Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Walkthrough – Research
Research
Here you’ll find a list of every Research scan and their contents, plus any missable items, in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. Echoes introduces a more detailed breakdown of different type of research items, and as such, this guide will be listing them by type, sub-type, and then specific items. Use the links below to navigate to a particular sub-types.
Aether Studies
Aether
Aether
Location: Agon Wastes
Transcript: Planet: Aether. Obscure world in the Dasha system. Planet is unstable due to transdimensional flux. Warfare has devastated a good portion of the world’s population. Finally, extreme climate shifts have left most of Aether uninhabitable.
Dark Portal
Location: Agon Wastes, Torvus Bog, Sanctuary Fortress, Temple Grounds
Transcript: This portal is active. Walk into portal to transport to Dark Aether. Extreme caution recommended once transit is complete. Dark Portals allow living beings to travel to Dark Aether without being disrupted and scattered throughout the interdimensional void. They are unstable, however, and only remain viable for limited periods of time. Some can be reactivated, while others vanish forever once they are used.
Energy Controller
Location: Agon Wastes, Torvus Bog, Sanctuary Fortress
Transcript: This is a regional Energy Controller. Unit regulates planetary energy in this sector, and is linked to a global energy network. Energy Controllers were built by the Luminoth to regulate Aether’s planetary energy. Several wonders are powered by the Energy Controllers, including a weather control grid and a teleportation system. When Dark Aether was born, it too had Energy Controllers, all linked to that world’s planetary energy.
U-Mos
Location: Great Temple
Transcript: Indigenous sentient species of planet Aether. Subject is U-Mos, a Sentinel of the Luminoth, guardian of his species and this sacred temple. Subject is U-Mos, a Sentinel of the Luminoth. Scans indicate numerous beneficial abilities, including heightened reflexes, durability, psionics, and flight. Ability to generate and manipulate energy on par with that of the Chozo. Dating scans suggest an age of 2.15 centicycles. Only known active member of the species; remaining Luminoth locked in protective stasis until crisis is resolved.
Dark Aether
Dark Aether
Location: Agon Wastes
Transcript: Planet: Dark Aether. Transdimensional duplicate of Planet Aether. Can’t determine origin of Aether’s “dark twin.” Contains high levels of Phazon ore. Native bioforms attack on sight.
Light Portal
Location: Dark Agon Wastes, Dark Torvus Bog, Ing Hive, Sky Temple Grounds
Transcript: This portal is active. Walk into portal to initiate return transit to Aether. Light Portals allow living beings to travel to Aether without being disrupted and scattered throughout the interdimensional void. They are unstable, however, and only remain viable for limited periods of time. Some can be reactivated, while others vanish forever once they are used.
Phazon
Location: Agon Wastes
Transcript: Volatile ore with biomutagenic properties. Origin point of Phazon unknown. First detection of element on planet Tallon IV. Used by Space Pirates to produce vast levels of energy. Bioforms exposed to Phazon without proper shielding will eventually undergo radical mutation.
Luminoth Technology
Light Crystals
Light Crystal
Location: Dark Agon Wastes, Dark Torvus Bog, Ing Hive, Sky Temple Grounds
Transcript: Generates protective field of light energy. Light Crystals provide protection from Dark Aether’s atmosphere. They can be nullified by dark energy and supercharged by light energy. Light Crystals provide protection from Dark Aether’s atmosphere. They can be nullified by dark energy, or super charged by light energy. They were created by the Luminoth during the war with the Ing, and many still remain in use. Dark creatures despise the Crystals: some are injured or killed by the field they create.
Nullified Crystal
Location: Dark Agon Wastes, Dark Torvus Bog, Ing Hive, Sky Temple Grounds
Transcript: Protective field of light energy deactivated. Light Crystals, when covered with dark energy, cease to function for a brief time. Light energy can clear the Crystal of the dark energy. Light Crystals, when covered with dark energy, cease to function for a short time. Light energy can clear the Crystal of the dark energy. Some dark creatures will fire dark energy at Light Crystals to hinder or damage their opponents.
