How to Unlock the Ice Shot in Metroid Prime 4
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond features three elemental weapons that are tied to several mechanics throughout the game. One of the most important is the elemental lock system, which requires players to match weapons to special locks that block entrance to special puzzles and upgrades. In this guide, we’ll be focusing on Ice Blockers, and revealing how to unlock the Ice Shot weapon in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Metroid Prime 4: Beginner Tips & Tricks
With such a long gap between entries, both old and new players may need some help getting started with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
How to Get the Ice Chip in Metroid Prime 4
Complete the Ice Belt Dungeon:
To get the Ice Shot weapon upgrade in Metroid Prime 4, you’ll need to acquire the Ice Chip. This is a special item found near the end of the Ice Belt dungeon, which is the third main dungeon in the game.
After completing Fury Green and Volt Forge, you’ll first need to make a quick stop at Flare Pool in the southeast corner of Sol Valley. There, you will collect the Fire Chip, the essential item that allows you to return to the base camp at Fury Green and unlock the Fire Shot weapon. This must be done before you can progress through the Ice Belt level.
When you are ready to proceed, head to the northwest corner of Sol Valley to enter the Ice Belt. After you take the tram, you’ll quickly enter a large chamber with a hanging pod. On that pod is an object emitting a blue light.
This is the Ice Chip. Unfortunately, you cannot yet collect it. You must first make your way through the dungeon, survive the Snow Wolves attack, and collect the Boost Ball upgrade from Keratos, the area’s main boss. Once you’ve completed this task, you will return to this chamber on your way to the exit.
Returning with Boost Ball Upgrade:
Now that you have the boost ball upgrade, you’ll be ready to collect the Ice Chip. When you are back in the chamber with the hanging pod, you’ll first need to make your way up to the enclosed chamber with windows on the upper level. At one end of the chamber is a malfunctioning door that cannot be opened from your side.
From the broken window, shoot the guided Psychic Charge Beam out and around to the opposite side of the door, hitting the oval target. This will open the door, and provide access to the Boost Ball spinner at the base of the crane. Use the Boost upgrade to restore power to the base of the crane. Interact with the hologram that appears above the base to drop the pod containing the Ice Chip.
Approach the pod and interact with the blue light to acquire the Ice Chip.
Return to Fury Green Base Camp:
Just as you did with the Fire Chip, head back to Myles at his base camp station. When you speak with him, he will automatically take the Ice Chip and unlock the Ice Shot, making it a permanent addition to your arsenal.
How to Clear Ice Blocker Locks in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Now that you have the Ice Shot, you’ll be able to clear any Ice Blocker locks you find while exploring. To destroy these locks, you’ll simply need to lock-on and shoot a single shot from the Ice Shot weapon. This will cause the lock to disintegrate permanently.
The Ice Blocker is one of several types of locks found on doors. You’ll know this type of lock by its white, frosty appearance. You can also check the map to make sure which type of blocker you’ve encountered.