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The phrase “bait and switch” was made for a boss like Metroid Dread’s Golzuna. What starts out as a simple enemy that Samus has fought plenty of times before reveals itself to be an especially tricky X with multiple forms. Golzuna is that rare species of boss that has four entirely different phases – luckily, only one of them is particularly difficult to conquer.
The worst thing about Golzuna is the nasty surprise when you first encounter its multiple phases. Once the truth of its four forms has been revealed this shape-shifter isn’t too tricky to handle – a welcome change from most of Metroid Dread’s other late-game bosses.
Where Is Golzuna?
Golzuna is located in Ghavoran, close to the green teleporter. It’s located in the top right of this area of ZDR.
You will be alerted that you’re close to Golzuna by the presence of a Boss Door. Approach this bug-like door, and it will attack with a flash. Melee Counter this attack by pressing Z, or, once the Boss Door has attacked Samus, hit it with some Ice Missiles to destroy it and open the way to Golzuna.
Once you’re past the Boss Door, you will need to enter a Morph Ball tunnel to reach Golzuna’s battle arena.
What Suit Upgrades Should You Have?
At this point in your travels, Samus should have these upgrades, as well as the Gravity Suit:
- Plasma Beam
- Diffusion Beam
- Grapple Beam
- Ice Missile
- Storm Missile
- Phantom Cloak
- Flash Shift
- Pulse Radar
- Morph Ball
- Bomb
- Spider Magnet
- Speed Booster
- Space Jump
- Screw Attack
The Storm Missiles are useful for this one, as well as a good command of the slide ability. So get comfortable with both the R and the ZL buttons. Flash Shift and Space Jump/Screw Attack are also very useful to jump over the top of Golzuna when dodging its attacks.
How To Beat Golzuna Phase 1:
Phase 1 Golzuna seems like just one of the usual large crab-like enemies that Samus has faced before and it attacks exactly the same way. Wait until the crab rears up on its back legs and press X to Melee Counter when you see the flash. One hit is all that you need here. Do not use missiles – save your ammo for Phase 3.
How To Beat Golzuna Phase 2:
Once you have defeated Phase 1, Golzuna will reveal itself to be an X. It will then transform into a larger version of the enemy that it was in Phase 1. This enemy can only be damaged by shooting it from behind. Its front is protected by its large armored claws. Do not use missiles – save your ammo for Phase 3 when you will really need it.
Phase 2 Golzuna has only one attack again – the same rearing attack as in Phase 1. This time, it cannot be countered. Wait for Golzuna to rear up and slide between its legs using ZL, then attack it from behind.
How To Beat Golzuna Phase 3:
Once you defeat Phase 2, the X will transform into its third form of Golzuna. This is an even larger version of the same enemy, covered in protective purple electricity that will render Samus’ regular shots useless. You will likely run out of ammo and need to resort to Charge Beam Shots, but until then, use Samus’ Storm Missiles and stay alert: Golzuna has a few more attacks to throw at Samus in this phase.
|
Move |
Description |
How To Counter/Avoid |
|---|---|---|
|
Charge |
Golzuna will charge towards Samus and chase her back as far as she can go in that direction. Golzuna will then rear up, then slam down just like in Phase 1 and 2. |
This time Samus will have to retreat all the way to the wall to avoid getting trampled by Golzuna. Slide through Golzuna’s legs when it rears just like in Phase 1 and 2, and attack from behind with Ice Missiles and Storm Missiles. Be careful, as after Golzuna slams down, it will back up and can trample Samus if she’s positioned too close. |
|
Tracker Ball |
Golzuna will release a single pink ball of electricity that will track Samus and periodically explode, sending out damaging energy in a cross pattern from itself, vertically and horizontally. It will explode three times each time this move is used. |
Use Space Jump and Flash Shift to keep ahead of the pink ball’s movements, and don’t crash into the stationary Golzuna. |
|
THERE ARE FOUR LIGHTS! |
Golzuna will release four pink balls of electricity. They will fill the space where Samus stands, and after a second, they will explode in a grid pattern that is nearly impossible to avoid. |
Jump and use Flash Shift or Space Jump to get over Golzuna. The other side of the Boss will be protected from the blast of the four lights. |
How To Beat Golzuna Phase 4:
In Phase 4, Golzuna transforms into a giant armored X. Its sole attack is running into Samus. Regular attacks will cause Golzuna to release multiple smaller Xs which should be collected to replenish ammo and health. Using missiles will damage Golzuna, but by far the easiest way to beat it is by using Samus’ Screw Attack.
Golzuna will be impervious to attacks for a short while after being damaged; do not attack Golzuna while it is flashing as it cannot be damaged at that time.
Once you have defeated Phase 4, Golzuna turns into a regular X, which Samus can absorb to receive a new ability, stolen directly from Golzuna's attacks: the Cross Bomb.