Energized Crystal
Location: Dark Agon Wastes, Dark Torvus Bog, Ing Hive, Sky Temple Grounds
Transcript: Generates enhanced field of light energy. Energized Crystals provide better protection from Dark Aether’s denizens. Dark creatures are damaged by the energized field. Energized Crystals provide better protection from Dark Aether’s denizens. Dark creatures are damaged or killed by the energized field. Some are killed on contact. The extra protection is not unlimited, and must be recharged by the Light Beam to remain in effect.
Super Crystal
Location: Dark Agon Wastes, Dark Torvus Bog, Ing Hive, Sky Temple Grounds
Transcript: Crystal’s energy draws Ings into destructive field. When charged with light and dark energy at once, the Crystal becomes a beacon to Ing. They are compelled to approach it, despite the deadly field of energy it emits. When charged with light and dark energy at once, the Crystal becomes a beacon to the Ing. They are compelled to approach it, despite the deadly field of energy it emits.
Light Beacons
Light Beacon
Location: Dark Agon Wastes, Dark Torvus Bog, Ing Hive, Sky Temple Grounds
Transcript: Generates protective field when energized. Light Beacons must be energized by Beam weapon fire to function, and remain charged for a limited time. Light Beacons must be energized by Beam weapons fire to function, and they remain charged for a limited time. The Beacons were created when the Luminoth ran short of Light Crystals during the war. While simple to make, the Beacons were also unstable. They had to be energized periodically, and could run out of energy at critical moments. Still, any protection was better than none for the Luminoth warriors.
Nullified Beacon
Location: Dark Agon Wastes, Dark Torvus Bog, Ing Hive, Sky Temple Grounds
Transcript: Protective field of light energy deactivated. Light Beacons, when covered with dark energy, cease to function for a brief time. Light energy can clear the Beacon of the dark energy. Light Beacons, when covered with dark energy, cease to function for a brief time. Light energy can clear the Beacon of the dark energy. Some dark creatures will fire dark energy at Light Beacons to hinder or damage their opponents.
Energized Beacon
Location: Dark Agon Wastes, Dark Torvus Bog, Ing Hive, Sky Temple Grounds
Transcript: Generates enhanced field of light energy. Energized Beacons provide better protection from Dark Aether’s denizens. Dark creatures are damaged by the energized field. Energized Beacons provide better protection from Dark Aether’s denizens. Dark creatures are damaged or killed by the energized field. Some are killed on contact. The extra protection is not unlimited, and must be recharged by the Light Beam to remain in effect.
Super Beacon
Location: Dark Agon Wastes, Dark Torvus Bog, Ing Hive, Sky Temple Grounds
Transcript: Beacon’s energy draws Ings into destructive field. When charged with light and dark energy at once, the Beacon compels Ing to approach it, despite the deadly field of energy it emits. When charged with light and dark energy at once, the Beacon becomes a symbol to the Ing. They are compelled to approach it, despite the deadly field of energy it emits.
Lift Crystals
Light Lift Crystal
Location: Dark Agon Wastes, Dark Torvus Bog, Ing Hive, Sky Temple Grounds
Transcript: Energized by dark-based weapons. Luminoth lift platform will lower when Crystal is energized by dark weaponry. Luminoth lift platform will raise when Crystal is energized by dark-based weaponry. Used by the Luminoth forces during their war. Most still function, despite periodic abuse from the Ing.
Dark Lift Crystal
Location: Dark Agon Wastes, Dark Torvus Bog, Ing Hive, Sky Temple Grounds
Transcript: Energized by light-based weapons. Luminoth lift platform will lower when Crystal is energized by light weaponry. Luminoth lift platform will raise when Crystal is energized by light-based weaponry. Used by the Luminoth forces during their war. Most still function, despite periodic abuse from the Ing.
Liftvine Crystal
Location: Dark Torvus Bog
Transcript: Energized by light-based weapons. Darkling plantform will grow in height when Crystal is energized by light-based weaponry. Darkling plantform will grow in height when crystal is energized by light-based weaponry. The Luminoth used these to navigate during their campaigns on Dark Aether. The Ing ignore the simple plant, as it is not a source of nourishment or a weapon.
Utility Crystals
Sentinel Crystal
Location: Torvus Bog
Transcript: Used to monitor key sites. Used by Luminoth soldiers to observe tactical areas during the war. Most are still broadcasting to U-Mos. During the war, the Luminoth used the Sentinel Crystals to monitor key areas and installations. They are incredibly durable resisting all but the most powerful of Ing attacks. U-Mos still uses the remaining Sentinel Crystals to keep a watch for Ing activity.
