Editing Missile Launcher

{{Upgrade-infobox
|image=[[File:Missile Launcher (Echoes).png|100px|The Missile Launcher upgrade in Echoes]]
|caption=''Echoes''' Missile Launcher [[upgrade]]
|games=*All ''[[Metroid (series)|Metroid]]'' games
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''
|users=*[[Samus Aran]]
*[[Dark Missile Trooper]]s
*[[Dark Samus]]
*[[SA-X]]
|location=*[[Brinstar]] {{small|(''[[Metroid (game)|Metroid]]'' and ''[[Metroid: Zero Mission|Zero Mission]]'')}}
*[[Chozo Ruins]] - [[Hive Totem]] {{small|(''[[Metroid Prime (game)|Metroid Prime]]'')}}
*[[Temple Grounds]] - [[GFMC Compound]] {{small|(''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes|Echoes]]'')}}
*[[G.F.S. Olympus]] - [[Munitions Storage]] {{small|(''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption|Corruption]]'')}}
*[[Crateria]] {{small|(''[[Super Metroid]]'')}}
*[[Main Deck]] {{small|(''[[Metroid Fusion]]'')}}
|authorized=[[Main Sector]]
|obtain=
|uses=Allows Samus to fire [[Missile]]s
}}

[[Samus Aran|Samus's]] '''Missile Launcher''' is an [[Arm Cannon]] [[upgrade]] that allows Samus to use [[Missile]]s. The Missile Launcher can initially only fire normal missiles, but it can fire several different kinds of Missiles as Samus obtains the appropriate upgrade. In earlier games, simply obtaining the first [[Missile Expansion]] installs the Missile Launcher onto Samus's Arm Cannon.

In 2D ''Metroid'' games, the Missile Launcher can be activated without firing a Missile. Activating the Missile Launcher alters the Arm Cannon's appearance. The tip of the Arm Cannon opens wider, allowing Missiles to fit through the cannon. The Missile Launcher holds Samus's Missiles, however many she may have. The number of Missiles she has depends on how many Missile Expansions she has picked up. Because there are so many Missiles to be carried, it is possible that the Missile Launcher creates Missiles as it fires, and when the Launcher receives an upgrade it can create stronger variants of Missiles.

==Firepower==
The Missile Launcher's firepower seems to depend on the Missile upgrade Samus has collected. Initially, and consistently , Samus's Missile Launcher fires a single Missile at a time to deliver concentrated, explosive damage in one area. Missiles seem to be able to break through many obstacles that Samus's [[Power Beam]] cannot. Missiles are known to be effective against [[Brinstone]], [[Radion]], [[Missile Door Lock]]s, [[Red Blast Shield]]s, [[Fuel Gel]], [[Phazon]] crates, flammable crates, and other substances. They can also break through hard-shelled enemies such as [[Brizgee]]. In all cases, there is at least one brief second where Samus cannot fire a consecutive Missile. The Missile Launcher's firepower can be altered through acquiring different upgrades, though acquiring any Missile upgrade does not alter the Missile Launcher's appearance in any way.

==Usage==
The Missile Launcher seems to be heavily used by the [[Galactic Federation]]; [[Adam Malkovich]] uploads Missile data onto Samus's [[Power Suit]],<ref name="Manga Missile">{{cite manga|I've uploaded data on the [[Missile]] and [[Morph Ball Bomb|Bomb]] system|[[Adam Malkovich]]|2|14|15}}</ref> former Federation [[Dark Missile Trooper]]s use Missiles, and Missile data seems to appear in many GF locations such as ''[[G.F.S. Olympus]]'' and [[Biologic Space Laboratories Research Station|B.S.L Station's]] [[Main Deck]]. The Missile Launcher system seems to have been created by the [[Chozo]], considering it is a weapon found in [[Zebes]] [[Chozo Statue]]s and [[Chozo Ruins]], though the Galactic Federation seems to have adapted to this Chozo technology and used it extensively themselves.

Technology from the Missile Launchers seems to have been adapted by the Federation for use on ships. In [[Federation Landing Site]], a GF post in [[Bryyo]], [[Samus Aran's Gunship|Samus's gunship]] can be armed with [[Ship Missile]]s. These Missiles were likely used by the Federation as a defensive measure, though Samus uses them mainly to clear large obstructions.

