimmer to swing from.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption acquisition message[]

"Armorsuit upgrade acquired. Grapple Swing online.
Lock on to Grapple Points [Grapple Icon] with [Z] to swing across.
Additional data downloaded to Inventory Screen."

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption manual[]

GRAPPLING
"EARLY ON IN THE GAME, SAMUS WILL ACQUIRE THE GRAPPLE LASSO. ONCE SHE GETS THIS ITEM, SHE CAN GRAPPLE CERTAIN ITEMS LIKE DOOR PLATES AND ENEMY SHIELDS. ITEMS THAT CAN BE GRAPPLED WILL SHIMMER OR APPEAR WITH A GRAPPLE ICON (LIKE THE ONE SHOWN TO THE RIGHT). LOCK ONTO SUCH OBJECTS WITH [Z], THEN CAST THE HAND HOLDING THE NUNCHUK FORWARD AS IF YOU WERE WHIPPING SOMETHING. THE GRAPPLE LASSO WILL DEPLOY--ONCE IT TURNS YELLOW, PULL YOU NUNCHUK HAND BACK TO RIP THE IMPEDIMENT BACKWARD. LATER ON, YOU WILL UPGRADE TO THE GRAPPLE BEAM TO ADD GRAPPLE SWING FUNCTIONALITY AND BE ABLE TO LOCK ON TO GRAPPLE NODES WITH [Z]. THIS WILL ALLOW YOU TO HANG FROM NODES AND SWING ACROSS GAPS."

Metroid Prime Trilogy manual[]

Metroid Prime[]

Grapple Beam
"When you use the Grapple Beam, you will be able to latch onto a Grapple Point, gain momentum and fly through the air. Press and hold the Z Button to automatically launch the beam and swing from a Grapple Point. Release the Z Button to let go of the Grapple Point. Time this well so you can fly as far as possible through the air."

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes[]

Grapple Beam
"When you use the Grapple Beam, you will be able to latch onto a Grapple Point, gain momentum and fly through the air. Press and hold the Z Button to automatically launch the beam and swing from a Grapple Point. Release the Z Button to let go of the Grapple Point. Time this well so you can fly as far as possible through the air. You can also fire beams with the A Button while hanging from a Grapple Point."

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption[]

Grapple Beam
"As you proceed through the game you will acquire various abilities that will upgrade your Grapple Beam and allow you to perform new actions."
Grapple Swing
"Once you have the Grapple Swing ability, you will be able to swing from certain types of Grapple Point. Press and hold the Z Button to automatically launch the beam and swing from a Grapple Point. Release the Z Button to let go of the Grapple Point. Time this well so you can fly as far as possible through the air. You can also fire beams with the A Button while hanging from a Grapple Point."

Metroid Prime Trilogy: Prima Official Game Guide[]

Grapple Beam
"The Grapple Beam allows Samus to swing back and forth from special Grapple Points in the environment. Target a Grapple Point (these are always hallmarked by the HUD), then press and hold [Z] to fire the Grapple Beam. Hold [Z] to stay connected and let go to release. Use the control stick to turn while swinging if need be. The Grapple Beam is commonly used to cross large gaps."

Metroid.com[]

"Grapple Points scattered throughout each sector can lead to hidden passages and useful items. This beam lets Samus latch on to those points and reach elevated locations."

Metroid: Other M manual[]

Grapple Beam
"Press the A Button when locked on to a Grapple Point to hook on to it with a rope-like beam. Samus can then swing around while hanging with the beam. Press A to release the beam. If you release the beam at just the right time, Samus will fly forward."

Metroid: Other M Samus Screen data[]

"Effect: Attaches a ropelike beam to a Grapple Point.
Controls: Lock on a special target and press [A]."

Metroid: Other M on-screen tutorials[]

"GRAPPLE BEAM
Lock on to a Grapple Point and press [A]."

"GRAPPLE BEAM
Press [A] or [2] with good timing."

Metroid: Other M Premiere Edition[]

Grapple Beam
"Unlike the other beam enhancement, the Grapple Beam is not a weapon. It creates a rope-like beam that grapples onto anchors floating high above the ground. Latch on to these anchors and swing onto hard-to-reach places. On occasion, you will have to use the Grapple Beam in boss battles either to wrangle an enemy or to pull yourself into a giant foe's belly."

