Phantom Cloak

Samus hides from E.M.M.I.-03MB with the cloak.

The Phantom Cloak is a new Aeion ability for Samus in Metroid Dread. When in use, it slowly consumes Aeion and Samus's form turns transparent, rendering her invisible and making her movements silent, making it useful to avoid being targeted by regular enemies and E.M.M.I., as well as pass through Presence doors that lock up if Samus nears their security sensors. However, it has no effect against bosses and E.M.M.I. that have entered Pursuit Mode, and Samus can still be captured and damaged if she makes physical contact while concealed. The item is rewarded after Samus defeats Corpius, which uses the item in battle to conceal itself.

While in this state, Aeion will deplete more slowly if Samus stays still but more quickly if she attempts to move or use various actions. Her movement is also restricted to only a slow walk while cloaked. If her Aeion runs out, the ability will begin rapidly consuming her Life Energy until deactivated, at the rate of roughly half an Energy Tank per second. If Samus reaches 1 unit of energy, it will automatically deactivate.

Against E.M.M.I., the ability is most effective as a last resort when they have Samus backed into a dead end, or have entered Search Mode and investigate her last known location which gives her time to cloak and sneak away. Attempting to sneak past an E.M.M.I. in its regular Patrol Mode poses risk as they may wander and bump into a cloaked Samus.

For unknown reasons, the Phantom Cloak does not work if Samus is submerged in lava, even if she is wearing the Gravity Suit.

Official data

Yoshio Sakamoto comments

“	You can also hide behind objects to avoid being visually recognized. And with her new main defensive move, Samus can use the optical camouflage known as the Phantom Cloak to render herself invisible to the E.M.M.I. How you utilize this ability will greatly affect your progress in the game. By forcing Samus to act in such a way as to avoid detection by these insurmountable enemies, the parts of the game featuring the E.M.M.I. add a powerful spice to the Metroid gameplay experience.	„
—Yoshio Sakamoto (Development History)

Nintendo tweets

Nintendo of America

"Aeion Abilities make their return! Samus can use the new Phantom Cloak to hide from lethal enemies and sneak through Presence doors.

#MetroidDread #NintendoTreehouseLive

https://nintendo.com/e3/"

"Samus can temporarily gain powerful new moves by using a special energy called Aeion. One of these moves is called the “Phantom Cloak” which makes her invisible through optical camouflage. Aeion energy is automatically recovered over time.

http://ninten.do/6010n7GAr"

"The E.M.M.I. will track Samus relentlessly, and zero in on her by using their sensors. Use the Phantom Cloak ability wisely, it’ll keep Samus undetectable, but only if they haven’t made contact or seen Samus already!

Try outsmarting the E.M.M.I. when #MetroidDread releases 10/8!"

Nintendo of Europe/UK

"As well as the Phantom Cloak, Samus can find other abilities powered by Aeion. Use Flash Shift to make exploring and evasion easier, and Pulse Radar to detect breakable walls in the surrounding area. #MetroidDread"

Nintendo UK

"Samus can avoid detection by the E.M.M.I. in Metroid Dread by using a new ability called Phantom Cloak. Use this technique to improve your odds of surviving!"

Metroid Dread Report

A new ability [colon] Phantom Cloak

"Phantom Cloak is one of Samus' new Aeion Abilities, using optical camouflage to render her invisible. While this ability is active, Samus can move without causing any sound and she will go undetected by the E.M.M.I.'s optical sensor.

Samus can activate this ability by consuming a special type of energy called Aeion. However, if Samus walks or otherwise engages while the ability is active, she will more quickly burn through Aeion. If all of her Aeion is depleted, Samus may continue using Phantom Cloak at the cost of her Energy. Manage these resources carefully."

~Transmission from the dev team~

"By using Phantom Cloak, you can not only prevent the E.M.M.I. from detecting Samus, but also walk through doors that close when detecting humans.

You'll find this ability is useful against all enemies—not just the E.M.M.I.—so you may want to consider using it to bypass others when you’re low on Energy."

Aeion Abilities (Volume 5)

"Samus can tap into a special, mystical energy called Aeion to temporarily use certain abilities.

One such ability is Phantom Cloak, which blankets her in an optical camouflage to render her invisible. Using this while standing still will slowly deplete her reserve of Aeion Energy—she can also move while camouflaged, but it costs a greater amount of Aeion Energy. When not in use, her reserve automatically regenerates over time."

Samus Screen

PHANTOM CLOAK

An Aeion ability that renders Samus invisible to enemies by refracting light. She can also move silently, albeit at slower speed. With full Aeion, press to activate. Press once again to deactivate. Aeion will be slowly consumed while this ability is activated. Moving or firing weapons while activated will consume additional Aeion. Once all Aeion has been depleted, the Phantom Cloak will consume energy instead. Should it deplete energy to 1, it will automatically deactivate. After deactivation, Aeion will begin to recharge automatically once Samus makes any actions. The ability cannot be activated again until the Aeion is full.

* In E3 2021 footage, Samus's health was described as "Life Energy". All references to it were changed to simply "energy" for the final release.

ADAM Briefing

There is one other thing to discuss. It is your new Phantom Cloak ability.

The Phantom Cloak prevents the E.M.M.I. from detecting you. Thus far, your only option was to run. Now bypassing them is also an option. Use this to reach your objective.

Note that using the Phantom Cloak severely decreases your mobility. And direct contact with an E.M.M.I. will still result in capture. It is up to you whether to hold your position. Just be aware of your surroundings.

The Phantom Cloak is useless once an E.M.M.I. sees you. You will need to evade capture until it gives up pursuit.

The Phantom Cloak can remain active after your Aeion has been depleted. It will consume your life energy instead. Consider it a desperate measure. Remember, it cannot drain your energy down to nothing. Judicious use of this technique will improve your probability of survival.

On-screen tutorial (Cataris)

"While the Phantom Cloak is activated, an E.M.M.I. cannot see or detect Samus. Remain cautious. Colliding with an E.M.M.I. will still result in capture."

Loading screen tips

PHANTOM CLOAK

You cannot be seen or detected when using the Phantom Cloak. It's useful when attempting to avoid detection by the E.M.M.I.

You can continue to use the Phantom Cloak after your Aeion is depleted. It will consume your life energy instead.

This ability allows you to evade detection by the E.M.M.I., but it won't stop you from being captured if one collides with you. Try to reach safety as quickly as possible when using the Phantom Cloak.

You can use the Phantom Cloak outside of E.M.M.I. Zones to pass by regular enemies undetected.

Metroid.nintendo.com

"Optical camouflage that renders Samus invisible. When this ability is active, Samus can move without causing any sound, and she will go undetected by optical sensors. Samus may continue using the ability at the cost of her Energy if her Aeion is depleted."

Gallery

Item Cube

E3 2021 screenshot.

Nintendo Switch Online icon.