Link's Moves and Abilities
When exploring the shadowy caverns and uncharted corners of Hyrule, survival is never guaranteed. Link’s world is full of all sorts of dangers, and the first step to ensuring a long life in the adventuring business is to master all of the moves and abilities your survival may hinge upon.
Human Form
Link’s most versatile form is his normal, everyday self. In human form, Link can wield a sword and defend himself with a shield. He also has access to all of the different items and tools he has acquired during his travels, which are often used to overcome a variety of obstacles. Most importantly, Link can talk to people he meets while in human form.
Walking and Running
Push the analog stick on the Nunchuk in any direction to make Link run in that direction. Gently push the analog stick to make Link walk, which is handy when navigating narrow ledges and the like.
Jumping
No specific button is required to make Link jump; simply run off the edge of any ledge or precipice and Link automatically leaps into the air. Practice jumping about with Link early in the adventure to get a feel for how far he can travel through the air.
Rolling
While running, press A to make Link tuck and roll. This simple move causes Link to move a bit faster, so it’s common to roll over and over when traveling long distances on foot. Link is also a much smaller and more agile target when rolling, so abuse this handy maneuver when you need to quickly move out of harm’s way.
Human Form Combat
Now we’re getting to the good stuff! Link lives in troubled times, where knowing how to defend oneself is one of the most vital skill sets to master. Let’s take a look at the many offensive and defensive moves that are available to Link in his human form.
Z targeting
This is where it all begins! Targeting hostile creatures is absolutely vital to succeeding in combat. Whenever you encounter a creepy creature, press and hold Z to target it. Link’s attention then becomes focused on the enemy, keeping it in his view at all times.
Understand that Link’s movements revolve around his current target. When you push the analog stick to move about, Link now sidesteps around his targeted foe.
The function of A also changes when you’re targeting an enemy. While moving to one side or the other, pressing A causes Link to perform a quick lateral hop. This is an effective way to avoid linear attacks, and can even help you flank your foe!
Holding Z to target is also how you raise Link’s shield to defend against incoming attacks. Blocking with a shield can be extremely useful, especially when you’re faced with a new enemy whose attacks are unfamiliar, or when up against overwhelming odds. Link can defend just about any attack by blocking; don’t overlook this handy ability!
Press A while moving backward to execute a hasty retreat in the form of a backflip. This is a fast way to put some distance between you and your target.
Link’s accuracy is second to none while Z targeting! Lock-on to an enemy and then use any long-range item, such as the Slingshot, Gale Boomerang, or Hero’s Bow. The attack flies straight at the enemy, almost always finding its mark! This is much easier than manual aiming, which there often isn’t time for during the thick of battle.
Jump Attack
Once you’ve targeted an enemy, remain stationary and press A to make Link leap forward and execute his powerful jump attack! This move works great against flying enemies, but it leaves Link open to counterattack for a few seconds. Use the jump attack only when you see an opening, and avoid using it when enemies swarm in.
Sword Combos
Swing the Wii Remote back and forth to make Link draw his sword and begin hacking and slicing! This is the most common way to tear through your foes. Remember to Z target your enemies to take the guesswork out of aiming!
Link can also execute a running barrage of sword strikes. Start running, then begin swinging the Wii Remote to make Link slash from side to side. This is a fast way to clear out fields full of tall grass, or to soften up groups of enemies before making a more calculated assault.
Spin Attack
This ferocious 360-degree sword strike is Link’s bread and butter when enemies swarm in. Shake the Nunchuk to make Link spin around with his sword arm extended, slashing through everything nearby. The range on this attack is surprisingly long, allowing you to eliminate whole groups of enemies with a single attack.
Ending Blow
Link encounters a fearsome-looking Spirit Wolf on his way to the Forest Temple, but the wolf isn’t a threat. Instead, it transports Link to an ethereal realm, where the skeletal form of the Hero’s Shade materializes and teaches Link his first Hidden Skill, the ending blow.