Aside from the Galactic Federation, certain intelligent enemies are armed with the Missile Launcher and it's destructive capabilities. Notably, [[Cyborg Zebesian]]s aboard [[Bottle Ship]] and [[Dark Samus]] have the ability to shoot Missiles through Missile Launchers of their own. Dark Samus, after obtaining Samus's DNA and her [[Phazon Suit]], is able to fire [[Phazon]]-infused Missiles that leave a relatively large blast radius.

Cyborg Zebesians are also armed with Missile Launchers. Ironically, these enemies were armed by none other than the Federation themselves, researchers of the Bottle Ship armed them for possible use as biological weaponry. Samus can [[Sense Move|dodge]] the Missiles they fire with ease, meaning they lack homing capabilities of Samus's Missiles.

The [[Phrygisian]] [[Bounty Hunter|bounty hunter]] [[Rundas]] seems to be equipped with [[Ice Missile]] technology. Rundas uses his abilities to manipulate ice to launch blasts of ice. Whether these blasts can be considered Missile blasts or not is debatable. Upon defeat, however, it is certain that Rundas leaves behind Ice Missiles that Samus uses.

[[SA-X]], creatures that have mimicked Samus Aran's DNA are armed with Super Missiles. The creatures don't hesitate to destroy even the slightest of obstacles, such as a [[Blue Door]], with the very powerful Super Missile blast. They usually don't shoot Samus with it, however, as their [[Ice Beam]] is more effective against her.

==Main Appearances==
[[File:Missile m1 Screenshot.png|thumb|left|Samus's Missile-ready mode changes her suit's color]]
===''Metroid''===
The Missile Launcher first appears as the second [[upgrade]] available in ''[[Metroid (game)|Metroid]]'', following the [[Morph Ball]]. Samus obtains the launcher after finding a [[Missile Expansion]] in [[Brinstar]]. Unlike later appearances, activating the Missile Launcher will change Samus's Arm Cannon's color and not it's shape. Samus's blue Missile Launcher is capable of shooting Missiles, but its Missiles can't be upgraded. Samus can hold a maximum of 255 Missiles.

[[File:Missile Launcher zm Screenshot.png|thumb|right|Samus's Missile Launcher in ''[[Metroid: Zero Mission|Zero Mission]]'']]
===''Metroid: Zero Mission''===
The Missile Launcher appears in ''[[Metroid: Zero Mission]]'' exactly where it is found in the original ''Metroid''. It rests on parallel columns in a room in Brinstar. After turning around to exit the room she obtained the Missile Launcher from, [[Deorem]], the large, spiked, cycloptic worm creature will attack Samus. He can only be defeated by shooting Missiles at his singular eye. The Launcher is used to get past various other obstacles, mainly [[Red Door]]s.

The Missile Launcher functions identically to ''Metroid's'' Missile Launcher. In this game, however, Samus's Launcher can be upgraded with [[Super Missile]] firing capabilities. Upon defeating [[Kiru Giru]], a large flying insect, Samus can grab a [[Super Missile Expansion]] to upgrade the Missile Launcher with Super Missile firing capabilities. This green Super Missile is five times more powerful than the standard red Missile.

[[File:Gamma Metroid.png|thumb|left|Samus's Missile Launcher ready to fire at a [[Gamma Metroid]]]]
===''Metroid II: Return of Samus''===
At the start of her mission to eradicate the [[Metroid (species)|Metroid]]s on [[SR388]], Samus is equipped with the Missile Launcher. This Missile Launcher is required to even begin her mission, as the various Metroids on the planet are only able to be destroyed by taking hits from Samus's Missiles in certain areas. [[Metroid II: Return of Samus|''Metroid II'']] introduces a new element to the Missile world, the [[Missile Battery]]. Missile Batteries recharge Samus's Missile count to their max.

===''Metroid Prime''===
''[[Metroid Prime (game)|Metroid Prime]]'' marks Missiles' entrance to the 3D world. Samus is initially armed with the Missile Launcher, but it malfunctions along with many of Samus's other suit functions on [[Frigate Orpheon]]. The Missile Launcher is retrieved from [[Hive Mecha]] in Chozo Ruins' [[Hive Totem]]. In ''Prime'', Missiles are enhanced with homing capabilities. If Samus is [[Lock-On|locked on]] to a target using her [[Combat Visor]], shooting a Missile will cause the Missile to follow her target, making it easier to hit enemies. Samus can either fire a homing Missile or free-fire an unguided Missile.

