Introduction
Welcome to our Metroid Dread guide! In this segment, we’ll cover the Gozuna boss fight, sharing strategies to help you dominate this challenging encounter. Gozuna is known for being one of the tougher bosses, especially in Dread Mode. This guide will break down every phase and attack pattern, ensuring you’re well-prepared.

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Preparing for Gozuna: Movement and Setup

Once you’ve acquired the Gravity Suit, underwater mobility becomes seamless, allowing you to move without hindrances. To optimize your approach:

1. Flash Shift Early: Use Flash Shift immediately to reach the water faster.
2. Shinespark Setup: Store a Shinespark to efficiently grab the last missile pack of the run. Position yourself slightly to the left for the most effective path.
3. Ledge Optimization: Instead of mantling onto ledges, jump and morph to conserve speed and fluidity.

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Phase 1: Understanding Gozuna’s Moveset

Key Tips:

• Positioning: Stay grounded initially, firing ice missiles or plasma beams.
• Mashing Technique: High attack speed isn’t mandatory, but efficient movement is. Turbo controllers are allowed with a 12 Hz cap for leaderboards.
• Enemy Behavior: Watch the minor enemies closely. Their movement dictates whether you should reposition.

Recommended Strategy:

• Stay Mid: Focus fire using ice missiles or plasma beams. Gozuna’s movement will signal when to jump or Flash Shift.
• Morph Ball Defense: When overwhelmed, switch to Morph Ball for tighter maneuvering.

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Phase 2: Speed Booster and Shinespark Techniques

Speed Booster Tactics:

• Charge Beam Timing: One charged beam shot should eliminate initial threats.
• Speed Booster: Activate it early for added movement speed. Missing the booster isn’t a dealbreaker—it saves minor time but looks cool.

Key Strategy:

• Directional Deception: Stand on the right long enough to bait enemies into facing away. Use Shinespark to hit their exposed sides.

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Gozuna: Advanced Shinespark Techniques

Ball Spark Strategy: (Recommended for Consistency)

• Timing: Activate Shinespark shortly after Gozuna’s phase shift.
• Positioning: Slide and morph directly under Gozuna, then press B to launch the Ball Spark. This move pushes Gozuna left, giving you time to reposition.
• Second Shinespark: Use Speed Booster immediately after Ball Spark to store another Shinespark. Timing here is crucial but manageable with practice.

Alternative Approach:

• If Ball Spark fails, fall back to ice missiles (approx. 18) targeted at Gozuna’s back.

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Defeating the X Parasite Efficiently

• Shinespark Execution:
  1. After Gozuna falls, immediately start a Speed Booster.
  2. Store a Shinespark and dash into the X Parasite.
• Precision: Quick and accurate execution prevents the X Parasite from escaping or causing additional trouble.

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Summary: Key Takeaways for the Gozuna Fight

1. Master Shinespark: The Ball Spark technique offers consistency and efficiency.
2. Focus on Movement: Prioritize efficient movement over attack speed.
3. Adapt to Mistakes: Falling back to ice missiles is a reliable contingency.
4. Parasite Cleanup: Shinespark makes dealing with the X Parasite effortless.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll turn the Gozuna fight from a nightmare into a speedrunning triumph. Practice these steps, and you’ll be ready to take on even the most challenging sections of Metroid Dread!

Good luck, and may your Shinesparks be swift and precise!