Lava



Lava in the world of Metroid is a very dangerous hazard that can result in death if fallen in to, it also acts as a loss of speed when running through. Some areas feature fake lava where Samus can fall right through to reach secret areas without being damaged. Once entering the false lava it will vanish revealing it to be no more than an illusion. The Diamont bounty hunter Spire uses lava to his advantage by being immune to it allowing him to move freely through it without being damaged. When Samus aquires the Gravity Suit [on Metroid Zero Mission, Metroid Fusion and in parts of Super Metroid] she develops an immunity to lava and is able to move through it at normal speed.

Lava plays an important role in Metroid II: Return of Samus, where the lava level lowers after defeating a certain amount of Metroids.