After first boss Metroid Dread, you need to head to the upper-left corner of the Corpius arena and use your new Phantom Cloak to slip through the sensor-lock door, which leads to a short corridor and an elevator to Dairon. This is the only path forward, and it opens up the next major area of the game.
Where to go after the first boss in Metroid Dread
The first boss in Metroid Dread is Corpius, a scorpion-like monster you fight in Artaria. Defeating him grants you two essential abilities: the Phantom Cloak, which makes you invisible to enemy sensors, and the Morph Ball, which lets you roll into tight spaces. These two items are the key to everything you do next, so make sure you understand how they work before moving on.
Step 1: Collect your rewards from the Corpius fight
Immediately after the battle, a cutscene plays where Samus automatically absorbs the Phantom Cloak ability. You don’t need to press any buttons, just wait for the scene to finish. In the same room, you’ll also find the Morph Ball if you haven’t picked it up already. It’s sitting on a small platform near the center of the arena, so grab it before you leave. Having both abilities is mandatory for the next section, so double-check your inventory if you’re unsure.
Step 2: Use the Phantom Cloak to exit the boss room
Once you have both items, look to the upper-left part of the Corpius boss arena. You’ll see a door with a blue sensor-lock icon above it. This door cannot be opened normally, it requires the Phantom Cloak to pass through undetected. To activate it, hold the L button (or the equivalent on your controller) to turn Samus invisible, then walk or roll through the door while the cloak is active. If you let go too early, the sensor will detect you and the door will stay locked, so keep the button held until you’re fully on the other side.
Step 3: Navigate through the E.M.M.I. zone to the elevator
Beyond the sensor-lock door is a short corridor that leads directly into an E.M.M.I. zone. This particular E.M.M.I. is damaged and moves slower than others you’ll encounter later, but it’s still deadly if it catches you. Your goal is to reach the elevator at the far end of this corridor, which takes you to the next area, Dairon. Use the Morph Ball to roll through the tight gaps along the floor, these are too small for the E.M.M.I. to follow, giving you a safe path forward. Keep moving, and don’t stop to explore side rooms yet; the elevator is straight ahead.
Sub-step: Use the Morph Ball in tight spaces
As you roll through the corridor, you’ll notice several narrow passages that only the Morph Ball can fit through. These are your escape routes if the E.M.M.I. gets close. Use them to break line of sight and buy yourself time. The elevator is at the end of the last such passage, so keep rolling until you see the door prompt.
Preparing for what comes next
Once you reach Dairon, the game opens up significantly, but you’ll still need to rely on your new abilities. Use the Phantom Cloak to evade any E.M.M.I. encounters you trigger in this new area, it’s your only defense against them until you find a way to destroy them permanently. Also, keep an eye out for breakable blocks and hidden passages. The Morph Ball can reveal many of these, and the Phantom Cloak will let you spot sensor-locked doors that lead to optional upgrades. Exploring thoroughly now will make the next boss fight much easier, so take your time and search every room you enter.