The ending blow allows you to quickly defeat a tough enemy that you’ve knocked to the ground. When this move becomes available, the “Finish A” icon appears at the bottom of the screen. Quickly press A to execute the ending blow; Link leaps through the air and comes crashing down on his target, sword-point first! No matter how much fight a monster may have left, the ending blow ensures that its lights go out!
Wolf Form
As a wolf, Link has access to a whole new range of talents and abilities, but he loses many of the skills he possesses in human form. While he can still walk and run about as normal, Link cannot wield a sword or shield or use any items; wolf paws weren’t designed for such work! It’s also impossible for wolf Link to speak with humans he meets; they usually just cower in fear, not understanding that he’s really a heroic, good-natured kind of wolf. But these are small prices to pay for the sheer thrill of letting one’s inner animal run free!
Dashing
Walking, running, and jumping remain exactly the same between Link’s wolf and human forms, but his bipedal roll ability becomes replaced by a short dash that works in much the same way. Press A while running to dash forward a few paces, getting an extra boost of speed to help speed up travel and avoid hostile attacks.
Sensing
Being a wolf has its advantages. In wolf form, Link has access to heightened senses, which he can turn on and off at will. Press left or right on the Wii remote to activate and deactivate Link’s lupine sense view and see the world in an entirely new way.
As you might expect, Link’s wolf sense has a variety of different uses. With sense view engaged, he can follow scent trails, become aware of invisible characters and enemies, and even detect soft spots in the ground where items lie buried!
Digging
All kinds of neat things end up in the soil: Hearts, Rupees, you name it. Whenever Link’s wolf sense detects a soft patch of earth, he sees the area as a dark, shimmering circle, which is known as a dig spot. Approach a dig spot and the “Dig” icon appears at the bottom of the screen. Press down on the Wii remote to dig into the soil and excavate whatever goodies were buried there.
Some dig spots appear larger than others. These large dig spots indicate an underground route that can be used to reach a new area. Tunnel into large dig spots and see where you end up!
Midna-Jump
Midna finds it easier to control Link when he travels in wolf form. At certain areas in Hyrule, she can help him leap great distances to reach new areas and progress through the environment. Whenever this is an option, an icon of Midna’s head appears at the bottom of the screen, and a giggling sound emanates from the Wii Remote’s speaker. Press up on the Wii remote to summon Midna and initiate a Midna-jump.
Midna zips over to the ledge you can leap to. Hold Z to target her, then press A to have her pull you across the wide gap. Sometimes you can make multiple jumps in quick succession; just keep holding Z and pressing A until you reach the end of the line.
Howling
When Link assumes his lupine form, the spirit of the wolf runs deep within him. While standing near certain objects, such as Hawk Grass or a Windstone, the “Howl A” icon appears at the bottom of the screen. Press A to begin listening to the object’s tune, then use the analog stick to howl along, imitating the pitch of the notes that form the song. Do so correctly and something special will happen!
Speaking with Animals
Link’s wolfish appearance frightens most humans, but animals are a bit more intuitive and don’t scare so easily. As a wolf, Link can speak to all manner of woodland creatures, including Cuccos, squirrels, frogs, ducks, and more! When traveling in Link’s wolf guise, speak with every animal you see for unique advice and offbeat conversations.
Wolf Form Combat
Wolf-based combat is surprisingly similar to that of Link’s human form. Though you have no sword or shield, Link is far more agile as a wolf, and his razor-sharp claws and fangs cut as swift and sharp as nearly any sword. Targeting also works just the same as it does when Link moves about on two legs; hold Z to keep a lock on your foe, and your movements become relative to the current target.
Jump Attack
Link’s patented jump attack gets a nasty new twist when he employs it as a wolf. Instead of the single (and somewhat slow) leaping strike that human Link performs, wolf Link springs through the air with great speed, snapping his fangs around his adversary! If the initial bite doesn’t defeat the enemy, you can usually rapidly press A and make Link chomp away four or five more times!