Dark Sentinel Crystal
Location: Dak Torvus Bog
Transcript: Monitor system designed for use on Dark Aether. Used by Luminoth soldiers to monitor critical areas throughout Dark Aether. Few remain; those that do broadcast data to U-Mos of Aether. The original Sentinel Crystals were durable, but they had their limits. The toxic nature of Dark Aether, coupled with constant attack from the Ing, destroyed many of them. The Luminoth responded with the Dark Sentinel Crystal. Sheathed in dark energy, it is more resistant to the atmosphere of the Ing homeworld – and the attacks of its denizens.
Mechanisms
GF Security
Mk VI Gate <<Missable Scan>>
Location: Temple Grounds
Transcript: Armored defense system. This gate is used with Armored Security Locks. The locks must be neutralized for the gate to operate. The gate is durable, resistant to all but the most potent explosives. This gate is used with Armored Security Locks, which must be neutralized to operate the gate. Gate is resistant to all but the most potent explosives.
Mk VII Defense Gate <<Missable Scan>>
Location: Temple Grounds
Transcript: Durable Federation barrier. Gate is composed of Denzium. Invulnerable to most weapons, though high-yield explosives are effective. The Mk VII Defense Gate is composed of Denzium. Invulnerable to most weapons, though high-yield explosives are effective. Often used in conjunction with a remote scan access control panel.
Mk II Bridge
Location: Temple Grounds
Transcript: Portable bridge system. This bridge is durable, but often locks in place, leading the Marines to call for a new design. This bridge is durable, but often locks in place, leading the Marines to call for a new design. The Mk III should enter service within the next eight cycles.
Systems
Bomb Slot
Location: All Areas
Transcript: Powered system control unit. Insert the Morph Ball into the slot, then detonate a Bomb. This will transfer energy from the slot to the device connected to it. Insert the Morph Ball into the slot, then detonate a Bomb. This will send energy from the slot to the device connected to it.
Grapple Point
Location: All Areas
Transcript: (Before obtaining the Grapple Beam) Analysis indicates a viable attach point for the Grapple Beam. Grapple Beam module missing. Unable to attach to grapple point at this time.
Transcript: (After obtaining the Grapple Beam) Unit is a viable attach point for the Grapple Beam. To use the Grapple Beam, use <L>/<Z> when the <Grapple Icon> icon appears. You can fire your weapons while attached to a grapple point.
Kinetic Orb Cannon
Location: Temple Grounds
Transcript: Fires small, spherical objects at high speeds. Scan interface panel to bring the Cannon online, then enter the hologram to fire. The purpose of the Kinetic Orb Cannon is unclear. It may have originally been designed for industrial use, then converted to a combat system in later times.
Spider Ball Track
Location: All Areas
Transcript: Magnetic rail system track. In Morph Ball mode, press and hold <R>/<Z> when close to this type of surface. Use <Joystick> to move the Ball along the track. Release <R>/<Z> to disengage from the surface. CAUTION: A Morph Ball Bomb will briefly disengage the Ball from the track. In Morph Ball mode, press and hold R/Z; when close to this type of surface. Use Control Stick to move the Ball along the track. Release R/Z to disengage from the surface. Using the Boost ability when on a Spider Ball Track will rapidly launch the Spider Ball from the track. Detonating a Morph Ball Bomb will briefly disengage the Ball from the track.
Spinner
Location: All Areas
Transcript: Boost-powered control system. Use the Boost ability of the Morph Ball when inside a Spinner to activate the device it powers.
Wall Jump Surface
Location: All Areas
Transcript: Area designed to work with Screw Attack. Perform Screw Attacks while facing and touching this wall to do a Wall Jump. This surface was designed to be used in conjunction with the Screw Attack system. Perform Screw Attacks while facing and touching wall to do a Wall Jump.
Vehicles
G.F.S. Tyr
Location: Temple Grounds
Transcript: Starship: G.F.S. Tyr. Anhur-class patrol ship. Used to transport Galactic Federation Marines. Vessel has sustained heavy combat damage. The Anhur class is a state-of-the-art warship, designed to police and defend planetary systems. This ship, the G.F.S. Tyr, has been heavily damaged. It appears that the crew have dismantled parts of the Tyr as well, possibly for use as makeshift defense systems.