Nintendo of America tweet[]

"Samus’ Grapple Beam lets her swing from certain objects, giving her access to new areas. It should be a big help in exploring Planet SR388."[2]

Metroid: Samus Returns Samus Screen data[]

"The Grapple Beam latches onto blue or red grapple points. Tap its icon on the touch screen to equip and hold [Y] to fire. Holding [Y] while fixed to a grapple point will maintain the connection, allowing you to perform various actions. Fire at a grapple point in Free Aim mode to auto-activate this beam."

Metroid: Samus Returns Official Guide[]

THE ARMORY - BEAMS (p. 11)
GRAPPLE BEAM
"This weapon isn't much of a weapon at all, but it does make for a clever utility device. It can hook onto certain Blocks to move or destroy them, and Samus can also anchor onto specific ceiling Blocks to swing to previously unreachable places. Add to that its efficiency in pulling wall- and ceiling-dwelling enemies from their perches, and Samus has got herself a top-tier tool to find and defeat every Metroid on this planet."
WALKTHROUGH - AREA 3 (p. 90)
GRAPPLE BEAM: WHAT IS IT?
"The Grapple Beam is more utility than weapon, though it can definitely be used as a weapon. It allows you to grab on to the red-light-adorned Pull Blocks and pull, or destroy, them. The Grapple Beam works at its full potential, however, when used on the blue-light Blocks, known as grapple points, usually found in room ceilings. Hooking onto a blue-light Block causes you to swing back and forth while grappled. Use Left and Right on the Circle Pad to increase swing speed, and use Up and Down to raise and lower yourself from the ceiling. You can also grapple onto grapple points horizontally, should the oppurtunity present itself. This causes you to be pulled quickly toward the grapple point, usually between lines of spikes and other hazards.
Equip the Grapple Beam by tapping the icon on the bottom-right corner of the touchscreen. The Grapple Beam is used automatically if you target a grapple point or Pull Block while using Free Aim. The target laser turns blue when you're targeting a grapple point, even if it's off-screen. This is a sign that the Grapple Beam will be used if you fire your weapon."

Metroid Dread Report Volume 6[]

"A rope-like beam that can connect to specific points. This lets Samus swing across gaps or manipulate parts of her environment, such as pulling on an obstacle. She can also fire it at blue magnetic surfaces, pull herself to the point of contact, and latch on."

Metroid.nintendo.com[]

"Attach to and swing from Grapple Points and open Grapple Doors, as well as manipulate parts of the environment. Can also damage some enemies."

Metroid Dread Samus Screen Data[]

GRAPPLE BEAM
Dread GrappleBeam Demo Fires a ropelike beam that can latch on to blue Grapple Points.

Hold Switch Dread ZR button and press Switch Dread Y button to fire. After latching on, tilt Switch Dread left stick in the opposite direction to pull objects such as Grapple Beam Doors, Grapple Beam Blocks, and Grapple Beam Boxes.

When latched on to a Grapple Swing Point, Samus can swing back and forth. If Samus fires at a magnetic surface, she will be pulled quickly toward it.

Glitch[]

In Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, there is a glitch involving the Grapple Beam. To perform the glitch, Samus must go to the Vault Attack Portal in the Ing Hive. The portal behind Samus must be active, and then Samus can grapple onto one of the points, but before leaving the ground, quickly move back into the portal. When Samus emerges in the Vault, she will be holding up her left arm with the blue aura and sound that usually accompanies the Grapple Beam, even though it is not grappling onto anything. When Screw Attacking and in Morph Ball the aura will still be there. Sometimes the arm might disappear, but the Grapple Beam sound still plays. This glitch can be fixed by using the Grapple Beam again on a valid target.

This glitch can also be performed on the multiplayer stage Shooting Gallery. Samus must destroy the grating covering the dark water and fall in it. Just as she is about to die she must grapple onto the point above her. When she respawns, she will be holding her arm up again.

