How to Unlock the Motorcycle in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond
After eight years of waiting, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally dropped, and it came with a surprise that got fans hyped during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct—Samus on a motorcycle! Yes, you read that right. The bounty hunter trades her Morph Ball for two wheels, at least temporarily.
This sleek ride is officially called the Vi-O-La, and it’s not just for show. Once you unlock it, you’ll be zipping through areas faster than you can say “Space Pirates.” But getting your hands on this beauty requires a bit of legwork. Here’s everything you need to know about how to unlock the motorcycle in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond and master its controls.
For more comprehensive strategies, check out our Metroid Prime 4: Beyond gameplay guide.
Where to Find the Vi-O-La Motorcycle
You’ll encounter the Vi-O-La during your exploration of the Volt Forge area. Specifically, you’ll stumble upon it while hunting for the second teleporter key—a critical objective that pushes the story forward.
But here’s the catch: you can’t just hop on and ride off into the sunset. The motorcycle is locked behind a power puzzle that requires you to restore electricity to Tower 1. Think of it as Samus earning her keys before taking the bike for a spin.
Step-by-Step: How to Get the Motorcycle in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond
- Arrive at Volt Forge – Progress through the game until you reach this industrial area. If you need help navigating this zone, our guide on the Manufacturing Floor in Volt Forge has you covered.
- Locate Tower 1 – Your objective is to restore power here. Head to the tower and prepare to descend.
- Ride the Elevators Down – Take the elevators to the lowest section of Tower 1. Keep your eyes peeled for enemies and environmental hazards.
- Activate the Lightning Rod – At the bottom, you’ll find a lightning rod mechanism. Interact with it to restore power to the tower.
- Return to the Vi-O-La – Make your way back up to where you first spotted the motorcycle.
- Use the Vi-O-La Suit Printer – Interact with this device to unlock the Vi-O-La Suit. This suit is what allows Samus to interface with the motorcycle.
- Press A to Activate – Once you have the suit, approach the Vi-O-La and press the A button to mount up.
And just like that, you’re mobile! The Vi-O-La opens up new traversal options and makes backtracking through large areas way less tedious.
Vi-O-La Controls: How to Ride (and Get Off) the Motorcycle
Controlling the Vi-O-La is pretty intuitive once you get the hang of it. The game doesn’t always explain every button if you’ve disabled tutorials, so here’s the full breakdown.
Basic Controls
- Accelerate: Press R or ZR to speed up. Hold it down to maintain momentum.
- Brake: Use L or ZL to slow down or stop.
- Dismount/Summon: Press the + button to get off the motorcycle. You can also use this button to call the Vi-O-La back to you in areas where riding is allowed.
Advanced Abilities (Unlocked Later)
As you progress through Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, you’ll gain new abilities that make the Vi-O-La even more versatile:
- Fire Projectile: Press A to shoot while riding. Perfect for clearing enemies without stopping.
- Multi-Target: Hold A to lock onto multiple targets before unleashing a barrage.
- Speed Boost: Press B to activate a burst of speed. Great for covering long distances quickly or smashing through obstacles.
- Power Slide: After activating a speed boost, hold B to drift around corners like a pro.
Utility Features
- Change Visor: Press X to cycle through visors. Yes, you can still use your visor abilities while riding.
- Scan: Use ZL to scan objects and enemies. Note that scanning while riding only works with the Psychic Visor equipped.
- Toggle Minimap: Press the ▼ button to bring up or hide the minimap for better navigation.
Full Vi-O-La Control Chart
| Action | Button |
|---|---|
| Accelerate | R / ZR |
| Brake | L / ZL |
| Change Visor | X |
| Fire Projectile | A |
| Multi-Target | A (Hold) |
| Scan | ZL |
| Speed Boost | B |
| Power Slide (After Boost) | B (Hold) |
| Dismount / Summon | + |
| Toggle Minimap | ▼ (Down) |
Tips for Using the Vi-O-La Effectively
Now that you know how to unlock the motorcycle in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond and control it, here are some tips to get the most out of your ride:
- Use Speed Boosts Strategically: The speed boost isn’t just for moving fast—it can also break through certain barriers and obstacles. Experiment when you see suspicious-looking walls.
- Don’t Forget You Can Scan: It’s easy to zoom past everything, but some scannable objects are only accessible while riding. Keep the Psychic Visor handy.
- Master the Power Slide: Tight corners can be tricky at high speed. Get comfortable with the power slide mechanic to maintain momentum without crashing.
- Combat on Wheels: The ability to fire projectiles while riding is a game-changer. You can thin out enemy groups before dismounting for tougher encounters. This comes in especially handy during sequences like the Carvex boss fight.
- Summon Smartly: You can call the Vi-O-La to you with the + button, but only in designated riding areas. If the prompt doesn’t appear, you’re likely in a space where the motorcycle can’t be used.
For more advanced combat tips, check out our guides on obtaining the Missile Launcher and tackling the Sanctum of Guardians.
Why the Vi-O-La Is a Game-Changer
The Vi-O-La isn’t just a cool gimmick—it fundamentally changes how you navigate the world of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Previous Metroid Prime games relied heavily on the Morph Ball for traversal, but the motorcycle adds a new layer of speed and versatility.
It’s especially useful for:
- Backtracking: Once you unlock new abilities or keys, you’ll often need to revisit earlier areas. The Vi-O-La cuts down travel time significantly.
- Exploration: Some areas are designed with the motorcycle in mind, featuring long stretches or ramps that are tedious on foot.
- Combat Scenarios: Certain enemy encounters and set pieces are built around the Vi-O-La’s speed and firepower.
If you’re diving deep into the game’s world, you’ll want to grab the official release from Nintendo’s store.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you unlock the Vi-O-La motorcycle early in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond?
No, the Vi-O-La is unlocked as part of the main story progression in the Volt Forge area. You’ll need to reach Tower 1, restore its power by activating the lightning rod at the bottom, and then use the Vi-O-La Suit Printer to gain access. There’s no way to skip ahead or unlock it earlier.
How do you get off the motorcycle in Metroid Prime 4?
Press the + button to dismount the Vi-O-La. This same button also summons the motorcycle back to you in areas where riding is permitted. If you disabled tutorials, this might not have been obvious at first—it’s a detail that’s easy to miss.
Can you use all visors while riding the Vi-O-La?
You can switch between visors using the X button while riding. However, scanning objects and enemies is only possible when you have the Psychic Visor equipped. Other visors work normally but won’t allow scanning functionality.
What abilities can the Vi-O-La unlock later in the game?
As you progress, you’ll gain the ability to fire projectiles (press A), use multi-targeting (hold A), activate speed boosts (press B), and execute power slides (hold B after boosting). These upgrades make the motorcycle essential for both combat and exploration in later areas.
Unlocking the Vi-O-La motorcycle in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is one of the game’s standout moments. It’s a fresh addition to the series that respects its roots while pushing the gameplay in exciting new directions. Once you’ve got the controls down and upgraded your abilities, you’ll wonder how you ever explored the galaxy without it.
So get out there, restore that power, unlock the Vi-O-La Suit, and start shredding through the Volt Forge like the legendary bounty hunter you are. And if you’re looking for more strategies, our main gameplay hub has everything you need to dominate Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Happy riding, bounty hunters!