Samus’s Gunship <<Missable Scan>>
Location: Temple Grounds
Transcript: Starship: Hunter-Class Gunship. Vessel registered to Samus Aran. Your ship has been damaged. Auto-repair function initiated. You can return to your ship to recharge energy, reload weapons, and save progress in the game. Your Hunter-class gunship is one of a kind, its distinct hull lines marking it to friend and foe alike. Custom built for you by the Federated Shipyards at Aliehs III, it contains a mobile energy recharge system and microfactories designed to produce ammunition. A sophisticated onboard computer stores mission data collected in the field for future reference.
“Shrike” Class Assault Skiff
Location: Agon Wastes
Transcript: Vehicle: “Shrike” Class Assault Skiff. Light attack craft and troop transport. Vehicle is unarmed, but heavily armored. Eliminate troops if possible before they disperse. Plans for the Shrike were recently stolen from a GF lab by the Space Pirates. Production began immediately, and the fast-moving skiff is now part of Pirate operations. It’s used primarily as a troop transport, taking a fire team of troopers into action. The Shrike’s unarmed, relying on the troops it carries for protection against hostile forces.
Biology
Cocoons
Metroid Cocoon
Location: Agon Wastes
Transcript: Storage chamber for young Tallon Metroids. Biomass to support Tallon Metroid infants. Lacks armor or shielding. The Space Pirates transport young Tallon Metroids in an organic “cocoon” designed to sustain the small creatures. Each cocoon can support numerous infants for several cycles. The creatures are normally content to remain in the cocoon, but will emerge when they detect the presence of Phazon.
Splinter Cocoon
Location: Temple Grounds
Transcript: Protective structure for sleeping Splinters. Destroying this structure will eliminate the Splinter inside, but it will also alert other Splinters nearby. Splinters will enter their protective cocoons when tired or sated. The cocoon is durable, but can be destroyed by weapons fire. Destroying a cocoon will kill the Splinter inside; when this occurs, the dying Splinter will emit a shriek that will alert all nearby Splinters in hibernation. This will drive them into battle frenzy as a defense mechanism.
War Wasp Hive
Location: Agon Wastes, Torvus Bog, Sanctuary Fortress, Temple Grounds
Transcript: Organic domicile for insect predators. Destroying this structure will eliminate War Wasps inside. Explosive weapons can damage it. War Wasps require considerable amounts of sleep after a long hunt. They weave a protective hive from organic fluids they secrete themselves, then crawl inside to rest. Though safe from most predators, the hives can be damaged by explosive weapons.
Darklings
Ingclaw
Location: All Areas
Transcript: Toxin-spewing immobile darkling. Target surrounded by impenetrable shell. Produces deadly vapor. The Ingclaw secretes an incredibly durable shell over itself shortly after birth. From that moment on, it remains rooted in place. The creature feeds on the flotsam floating in the atmosphere of Dark Aether, and produces waste in the form of a toxic dark vapor.
Ingclaw (Dormant)
Location: Sky Temple Grounds
Transcript: Hibernating impervious darkling. Target encased in impervious shell. Currently in hibernetic stasis. Ingclaws occasionally enter a strange torpor, brought on by constant exposure to the atmosphere of Dark Aether. While in this dream state, the creature does not feed or expel its deadly vapor. Fortunately, its indestructible shell protects it from predators.
Ing Webtrap <<Missable Scan>>
Location: Dark Agon Wastes
Transcript: Semi-sentient living snares. Creature is virtually indestructible, and can only be undone by killing the Ing that commands it. These creatures respond to commands from the Ing, forming over areas as ordered. They are virtually indestructible, and can only be undone by killing the Ing that commands them.
Webling <<Missable Scan>>
Location: Dark Agon Wastes
Transcript: Darkling capable of generating and energizing tensile biomaterial. Creature is immobile and immune to most weapons. The Light Beam will be able to disrupt and destroy target. Weblings spin a network of energized snare lines, then sit in the middle and wait for prey to get caught in it, much like a spider. A webling is incredibly durable, though it has the darkling weakness to light.
