Crane

A Crane is a major feature in the Main Quarry in the Phazon Mines in Metroid Prime. Though its usage is optional, it is necessary if 100% item completion is desired.

Samus Aran must ascend to the top of the central structure in the Main Quarry. The crane features a Spider Ball Track on the underside that connects to a pillar lined with another track. It also holds a circular disk that serves like a wrecking ball, but also features a Grapple Point. The crane initially is disconnected.

The crane's controls are functional, but they require energy. This can be provided by using the Thermal Visor to visualize a Power Conduit, and then energize it by shooting it with the Wave Beam. The panel in a booth off to the side will activate, flash red, and repeatedly beep. If Samus scans this switch, the crane will turn, connect to the Spider Ball Track-lined pillar, and smash into a wall, exposing a Missile Expansion.

Later, from the Waste Disposal door, Samus can scan an Interface Module to her left to summon the crane's Grapple Point so she can use it.

Official data

Scans (Main Quarry)

Crane

"Crane unit scan indicates recent use. Device is currently inactive."

Interface Module

"These Crane controls are functional but require power. The power conduits to activate the Crane are most likely located near the control cabin on the other side of this room."

Crane panel (deactivated)

"The Crane controls are functional, but require power. A Power Conduit is nearby. A blast of electrical energy will energize the Conduit and restore power to the Crane."

Crane panel (activated)

"Crane controls now active."

Trivia

• The crane's deactivated panel scan is present in the Observatory Access room in the Phendrana Drifts. It has a blank scan image, and the Scan Point itself is both invisible and placed outside of the room. Despite this, it can be scanned by using speedrunning techniques to get outside of the level.[1]