Bite Combos
Link’s standard sword barrage is replaced by a series of vicious bites when you wiggle the Wii Remote in wolf form. These quick nips have a shorter range than the human form sword strikes, but they’re a bit faster to execute.
Spin Attack
Even without the cutting edge of Link’s sword, this wolfish spin attack is an extremely powerful and versatile combat maneuver. Employ it when faced with multiple enemies, or as an addition to other wolf-based attacks.
Energy Field
When you’re feeling the urge for widespread destruction—and in Link’s wolf form, you should always be feeling this urge—press and hold B to charge up a crackling energy field. A circle of pure energy encompasses Link, automatically targeting each nearby enemy. Release B to make Link fly about, ripping through each targeted enemy in turn. Few monsters can withstand the might of this brutal assault!
Riding Epona
Hyrule is a vast land filled with dangerous creatures—not exactly the kind of place you want to be exploring on foot! Fortunately, you usually have the option of riding Link’s faithful steed, Epona. Venturing through fields of Hyrule on horseback is the only way to go; it’s faster, safer, and way more fun!
Approach Epona and press A to climb onto her back. Press A again while stationary to slide back down to the ground. And if you’re in a hurry, approach Epona from the rear and press A; Link leaps into the saddle and dashes off at great speed!
While riding Epona, notice the six spur icons at the bottom of the screen. These let you know how many times you can press A to make Epona dash forward at high speed. Each time you press A, one of the spur icons disappears. The icons regenerate over time, but try not to waste them; you never know when you might need that extra boost of speed!
Epona won’t run off cliffs or sudden drops, but she’ll happily bound over short obstacles. When approaching a low wall, fence, or gate, press A to spur Epona and make her gallop at high speed. Run straight at the obstacle you wish her to leap, and Epona gracefully jumps over it in stunning fashion!
Controlling Epona is a bit tricky at first. This lady likes moving forward, and fast; turning and backing up aren’t exactly her favorite maneuvers! Gently push the analog stick backward to make Epona back up slowly. Push the analog stick backward with more force to make her neigh and spin around 180-degrees.
Horseback Combat
Fighting your foes on horseback while galloping along at high speed across a vast, rolling plain; what more could you ask for? Link’s sword works wonders from horseback. Make him slash to either side by swinging the Wii Remote, or execute a powerful horseback spin attack by shaking the Nunchuk!
While Z targeting can be a help during horseback combat, it’s not quite as useful as it is on foot. That’s because Epona is oblivious to your target and won’t chase after it; only Link’s attention becomes focused on his prey. Still, if you want to launch a long-ranged assault, there’s no better way to ensure hits than to target your enemies with Z!
Epona isn’t without offensive capabilities, either. Steer her into an enemy and she’ll bump it, doing a bit of damage. Hit A to spur her along and she smashes through foes, knocking them clear out of the way!
Environmental Effects
The environment plays a big role in determining the actions Link can perform at any given time. We’ve covered the basics; now let’s explore the many different situational moves and actions Link may perform based off his current surroundings.
Common Interactions
Link can interact with a variety of different environmental objects. All of these actions are initiated in the same way: by moving close to the object and then pressing A to interact with it. Here are some of the many actions Link can perform in this manner:
Ladders, Ledges, and Vines
Link’s world is vast in all directions, including up and down. Very few areas in Hyrule are completely flat; just about every Overworld region and dungeon chamber features something that can Link can climb onto. No special button presses are required to make Link grab hold of a ledge, ladder, or collection of vines. Simply move Link toward any of these objects and he’ll perform the appropriate action automatically.
Move Link toward a low block or ledge and he’ll automatically vault up onto it. If the ledge is a bit too high, Link may jump up and grab onto its edge. Then press the appropriate direction to make him climb up the rest of the way.
While hanging from the edge of a ledge, you can make Link shimmy sideways in a hand-over-hand fashion. This can be useful when you need to cross a ledge that’s too narrow to stand atop.