''Prime'' also introduced [[Charge Combo]]s, weapons that combine separate [[Beam|beams']] Arm Cannons with the Missile Launcher. The power of the Missiles with [[Charge Beam|charged]] beam weaponry allows Samus to fire different kinds of weapons. Among these Charge Combos is the [[Super Missile]], with similar capabilities as before. It fires a much stronger, faster variant of the Missile that still retains its homing ability.

===''Metroid Prime Hunters''===
''[[Metroid Prime Hunters]]'' emphasizes the Missile Launcher as Samus's signature weapon; it is her [[Affinity Weapon]], her main weapon when fighting the other [[Bounty Hunter|hunters]] in the game. It is the only Affinity Weapon not to have an opposing counterpart.

[[File:Seeker Missile mp2.jpg|thumb|right|The multi-Missile weapon, [[Seeker Missile]]]]
===''Metroid Prime 2: Echoes''===
Samus is obtains the Missile Launcher early on when she arrives on [[Aether]]. She acquires it after reaching the downed Federation ship ''[[G.F.S. Tyr]]'' in the [[Temple Grounds|Temple Grounds']] [[GFMC Compound]]. The Missile Launcher functions identically to the first ''Prime''. ''Echoes'' has a set of Charge Combos of its own, integrating [[Luminoth]] weaponry with Missiles.

''Echoes'' also introduces a multi-Missile system, the [[Seeker Missile]]s. With the Seeker Missiles, Samus is able to fire up to five Missiles at up to five targets. These Missiles will all home, and they can be fired more than once at a locked on target. This is the first instance of a system in which more than one Missile can be shot simultaneously.

[[File:Hyper Missile mp3 Screenshot.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Phazon]]-infused Missile weapon, [[Hyper Missile]]]]
===''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption''===
During Samus's mission to destroy [[Leviathan]]s in ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption|Corruption]]'', Samus receives an array of upgrades to her Missile technology. She first obtains the Missile Launcher aboard the ''[[G.F.S. Olympus]]'' within [[Munitions Storage]], a room used for Federation storage. With this, Samus is able to clear debris she could not destroy before. This Missile retains homing capabilities as the first two [[Metroid Prime (series)|''Primes'']].

Samus's first main mission in ''Corruption'' is to locate Rundas, who had lost communication with the Federation. During her mission, in order to advance through [[Thorn Jungle Airdock]], Samus must first obtain [[Ship Missile]]s. Samus is able to upgrade her ship with Ship Missiles in a Federation Landing Site for use. These Missiles are, as one would expect, much stronger than any of Samus's weaponry; they are able to destroy enemies such as [[Berserker Knight]]s in one bombing run. These Missiles are capable of destroying [[Maldium]].

[[File:Ice Missile Obtain.jpg|thumb|left|Samus installing [[Rundas|Rundas's]] [[Ice Missile]]]]
After locating and defeating the [[Phazon Corruption|corrupted]] bounty hunter Rundas, Samus retrieves Ice Missiles. For a brief moment while obtaining the upgrade, Samus's Missile Launcher turns a frigid blue at the tip, the Launcher quickly reverts to its original state, however. Ice Missiles give Samus the ability to freeze both enemies and Fuel Gel, much like her [[Ice Beam]].

Reaching eastern [[SkyTown|SkyTown's]] [[Xenoresearch B|Xenoresearch labs]] reveals a third Missile upgrade, the Seeker Missile. The Seeker Missile returns in ''Corruption'', retaining the same abilities as before. Charging Missiles will cause the Seeker Missiles to activate. It also stacks with Ice Missiles, meaning that Samus can shoot up to five frigid Missiles at once.

After Samus completes her exploration on [[SkyTown]], she is able to enter [[Elysia|Elysia's]] [[Leviathan]] and battle [[Helios]]. Destroying Helios further corrupts Samus with Phazon and gives her the ability to shoot [[Hyper Missile]]s. Hyper Missiles are very powerful Missiles that are infused with poisonous Phazon. These Missiles are identical to the Missiles that Dark Samus fires, even leaving behind a similar sized blast radius, but they still fire at a slower rate than Dark Samus' missiles. 

