Sylux: The Antagonist of Metroid Prime 4

With the recent release of a brand-new trailer for Metroid Prime 4, fans were ecstatic to finally see gameplay footage and learn about the game’s release window. The trailer also provided a sneak peek at the game’s antagonist, Sylux.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding this ominous figure’s identity, he is actually a long-standing character in the series who played a significant role in one game, while also making hidden appearances in a few others.

To provide clarification for those unfamiliar with Sylux and have inquiries following the release of the recent trailer, we have gathered information on his identity and what fans can anticipate from his role in Metroid Prime 4.

Metroid Prime 4 shot of Sylux — Nintendo

Who is Sylux?

Little is revealed about Sylux’s past before he assumed his current identity. However, similar to the Metroid lead character, Samus Aran, his occupation as a bounty hunter is widely known.

However, the distinguishing factor between the two is Sylux’s intense animosity towards the Galactic Federation, the primary governing entity in the series with whom Samus has frequently collaborated. While the reason for his hatred remains unknown, it is clear that he sees Samus as an adversary due to her association with the Federation.

Despite his strong disdain for the government, he has gone as far as to work with the Space Pirates and aided them in launching an attack on a facility owned by the Federation.

Sylux made his debut in Metroid Prime Hunters, a spin-off game that was released after the initial installment. In the game, he and Samus engage in multiple confrontations, culminating in their escape from the Oubilette prison alongside several other bounty hunters.

His only primary role in the series was in this installment, as his subsequent appearances were in hidden endings. In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, the first of these endings showed Sylux tailing Samus’ spacecraft as it soared into the vastness of space.

In Metroid Prime: Federation Forces, Sylux makes a second secret appearance. After completing a specific objective, players can activate a cutscene that plays after the credits. This cutscene depicts Sylux infiltrating a Federation research station and causing a Metroid egg to hatch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMAgmdR8jwU

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMAgmdR8jwU)

What is Sylux doing in Metroid Prime 4?

As of writing, it is still a mystery what Sylux’s exact intentions are in Metroid Prime 4. However, there are some hints that suggest what may be involved in the sequel.

Despite Sylux’s deep-seated hatred for Samus and his long-standing surveillance of her, it is evident that he intends to use Metroids as a means to achieve his goals. Considering Samus’ extensive experience in battling these extraterrestrial beings, it is only logical that Sylux would use them as a weapon against her, as it aligns with his motives and makes strategic sense.

In the conclusion of Metroid 2, an infant was observed hatching and forming a bond with Samus. This leads to the possibility that Sylux could also be hatching these creatures and forming a bond with them, ultimately utilizing them as weapons.

It appears that Sylux will once again be teaming up with a group of Space Pirates, indicating that he has once again formed an alliance with these nefarious characters.

Although the exact goal may still be unknown, we can expect to gain further insight as the release of Metroid Prime 4 draws closer in 2025.