If you want Link to drop off a ledge instead of leap, push the analog stick gently so that he walks over the edge. Link automatically spins as he falls and grabs hold of the ledge on his way down. Then press A to drop to the ground, or move the analog stick in the appropriate direction to shimmy sideways, or climb back up.
When climbing ladders and vines, simply use the analog stick to move about. Link’s not the fastest climber, but he gets to where he’s going eventually! If you decide not to make the trip, press A to let go and drop to the ground below.
Once you acquire the Clawshot, you can scale vines much faster than normal. Target a patch of vines with the Clawshot and then fire to zip up as far as you can.
Link can’t climb ladders and vines in wolf form, but he can grab hold of ledges if need be. This is especially useful when jumping from one ledge to the next!
In wolf form, Link has the advantage of being able to traverse wire-thin tightropes with exceptional balance—an ability he’s never mastered as a human. Use this trait to your advantage to help reach otherwise inaccessible areas.
Water and Swimming
Link is an accomplished swimmer. When he enters a deep body of water, he naturally begins swimming about its surface. Press A to make him swim a bit faster.
Link can’t hold his breath for long and won’t dive underwater on his own at first. Once you find the Iron Boots, you can put them on to make Link sink to the bottom of the ocean floor. Keep a close eye on Link’s oxygen meter when you do this, however. The gauge rapidly depletes until you return to the surface, and it’s lights out for Link if you don’t get there in time!
Once you acquire the Zora Armor, Link can swim about underwater like a fish. He no longer runs out of oxygen and can dive down as deep as he pleases.
Still, to perform any underwater actions, Link must don his Iron Boots so he can stand up straight on the ocean floor. With the Iron Boots equipped, Link can open submerged treasure chests, use Water Bombs to clear away underwater Bomb Rocks, lift sunken rocks and pots, and so on.
Long Drops and Short Stops
It doesn’t take long for Link to encounter areas of the Overworld that are so high up that a fall would be fatal. In most cases, when Link plummets into a bottomless chasm, he’s returned to the point from which he fell, with one less Heart in his Heart meter.
Not every fall is a fatal one, of course. A long drop onto solid ground may sting a bit, but it usually isn’t fatal. In fact, Link can plummet quite a surprisingly long distance before the impact starts to inflict damage.
Fire and Lava
Link starts feeling the heat when he nears the top of Death Mountain. Fire becomes an enemy all itself, with giant flaming boulders cascading down all around him. But things really get toasty once Link enters the Goron Mines, where lakes of lava and columns of searing flame are all too common.
Running into a fiery spire is never a good idea, but taking the plunge into a molten inferno is about the worst thing that can happen! The effect is very similar to slipping into a bottomless pit; Link restarts at the point from which he entered the chamber, sans two Hearts.
It may seem obvious that items made of wood are flammable, but the reality can be shocking when your Wooden Shield unexpectedly burns up due to a nasty dose of a Dodongo’s flame breath! Make sure to bring a metal shield when exploring areas in which fire is part of the natural feng shui.
Waking the Wind
It’s everywhere, and although you can’t see it, you’ll eventually learn to respect the raw power displayed by a forceful gale of wind! Depending on the current situation, powerful drafts can be obstacles to overcome, or methods of reaching otherwise inaccessible areas. When faced with an overwhelming gust of wind that’s blowing you away, slap on those Iron Boots and do your best to hang in there.
Looking to rise to new heights? With a Cucco or an Oocca at hand, updrafts become virtual elevators, allowing you to reach tall platforms and progress to unexplored areas. Handy!
Snow and Cold
Some areas of the Overworld are hostile by themselves, with or without the monsters that lurk there! Peak Province is one such place. The icy waters you must traverse in the entry area aren’t meant for swimming. Don’t even try it!
Naturally, monsters who give off a freezing aura are similarly chilling encounters. Being touched means getting frozen for a few moments, during which your health slowly melts away. Keep your distance from such cold-hearted foes and do your best to avoid this frosty fate!