Once players unlock the three elemental weapons in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, they can enhance these weapons significantly by delving into the game’s expansive new desert zone, known as Sol Valley. Scattered across this arid landscape are six underground shrines, each dedicated to upgrading a particular elemental weapon. Additionally, three above-ground shrines augment the Vi-O-La motorcycle’s Boost capability. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide detailed locations and solutions for every shrine within the Sol Valley desert region.
Essential Elemental Upgrade Shrines in Sol Valley – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Understanding Upgrade Shrines
The game features six elemental upgrade shrines—two for each elemental weapon—ensuring players can enhance their arsenal effectively. The sequence of upgrades is consistent, with players first unlocking the Charged Shot, followed by the Super Shot. However, players must acquire the appropriate elemental weapons before they can access each shrine, as every entrance is guarded by an Elemental Blocker. Inside each shrine, players will also find one bonus expansion item—such as a Missile Expansion, Shot Expansion, or Energy Tank. Below, we outline the locations for each shrine, alongside strategies for solving the puzzles and collecting the upgrades.
Fire Shot Upgrade Shrines in Sol Valley – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Rings of Stone Shrine – Fire Shot Upgrade
- Blocker Type: Ice Blocker
- Expansion Item: Shot Expansion
Begin your journey by using the Ice Shot to eliminate the Ice Blocker guarding the entrance. Once inside, you will encounter a seemingly empty shrine, but using the Psychic Visor at the room’s end will reveal a large, intricate ringed structure embedded in the ground.
Scanning this object activates it, causing it to rise and revolve. You’ll observe three rings surrounding a central target. Utilize the Psychic Charge Beam to slow the rings’ movement, allowing you to make accurate shots at the target.
Successfully destroying the target will rearrange the rings into an elevator leading to your upgrade.
To retrieve the Shot Expansion, face away from the Upgrade Item statue and examine the ceiling using scan mode. You will discern purple Psychic Energy emanating from a small crevice. Use your Psychic Charge Beam to eliminate a target within that cavity, uncovering a Morph Ball entrance leading to the Shot Expansion.
Ladder of Thought Shrine – Fire Shot Upgrade
- Blocker Type: None
- Expansion Item: Energy Tank
The Ladder of Thought shrine features a straightforward puzzle comprising two platforms, each equipped with a Psychic Node. Players are required to alternate between these platforms, maneuvering them strategically until they reach the upper ledge. The upgrade altar is located just beyond the door on the other side.
To access the Energy Tank, locate the Morph Ball slot near the upper platform’s door and eliminate the webbing using Fire Shot to unveil it.
Ice Shot Upgrade Shrines in Sol Valley – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Source of Spring Shrine – Ice Shot Upgrade
- Elemental Blocker Type: None
- Expansion Item: Missile Expansion
Inside the Source of Spring Shrine, players need the Ice Shot to interact with the environment effectively, primarily to freeze flowing water. Upon entering the chamber, players will note three pipes discharging water, creating waterfalls. Position yourself above the central waterfall to freeze the right and left pipes, allowing all the water to flow from the center and lowering the platform.
Once the platform lowers, you will see the doorway leading to the upgrade chamber, with the Missile Expansion visible behind a gate at ground level. Utilize the waterfall impact point to discover a Morph Ball slot for accessing the Missile Expansion chamber.
Floating Path Shrine – Ice Shot Upgrade
- Elemental Blocker Type: Thunder Blocker
- Expansion Item: Shot Expansion
For the Floating Path Shrine, players must possess the Thunder Shot to break the Thunder Blocker at the entrance.
Upon entering, you will notice two Psychic Nodes placed on pedestals. Gradually place each node onto the extending platforms to create a path across the gap.
After reaching the end, position one node into the door’s mechanism to gain access to the upgrade chamber.
To secure the Shot Expansion, take a Psychic Node to the lower level and insert it in the statue’s receptacle to reveal a hidden chamber containing the expansion item.
Thunder Shot Upgrade Shrines in Sol Valley – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Ring of Thunder Shrine – Thunder Shot Upgrade
- Elemental Blocker Type: None
- Expansion Item: Energy Tank
Prior to entering the Ring of Thunder shrine, which has no elemental lock, circle around to the rear and activate the hidden chamber by using the Psychic Visor to reveal an Energy Tank.
Inside the shrine, you will discover a circular array of pylons. Activate your Psychic Visor to identify two pylons that can be manipulated. Elevate both pylons to expose their conductive sections. Following this, launch a Thunder Shot at either pylon to generate energy flow throughout the circle. Successfully doing so will create an elevator leading to the upgrade chamber.
Falling Labyrinth Shrine – Thunder Shot Upgrade
- Elemental Blocker Type: Thunder Blocker
- Expansion Item: Shot Expansion
Accessing the Falling Labyrinth shrine necessitates the Thunder Shot. Upon entering, proceed through the first door to find a Spinner device positioned centrally in the room. Utilize the Psychic Boost to expose a node within this mechanism.
Insert the Psychic Node into the circular grate located in the ceiling directly above. This reveals an extensive track for the Psychic Spider Ball that spreads across the walls and ceiling.
To chart the most efficient route upward, observe the track from the exit back to the starting point. This analysis will indicate the optimal starting position. After reaching the ceiling hole, open the door to the upgrade chamber.
To locate the Shot Expansion, drop down to the lowest platform level and check for a Morph Ball entrance situated beneath the central structure, where the expansion item is hidden.
Vi-O-La Boost Upgrades in Sol Valley – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Three Boost Charge Upgrades for the Vi-O-La
In Sol Valley, you will find three Vi-O-La Boost Tanks. To collect each upgrade, players must first break through an Elemental Blocker. The locations of these shrines are as follows:
Western Boost Tank Shrine Location
The Western Boost Tank upgrade shrine is strategically situated between Volt Forge and Fury Green, along the western periphery of Sol Valley. As with the others, this shrine is positioned on an elevated rock platform that is accessible through jumps, some requiring the Psychic Boots and others needing a leap from smaller ledges. The shrine is secured with a Fire Blocker.
Eastern Boost Tank Shrine Location
Located southeast of the eastern G. F.Debris field, the Eastern Boost Tank shrine can also be accessed by traveling directly north from the Source of Spring shrine, leading you quickly to the raised plateau where this tank is found. It is shielded by an Ice Blocker.
Chrono Tower Boost Tank Shrine Location
The last Boost Tank shrine is positioned southwest of Chrono Tower, just beyond the force-field surrounding it. Like the others, it rests on a plateau-shaped rock and is locked with a Thunder Blocker.
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