[[File:Samus sm Artwork 2.png|150px|right|Samus's Missile Launcher ready to fire in Super Metroid]]
===''Super Metroid''===
''[[Super Metroid]]'' makes use of [[Missile]]s much like the first two ''Metroids''. Samus must obtain the Missile Launcher to bust through Red Doors and various other obstacles. The Missile Launcher can be later upgraded to use Super Missiles. The Missile Launcher is normally obtained shortly after obtaining the [[Morph Ball]]. It sits on the hands of a [[Chozo Statue]].

[[File:Seeker Missile om.jpg|thumb|left|The Seeker Missile [[Lock-On|locked on]] to multiple [[Reo]]s]]
===''Metroid: Other M''===
Samus first fires Missiles in ''[[Metroid: Other M|Other M]]'' when debriefing and training with the Galactic Federation. Samus fires her Missiles at a hologram [[Zebesian]]. Samus later uses her Missiles to allow [[Galactic Federation 07th Platoon]] entry into the main levels of [[Bottle Ship]]. After that, however, Samus chooses not to use Missiles because Adam had not authorized their usage. Unlike every other appearance of the Missile Launcher, Samus is able to replenish her Missiles simply by [[Concentration|concentrating]]. This follows the possibility that Samus's Missiles are produced within her Missile Launcher. It is not known, however, why she previously required [[Missile Ammo]] if she could have replenished her Missile count by concentrating.

Adam authorizes use of Samus's explosive weapons during the battle against [[Brug Mass]]. Samus is able to shatter pieces of the creature that the 07th Platoon had frozen using their [[Freeze Gun]]s. Samus is then free to use her Missiles throughout the rest of the Mission.

Super Missiles are authorized as Samus is fighting a clone of [[Ridley]]. Samus uses a Super Missile to open a hatch sealing back lava. The lava illuminates the room and makes Ridley visible. Samus uses them to severely damage the creature and to escape from the lava-filled room she was left in. She later uses them throughout the ship to destroy tougher shielding.

Samus's final addition to the Missile Launcher in the game is the Seeker Missile. Unlike every other upgrade in the game (except for the [[Diffusion Beam]]), Samus obtains the upgrade aboard the ship rather than previously having it but withholding its usage. After defeating the [[Rhedogian]], Samus installs the Seeker Missile upgrade from the sphere it leaves behind. The Federation seems to have developed these Seeker Missiles to add to their arsenal. They also have locked their secret [[Sector Zero]] behind a [[Multi-Lock Blast Shield]], requiring Seeker Missiles to enter. Samus uses the Seeker Missiles to enter this place.

[[File:Sciser mf Screenshot.png|thumb|left|Samus firing a Missile at a [[Sciser]]]]
===''Metroid Fusion''===
After losing all her weaponry to the [[X Parasite|X]], Samus is unable to use Missiles. She obtains the Missile Launcher, however, from a [[Data Room]], it is the first upgrade she obtains. Missiles are proven to be very vital, as they raise Samus's chance of survival from 10% to 20%, a relatively large jump.<ref>{{cite|You are only at 10% battle capacity. Your chance of survival is extremely low. The Federation needs you alive and on duty, Samus...|Adam Malkovich|[[Metroid Fusion]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite|With Missiles, your chance of survival climbs to 20%...|Adam Malkovich|Metroid Fusion}}</ref> With this Missile Launcher, Samus is able to defeat the [[Core-X]] and obtain any other upgrades they have absorbed.

[[File:SA-X Super Missile.png|thumb|right|An [[SA-X]] shooting Samus's [[Super Missile]]]]
The SA-X, mimicked versions of Samus, are able to fire Super Missiles. Because they mimicked Samus while she was equipped with her suit at full potential, they now have the Missile Launcher as well as other weapons.

Samus's Missile Launcher later receives a Super Missile upgrade in [[Sector 3 (PYR)]]. Unlike every other appearance of Super Missiles, they stack onto Samus's regular Missiles, meaning every Missile she fires is armed with Super Missile capabilities. These Super Missiles are used to damage and [[Sector 6 (NOC)|later]] destroy [[Security Robot B.O.X.]]

