Zero Laser

"What's the matter? All I said was that Komaytos look like little Metr-"

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Non-canon warning: This article or section contains information that may not be considered an official part of the Metroid series in the overall storyline by Nintendo.

Zero Laser
The Zero Laser Trophy.
Featured in	Super Smash Bros. Brawl Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Damage	Around 50% damage, depending on how long targets remain in the blast
Effect(s)	Massive recoil destroys the Power Suit, revealing Zero Suit Samus (Brawl only)
Obtained	Can be used whenever a Smash Ball has been obtained

The Zero Laser is the Final Smash of Samus Aran and Dark Samus in the Super Smash Bros. series from Brawl onwards. It is an extremely powerful blast of energy. Samus/Dark Samus becomes able to use this technique only when she has destroyed a Smash Ball. In Brawl, the massive recoil from the blast overloads the Power Suit, which falls off and reveals Zero Suit Samus.

The blast is a highly unfocused stream of the blue-hot energy that comprises the normal Charge Beam, seeming to contradict the name "Zero Laser", which suggests a highly focused and localized beam. When launched, the beam travels across the current stage in a rather slow manner, creating a near inescapable blast. When in the process of firing, Samus can slowly sweep the beam up or down to hit targets who have decided to try and dodge the blast by jumping or by hanging onto a ledge. The beam creates a slight suction effect in the direction of the beam's trajectory that can draw falling targets towards the blast. Once caught in the blast, it is almost impossible for a target to escape until the energy forcibly launches him or her away, which usually proves fatal. Even after Samus has finished firing, the blast will continue to travel across a stage slowly and steadily until it moves off-camera. Once the beam has completely left the Arm Cannon, it can no longer be swept up or down.

The Zero Laser does not appear in any Metroid games, but Gandrayda (in her Samus-G form) from Metroid Prime 3: Corruption fires a beam very similar to the Zero Laser, probably inspired by the Hyper Beam in Super Metroid. Though she becomes exhausted after using it, it does not cause her to become a "Zero Suit Samus-G". The Rhedogian from Metroid: Other M also fires a beam that is similar to the Zero Laser, except it is colored purple. Samus also can be seen firing a beam during the various loading screens in Metroid Prime Trilogy that is similar in appearance to the Zero Laser.

In the 3DS and Wii U games, the Zero Laser is thinner and has a faster firing rate. It no longer causes Samus to become Zero Suit Samus, who is a separate character from Samus.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, energy is now discharged from the thrusters on Samus's back during a Zero Laser attack. The Zero Laser also appears as part of Zero Suit Samus's Final Smash, Gunship. She dons her Power Suit once again and stands atop her Gunship, firing the Zero Laser down onto the stage. The laser finishes with a final blast before her Gunship disappears, and she drops back down. Dark Samus uses the Zero Laser for her Final Smash as well, but fires it one-handed.

Strategic use

The Zero Laser is easy to dodge when fired from a distance, so it is recommended to fire when targets are in close quarters. A near-foolproof strategy would be to launch the Zero Laser at a target who is cornered at a ledge, so in effect the blast will carry the target off-stage to his or her death. Speedy targets such as Sonic, Captain Falcon, or perhaps even another Zero Suit Samus will be able to dodge the blast by jumping behind Samus, but they can still be pulled into the blast if they come too close.

Launching the Zero Laser and sweeping it up at an airborne target (preferably one that is falling after a second jump or an Up-Special) is a sound strategy if the target proves too quick to hit. Once the blast eliminates the target's landing options, he or she will have no choice but to fall into the blast. In short, the key to using the sluggish Zero Laser is to present a target with no options of escape. The only unavoidable disadvantage is that the move can be dodged if the opponent gets behind Samus.

On large stages, it is possible for the opponent to get away by hiding on a lower or higher platform and thereby avoid the attack. Thus, the best time to use the Zero Laser is if the target is paralyzed or is directly in front of Samus. Reckless firing should be avoided, as Samus will be momentarily vulnerable after firing. The Zero Laser can be fired in the air, but one should be take care not to activate it whilst airborne over a bottomless pit or over the ledge of the map, as after the laser is fired Samus will continue to fall slowly towards her death throughout the entire duration of the Zero Suit transformation.

Recoil

Once the blast has completely left the Arm Cannon, Samus will lose her armor and continue to fight as Zero Suit Samus. Pieces of the Power Suit remain scattered at her feet and can be used as throwing items. In this form, Samus is very fast and agile, giving the player a sound alternative to using Samus with the Power Suit. Zero Suit Samus must acquire a "Smash Ball" to use "Power Suit Samus", the Final Smash technique that restores her armor. However, if a player would rather stay in this quick and agile form, "Smash Balls" should be avoided. The downside to fighting in the Zero Suit is that Samus is much lighter, and thus more vulnerable to being knocked off the stage.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Official Game Guide

"Samus charges up and fires her giant Zero Laser at all opponents. She can aim it up or down a bit while firing. This attack also has a vacuum effect, pulling in players around Samus and bringing them into the laser beam. Opponents who are immediately in front of the Samus receive a little bit of extra damage during the startup of the beam. Range-wise, it has no problem crossing Gerudo Valley, so you won’t have any issues using it on other stages. Overall, it has great range, damage, and KO potential for opponents with some damage who are near the side of a stage."

Trophies

Brawl

"Samus's Final Smash. The beam emerging from her Arm Cannon is dreadfully powerful and causes great damage to enemies. The beam travels slowly but can be swept up and down. The recoil of the beam is so great that it tears off her Power Suit, revealing Zero Suit Samus. The pieces of her armor can be picked up and thrown as weapons."

3DS and Wii U

"Samus unleashes a massive, long-range beam from her Arm Cannon as her Final Smash. Fighters on the edge of the beam will be drawn in, taking more and more damage. The sheer power of this weapon makes it tough to aim once it's firing, but it's possible to adjust the beam up and down."

Non-canon warning: Non-canonical information ends here.

Gallery

Samus charging her Final Smash, Zero Laser.

Samus releases the Zero Laser.

Samus' Power Suit falls off, revealing Zero Suit Samus.

Very similar beam used by Samus-G.

Wii U

One of Samus' taunts in Brawl and 3DS and Wii U where she poses with the Zero Laser configuration.

See Also

• Zero Suit Samus
• Power Suit Samus
• Gunship (Final Smash)