Dark Samus

Lore & Background

In the events of Metroid Prime, Samus Aran absorbed a concentrated dose of Phazon, a parasitic alien energy that bonded with her suit and transformed her into Dark Samus. The Phazon granted her immense power—enhanced strength, new energy weapons, and a terrifying golden sheen—but it also began to erode her humanity. The transformation was not a simple upgrade; it was a slow takeover, a reminder that the line between hunter and hunted could dissolve under the right corruption.

Reader's Guide

FIGHTER DOSSIER: DARK SAMUS

Source Franchise: Metroid (Nintendo) First Smash Appearance: Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008) as a standalone fighter Unlock Method: In Brawl, obtained by clearing the Subspace Emissary or via the 4-player Frenzy Rush. In Ultimate, unlocked through the Smash Ball system or by defeating her in the Classic Mode roster challenge.

NEUTRAL ATTACK: A rapid sequence of Phazon-charged slashes and a short-range energy burst. The combo ends with a small Phazon beam flick. Moderate range, good for zoning at close distance.

SIDE SPECIAL – Phazon Gun: Charges and fires a powerful, piercing Phazon beam. The charge time is short but the beam has significant knockback and can pass through multiple opponents. A core zoning tool.

UP SPECIAL – Phazon Boost: A rocket-jump that launches Dark Samus upward with a burst of violet energy. Decent height and forward drift, making it a reliable recovery option.

DOWN SPECIAL – Phazon Bomb: Places a Phazon charge on the ground that detonates after a brief delay, dealing area knockback. Can be used off-stage to create a platform or punish opponents at the blast zone.

FORWARD AIR: A horizontal Phazon slash with good reach. UP AIR: An upward Phazon arc. DOWN AIR: A diving Phazon strike with strong knockfall. All three carry a faint violet particle trail.

FORWARD SMASH: A sweeping Phazon energy wave that travels forward along the ground. UP SMASH: A vertical Phazon pillar. DOWN SMASH: A ground-hugging Phazon shockwave that extends in both directions.

GRABS: Phazon tendrils extend from the gauntlets for grabs and throws. Throws are moderate in power but have a distinct purple energy animation.

UNIQUE MECHANICS: Dark Samus is slightly heavier than Samus, giving her more momentum in dashes and aerials but making her a touch slower to change direction. Her Phazon-based moves have a subtle visual tell—violet energy flares—that can telegraph intent. Her recovery (Phazon Boost) is comparable to Samus's Space Jump but with a slightly different trajectory.

ALTERNATE COSTUMES: Several color variations exist, shifting the Phazon glow between deep violet, magenta, and pale blue, while the base armor tone ranges from gold to a darker bronze.

Did You Know?

• Dark Samus first appeared in Metroid Prime (2002) when Samus absorbed the Phazon, a parasitic alien energy that bonded with her suit.
• In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Dark Samus existed only as an alternate costume for Samus; she did not become her own independent fighter until Brawl in 2008.
• Her Phazon-based moveset in Smash gives her a noticeably different weight and momentum profile compared to Samus, making her feel heavier and more committed in aerials.