BOSS: Plant/Cocoon

Learn how to defeat the Plant/Cocoon boss in Metroid: Zero Mission. This guide covers its attacks and the strategy to destroy its vines.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Boss: Plant/Cocoon
• Weak Point: Vines holding the cocoon (6 total, 3 per side)
• Key Enemy: Flying Beetle (used as a platform)

Phases:

1. Destroy the three vines on one side of the cocoon.
2. Destroy the three vines on the other side of the cocoon.

Strategy:

• You'll notice a flying beetle in the room, moving in a figure-eight pattern. This beetle is key to your strategy.
• The boss's only attack is launching spreading circles of spores, which are pretty easy to dodge.
• Your goal is to destroy the six vines holding up the cocoon. There are three on each side.
• When the beetle flies close to either the left or right wall, use your Ice Beam to freeze it.
• Immediately after freezing the beetle, jump on top of it. It will act as a temporary platform.
• From the beetle's back, jump straight up and fire missiles at the vines.
• Each vine requires three missile hits to be destroyed.
• It's a good idea to jump up and fire a missile or two, then switch to normal shots to hit the beetle as you fall. This keeps it frozen while you recover.
• Once you've destroyed the three vines on one side, drop down. You can let the beetle thaw.
• Then, repeat the process on the other side: freeze the beetle when it's near the wall, use it as a platform, and shoot the remaining three vines with missiles.
• After all six vines are destroyed, the cocoon will fall, and the battle will end.
• Once the fight is over, drop onto the fallen cocoon and head right through the passage. Take the door ahead and ride the elevator down to face Ridley.