Protector of the Worm
Returning all the Artifacts to the Artifact Temple, you begin your journey into the Impact Crater. However, the great shadow, Meta Ridley is ever watchful, ready to protect the evil Worm, as the Chozo called it, which lies buried beneath. You must fight Meta Ridley, and it is a battle that should not be taken lightly.
Boss: Meta Ridley
Meta Ridley begins his routine by firing at you from the air. Lock on to him, charge up your Power Beam, and prepare to fire a Super Missile when he exposes his chest. This process should be relatively easy, as he positions himself directly over the edge of the Artifact Temple.
His second maneuver is flying far off into the distance and then dropping multiple bombs as he performs a fly-by. You really cannot harm him during this attack, so just try to sidestep out of the way and keep locked on him when possible so you know when and where he is coming from. Eventually, he will return to the edge in front of the temple where you can resume firing Super Missiles at him. He may temporarily land and take a swipe at you, but just back away and continue charging. In the process, he will actually reveal a few energy capsules and even some missile ammunition. Just repeat hitting him with Super Missiles and sooner or later he will have to land in the temple's center.
When the dragon-faced beast finally does ground himself, watch out; viciously he will charge at you and whip his sharp tail in circles in an effort to smack you with. The key is to stay locked on to him and sidestep right as he is charging toward you. If you can repeatedly position yourself behind him after he charges it will give you a moment to gather your thoughts because he has to spin around and search for you — just watch out for that tail and if you get cornered, Morph Ball roll out of there. do not even bother firing at him until he pauses and begins to breathe fire at you. Laser-like in precision, the beam of fire can be easily jumped over, giving you time to charge your Power Beam and fire off a Super Missile. If you hit him in the open-mouth it sends him reel back, whereupon he exposes a soft spot in his chest plating. Keep that Power Beam charged because you have to hit him with another Super Missile as quickly as you can. Unfortunately, he will return charging at you for a bit before giving you another opportunity.
There is an advanced technique you can use, however. When he opens his mouth to breathe fire, have your Wave Beam ready and charged. Activate the Wavebuster Beam (which you should have acquired during the walkthrough) by hitting the Y-button in sync. The steam of energy will track repeatedly from his mouth to his chest, draining his energy. Watch your missile intake, and try to leave yourself with about 40-50 missiles during this process.
Chances are that you are going to have to finish him off with Super Missiles, continuing to hit his mouth and chest with the concussive blasts. Near the end of his life, he becomes extremely fierce, charging at you quickly and often. Remember to keep your distance even if it means rolling away from him. With persistence, the shadowy guardian will be knocked into the crater below with the help of the Chozo.
At this time a transport to the Impact Crater below will be revealed. There is a save station waiting down there, do not worry, so simply descend and prepare for the final battle.
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