Ing Storage
Bladepod
Location: Dark Agon Wastes, Sky Temple Grounds
Transcript: Living storage units of the Ing Horde. These Ing morph their bodies around useful items to protect them. They rely on larger Ing for protection. These Ing morph their bodies around useful items to protect them. They rely on larger Ing for protection, as they have no way of fending off enemies. Damage from all weapons will harm them, but light-based weapons are superior.
Ingsphere Cache
Location: Dark Torvus Bog
Transcript: Living storage units of the Ing Horde. The Ingsphere keeps useful items in a dimensional pocket. The pocket can be breached by destroying the Ingsphere. The Ingsphere keeps useful items in a dimensional pocket. Normally, the Ingsphere will only release the item to its Ing master. The pocket can be breached by destroying the Ingsphere, however. This sometimes destroys the item, but can be worth the risk.
Ingworm Cache
Location: Ing Hive
Transcript: Living storage units of the Ing Horde. The Ingworms wrap their bodies around useful items to protect them. They are defenseless. The Ingworms wrap their bodies around useful items to protect them. They are defenseless. They are not terribly durable and have no form of attack, hence their assignment as storage bearers by the Horde.
Flying Ing Cache <<Missable Scan>>
Location: All Areas
Transcript: Flying bearer unit of the Ing Horde. Creature ingests objects of value to the Hive. Only its death will release the object within. The Flying Cache was bred and trained to be a living storage unit. It employs a limited stealth field that renders it unseen to most enemies. The fact that the creature must be killed to obtain the object it stores is of little consequence to the Ing.
Plantforms
Agon Bearerpod
Location: Agon Wastes
Transcript: Living storage units of the Luminoth. Hardy desert plantform used to store useful items. Tough epidermis can be destroyed with weapons. The Agon Bearerpod is a hardy desert plantform used by the Luminoth to store useful items and supplies. Its tough epidermis can be destroyed by weapons. It gathers trace amounts of moisture from the air and stores it in a number of chambers throughout its body. It can hold and process this moisture for weeks if necessary.
Bloatsac
Location: Torvus Bog
Transcript: Gas-generating plantform. Target creates beneficial gasses. Poisonous sap keeps it from being eaten by most creatures. The humble Bloatsac contributes to its ecology by producing large amounts of benevolent gases. It thrives in damp enviroments, though it can survive in most climates and terrains. The Bloatsac secretes a venemous sap over its body. Very few creatures can ingest the sap and survive, making it a useful defensive mechanism for the plant.
Blueroot Tree
Location: Agon Wastes
Transcript: Highly poisonous plantform. Durable tree with venomous leaves, found on several worlds in desert climate zones. The Blueroot tree is common on worlds with desert regions. While an elegant, attractive plant, the tree’s leaves are highly toxic. Few species can ingest the species and live: many of them (such as Space Pirates) consider the deadly Blueroot leaf a delicacy.
Sandgrass
Location: Agon Wastes
Transcript: Indigenous strain of grass adapted to desert climate. Plant requires no moisture to survive, relying exclusively on solar energy for sustenance. Sandgrass scans indicate that the plant requires no moisture to survive. It relies exclusively on solar energy for sustenance, making it well adapted for life in the desert environment. Evidence of extensive mutation present, suggesting radical bio-adjustments within the last centicycle. Mutation source is not natural: plant strain was genetically engineered, possibly by the Luminoth.
Torvus Bearerpod
Location: Torvus Bog
Transcript: Field cache for Luminoth military. Designed to hold crucial munitions and supplies for Luminoth warriors. Some may still contain useful items left over from the war. The Torvus Bearerpod grows around useful items. The hard outer shell can be destroyed by weapon fire. The Luminoth use the hardy plants to store supplies for operations in the Torvus Bog. They are resistant to the harsh chemicals and diseases that run rampant in the swamp, and emit a deadly cloud when destroyed. This has discouraged their consumption by local animals.
Torvus Hanging Pod
Location: Torvus Bog
Transcript: Field cache for Luminoth military. Designed to hold crucial munitions and supplies for Luminoth warriors. Some may still contain useful items left over from the war. The Luminoth placed these pods throughout the bog for use by their soldiers during the war. Though many have been raided since then, some still contain useful items left over from the war