Though power-ups and equipment upgrades are par for the course in modern video games, few series have perfected the formula quite as well as Metroid. As they explore, players will find a wide array of new items to play around with, many of which open up new routes in previously visited areas and completely transform the way that players traverse the map. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, Metroid Dread continues this tradition.

RELATED: Metroid Dread: How Long to Beat

Players will get their hands on Samus' iconic Charge Beam relatively early on, but while the tell-tale tunnels that were clearly designed for her Morph Ball are evident right from the get-go, players will need to wait quite a bit longer before they can get their hands on the upgrade itself. It's well worth the wait though, as the Morph Ball adds a whole new dimension to Metroid Dread's fantastic 2D world.

How to Find the Morph Ball in Metroid Dread

Players will receive the Morph Ball after defeating the green E.M.M.I. in the Cataris region, which, unfortunately, is a little easier said than done. They'll first need to have found the Wide Beam and must then defeat the area's Central Unit, which can be found in the room that's in the top left-hand corner of the E.M.M.I. patrolled zone.

As with the previous Central Unit, players will have to break the outer metal shell before they'll be able to damage the unit itself. They'll also need to dodge two blasters as they do so, as well as more of the glowing red rings. Missiles are the best way to accomplish this, though charged attacks are also pretty effective.

Once the shell is broken, a few more direct hits should finish the Central Unit off, allowing Samus to acquire the Omega Blaster that's needed to kill the E.M.M.I. After using it to exit the room, players should lure the robot down to the bottom right-hand corner of the next area, slide under the first wall to their left, and then turn around upon reaching the next one.

This spot gives players an awful lot of time to deal with the E.M.M.I., which bodes well given that the green one is a little bit faster than the two that they defeated earlier on. Just like last time, players should first use the blaster to overheat the metal shell protecting the robot's core and then charge and fire the Omega Blaster to finish it off.

It's worth remembering that once the metal shell has shattered, it won't ever come back, meaning that players should avoid taking too many risks. If they don't have time to fire the Omega Blaster immediately after the shell shatters, they can simply slide under the wall behind them and then loop back round to the same spot. Firing the blaster while the E.M.M.I. is crawling is a lot easier too, as the robot's movement becomes a lot more predictable while it's on all fours.

How Does the Morph Ball Work

After unlocking the Morph Ball, players can activate it in a number of ways. The simplest is to tap the ZL button, though quickly flicking the left analog stick down twice (once while crouching) will have the same effect. If players grab onto a ledge that's connected to a tunnel, Samus will automatically morph into ball form when players try to pull themselves up. While in ball form, players are also able to jump by pressing the B button.

MORE: Metroid Dread: Where to Go After Getting the Phantom Cloak