Combat

Now that you’re past the basics, time to get to the good stuff: fighting!

Targeting Foes

Locking on to Link’s enemies is a vital combat strategy. Hold to lock on to the nearest foe that Tatl has targeted, which is known as -Targeting. Once you’ve locked on to an enemy with , Link focuses on the enemy, targeting it with his items and moving in relation to it. Release to break the target lock and resume moving normally.

Blocking

Hold to raise Link’s shield and assume a defensive stance. Link can block most frontal attacks with his shield, although certain attacks (like fire or big impacts) can’t be blocked. Link normally stands still while blocking, but he can also move while blocking if you hold or use -Targeting while holding to block. It’s best to hold and keep Link’s shield up at all times when targeting new or dangerous foes.

Attacking

A skilled swordsman, Link has no trouble handling the blade. Just press to swing Link’s sword and cut down whatever’s ahead of him. By combining with and Circle Pad, you can make Link perform the following sword attacks:

• Horizontal Strike: (): A swift sideways strike that hits anything in front of Link. Good against enemy swarms.
• Vertical Strike ( + ): A fast frontal chop that rends enemies from head to toe.
• Thrust ( + Circle Pad + ): A quick forward stab that’s well suited for striking nimble foes.
• Jump Attack ( + ): A mighty leaping blow that’s slower but more powerful than Link’s other sword attacks.
• Spin Attack (Hold and release): After taking a moment to ready himself, Link spins in a circle, slashing up everything around him.