Development notes[]

An early version of Metroid Fusion had the Grappling Beam as a second Arm Cannon, with the normal cannon moved to the left hand. The Grappling Beam's cannon had claws at the end of the barrel and the beam homed onto the enemy. [3]

Derek Bonikowski researched, animated and tested the Grapple Beam in the Prime series.

The PAL and NTSC versions of Metroid Prime on GameCube feature different Grapple Beam acquisition cutscenes. The animation for picking up a Chozo Artifact was used in the NTSC version, whilst PAL and later both Wii and Remastered versions use an exclusive animation.[4]

In Pre-Release shots of Echoes, the model of the Grapple Beam from Prime was reused, most likely as a placeholder (see Gallery below).

In early footage of Corruption, Samus is seen riding a Zipline Cable using the original Grapple Beam attachment, rather than the swing augment on her hand in the final version of the game.[5]

Trivia[]

  • While it appears in most 3D Metroid games, Super Metroid, Samus Returns, and Metroid Dread are the only 2D Metroid games in which the Grappling Beam is used. These are also the only three games in which the standard Grappling Beam can be used offensively.
  • In the Super Smash Bros. series, the Arm Cannon's Grapple Beam is used as in Super Metroid. This was not changed even in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, despite the Metroid Prime series moving the Grapple to the other arm. This is likely due to the fact that Super Smash Bros. primarily models Samus after the main Metroid series instead of the Prime subseries.
  • Metroid Prime uses a green variant of the Grappling Beam called the Snare Beam, which possesses a vacuum-like effect.
  • For some reason, the Grapple Beam attachment on Samus' arm is almost never seen in the cutscenes of Metroid Prime or during the first loading sequence Metroid Prime Trilogy; the only instance it does appear is actually in the scene where she acquires the upgrade. However, it is visible on her arm in the game's Samus Screen.
  • Despite the Grapple Beam being said to be one of the items stolen by the Ing at the beginning of Echoes, Samus technically never had the item, as shown if the item loss scene is skipped using a sequence break. The same is true for Power Bombs as well.
  • In Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, this upgrade is one of three that the Luminoth Sub-sentinels never mention or give hints to in-game, the others being the Screw Attack and the Boost Ball.
  • Also in Echoes, even if the Grapple Beam itself was skipped via Sequence Breaking, the Light Suit will still visually retain its tube-like appendage on the left arm.
    • Obtaining the Grapple Beam while having the Light Suit (via Sequence Breaking) will curiously not display the non-Light Suit silver attachment on Samus's left arm during the acquisition cutscene (unlike most other upgrades obtained using an unintended suit).
  • Although Samus's Grapple Beam energy is blue in all other games, it is yellow in Metroid: Other M.
    • The first time Samus's Grapple Beam uses a different color besides blue is first introduced in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. The Grapple Lasso will turn yellow if Samus grabs and pulls an enemy or object. The Grapple Voltage is purple, but turns red when Samus powers terminals or overloads enemies, while it turns blue when drawing power from terminals or enemies. The blue color when firing or idle is retained when using the Hyper Grapple. Curiously in the PAL/Trilogy/Remastered versions of Prime, the item acquisition shows the Grapple Beam producing red and yellow flashes of energy.
  • In Other M, Samus cannot move around while swinging unlike in the Prime series. Instead, she swings back and forth in a fixed position, like in Super Metroid. She also cannot stop swinging and simply hang off the Grapple Point, except in one instance in the Biosphere where one lifts her up to a small crate holding a Missile Tank.
  • According to the Glider's Logbook entry, Grapple Beam is a common technology, known to be used for Glider riding sport. However, only Samus is ever seen using it during gameplay.
  • In Super Metroid, using the Grappling Beam on the electricity released by malfunctioning machinery on the Wrecked Ship will damage Samus, foreshadowing the beam’s ability to kill Draygon by channeling electricity later in the game.
  • Ironically, the Grapple Beam's shape in Prime bears a tiny resemblance to Draygon. It is unknown if this reference was intentional.

Gallery[]

Super Metroid[]

Metroid Prime[]

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes[]

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption[]

Metroid: Other M[]

Metroid: Samus Returns[]

Metroid Dread[]

Other games[]

References[]



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