The Quads are a type of combat mechanoid invented by O-Lir and used by the Luminoth to guard the Sanctuary Fortress on Aether. A Quad is comprised of two components: the flying Command Module (Quad CM) and the four-legged Main Body (Quad MB). In Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, both parts of the robot are scannable as different entities. The Quadraxis, the Guardian of the Ing Hive on Dark Aether, is based on the design of these mechanisms. Dark Quads also exist, Quads that are possessed by members of the Ing Horde. The Quad robots, along with many other robots, became rogue after the Ing took control and will harm any non-robotic being that comes near, including Samus and the Luminoth.
Combat[]
A Quad robot comes in two halves, the Command Module and the Main Body. When encountered, these two are connected, and can attack together. Either one can be destroyed individually, and the other will continue to fight.
Main Body[]
A spinning Quad.
Whether attached or alone, the Main Body attacks in two manners. First, it can simply swing its legs at an enemy that is within range. Its main mode of attack, however, is to unleash a rapid vortex spin and attempt to charge its target. After using this attack, it will need to vent the excess heat this process generates, standing still for several seconds and opening a small panel on its underside. This panel can be damaged by a Morph Ball Bomb, or by a Boost Ball attack. The spinning attack can also be interrupted without receiving any damage by boosting into it before it attacks. Once Samus obtains the Screw Attack, she can use it to instantly destroy a Quad MB while it is spinning, providing a much faster means of victory. A Main Body will attempt to sidestep any Missiles fired at it, disrupting lock-on functions if successful.
Command Module[]
When mounted on the Main Body, the Command Module can fire a bright powerful beam at its targets. When in use, the Main Body will remain stationary and need to vent the heat generated, similarly to its vortex spin attack. Both the Command Module and the Main Body are vulnerable at this time, though Samus can only target one component at a time, leaving her with a decision to make. If the Main Body is destroyed first, the Command Module will detach and float into the air. In this state, the rather small head is quite agile, able to strafe around opponents. It can form polarized shields around itself, with either light energy or dark energy, to prevent damage from incoming attacks. These shields are quite durable, but vulnerable to Beams of the opposite polarity. If a shield is destroyed, it will soon raise a new one of the opposite polarity. Interestingly, the Command Module's shields will only repel Beam energy of the same type, and oddly, will also repel the Disruptor. Any other Beam attack or Missiles will be able to damage the shield. Its only attack when alone is a barrage of energy pulses fired directly at its target; without the channeling of the Main Body, it cannot use the sustained beam attack. The Command Module itself does not inflict any contact damage, and at times, can be jumped on.
If undamaged Main Bodies are still present when the Command Module detaches, it will avoid direct engagements in favor of moving as quickly as possible to an unoccupied body and attaching to it.
Battle statistics[]
| Attack | Damage Output |
|---|---|
| 7-8 HP | |
 |
15-16 HP |
 |
Locations[]
- Reactor Core
- Hall of Combat Mastery
- Temple Access
- Sanctuary Temple
- Sentinel's Path
- Agon Transport Access
- Dynamo Works
- Main Research
Official data[]
Logbook entries[]
Quad MB
Rogue combat drone.
Main Body specializes in close combat. Lower venting system can be damaged by concussive attacks. Boost attack can disrupt its vortex spin.
Quad CM
Rogue combat drone.
Command Module relies on ranged attacks. Beam shield can be breached by opposite-polarity systems.
Trivia[]
- Upon entering the Sanctuary Temple for the first time, should Samus shoot one of the two Quads in the chamber before leaping down and activating the cutscene, the targeted Quad will pursue her as soon as she lands. This can prevent it from being possessed while its partner is. This makes this one of the few, if only, rooms where both a dark and light counterpart of the same enemy can exist simultaneously. Neither attack the other, either due to it not being programmed into the game or more likely due to the rogue machines being in league with the Ing. Interestingly, should Samus destroy the body of one and the head of the other, the remaining components will still combine, forming a hybrid of both light and dark entities.
- As indicated by the internal data of the Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Bonus Disc, the Quad's original name was Splitter.
- When a Command Module performs a strafe around Samus, it uses a similar sound effect that Samus uses when she dashes. The former's has an additional "metal" tone added to its sound effect.
Gallery[]