Samus's Missiles receive freezing capabilities much like in ''Corruption''. Because Samus's [[Fusion Suit]] was infused with Metroid DNA, Samus was as susceptible to cold as they were. With this in mind, the Federation decided to send a B.S.L Data Room Ice Missile data. Ice enforced Missiles are usable by Samus without damaging her.

With no aid from Adam, Samus is able to find the [[Diffusion Missile]] Data Room. With this upgrade, Samus's Missiles become chargable and more deadly. This weapon is powerful enough to damage SA-X. The Federation chose not to arm Samus with the Diffusion Missile, fearing that she would be able to become "too powerful" to the point where she would destroy the B.S.L Station, a feat she did complete.

==Other Appearances==
[[File:Metroid v2 ch16 23.jpg|thumb|left|The Missile Launcher defeats Samus's nemesis, [[Ridley]]]]
===''Metroid'' Manga===
The Missile Launcher appears very briefly in the ''[[Metroid (manga)|Metroid]]'' manga. Adam mentions<ref name="Manga Missile" /> upgrading Samus's Power Suit with Missiles for her mission to stop [[Mother Brain]] on [[Zebes]]. On the planet, Samus doesn't use her Missiles until she fights Ridley. After a shot from her [[Wave Beam]] and [[Ice Beam]], Samus finishes [[Ridley]] with a direct hit from her Missile.

[[File:Super Missile ssbb Screenshot.jpg|thumb|left|Samus firing a high-powered Super Missile in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Brawl]]'']] [[File:Samus ssbm.jpg|thumb|right|Samus's Missile Launcher in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee|Melee]]'']]
===''Super Smash Bros. Series''===
{{main|smashwiki:Missile{{!}}SmashWiki: Missile}}
Samus's Missile Launcher appears in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Brawl]]''. It is her side special move, able to fire homing Missiles. Her Missiles have a relatively short range dealing 5% damage. In ''Brawl'', tapping her side special shoots Samus's Super Missile. The green-tipped Missile shoots at a much faster rate with a longer range and deals twice the damage of a normal Missile. Super Missiles, however, do not home onto targets.
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==Data==
===Sprites===
{{sprite table
|m1=[[File:Missile Launcher m1 Sprite.png|Metroid - Missile Launcher]]
|m2=[[File:Missile Launcher m2 Sprite.png|Metroid II: Return of Samus - Missile Launcher]]
|mf=[[File:Missile Launcher mf Sprite.png|Metroid Fusion - Missile Launcher]]
|zm=[[File:Missile Launcher zm Sprite.png|Metroid: Zero Mission - Missile Launcher]]
|bottomright=zm
}}

==Trivia==
*The Missile Launcher, [[Morph Ball]], [[Morph Ball Bomb]], and [[Varia Suit]] are the only [[upgrade]]s that have appeared in every ''[[Metroid (series)|Metroid]]'' game.
*When using the [[X-Ray Visor]] in ''[[Metroid Prime (game)|Metroid Prime]]'' and ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]'', Samus's Missile Launcher is shown to activate when Samus twists her arm clockwise and fires with her index finger. When she twists her arm back, the [[Arm Cannon]] reverts to its current [[beam]] setting.
*There is [[Glitches in Metroid Prime|a glitch in ''Metroid Prime'']] called the [[Glitches in Metroid Prime#Rapid Fire Glitch|Rapid Fire Glitch]] that allows Samus to fire Missiles at a much faster pace than normal.
*In ''[[Super Metroid]]'', activating the [[Grapple Beam|Grappling Beam]] makes the [[Arm Cannon]] look identical to the Missile Launcher.
*''[[Metroid Fusion]]'' is the only ''Metroid'' game where the Missile Launcher is the first upgrade obtained.
*In ''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes|Echoes]]'', the Missile Launcher upgrade and [[Missile Expansion]]s use different models. The Missile Expansion appears smaller and bulkier than the Missile Launcher, though both simply look like [[Missile]]s. The Missile Launcher can be twice, once in a crate in [[GFMC Compound]] and another held by the [[Darkling|Ing-controlled]] [[Dark Missile Trooper]] in [[Hive Chamber A]]. The second Missile Launcher will simply act as a Missile Expansion.

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[[Category:Arm Cannon]][[Category:Weapons]][[Category:Technology]]