Phenoros is one of the major boss fights in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on the Nintendo Switch 2, and while I died a few times against him, he still ended up being one of my favorite fights in the game.

The battle starts in a gigantic lava pit while riding the Vi-O-La bike. That part serves as a fairly easy warm-up phase where you drive around and blast certain weak points so the fight can progress into its true boss phase. The only thing I did not like was that you pretty much have to repeat this section every time you die, which becomes a little annoying after a while.

Phenoros was the first boss that genuinely made me fear for Samus Aran’s life. It is easy enough to land some damage, but avoiding damage in return is a completely different challenge. This is definitely not a boss battle you can win without giving it your full attention.

To make things even more intense, the battle ends with one of those dramatic one-shot sequences that is not optional. You have to use the slow-motion psychic projectile ability, guide the shot inside his body, and strike the weak point directly.

Once you pull that off, Phenoros is finally defeated and destroyed for good. I cannot remember the exact reward for beating him, but after such a difficult battle, the victory still feels rewarding regardless of what the game actually gives you.