Zelda: Skyward Sword

Shield Guide: How to Equip and Use A Shield

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Zelda Skyward Sword HD - Shield Guide: How to Equip and Use a Shield
This is a guide to using shields in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD for the Nintendo Switch. Read on to learn how to equip the shield, how to use a shield bash, as well as a list of all shields and shield upgrades.

How to Equip the Shield

Press and Hold the R Button

Zelda Skyward Sword HD - Point and Release the R Button to Equip
Hold down the R Button on the right Joy-Con to bring up the Pouch menu. Point the controller at the shield you want to equip, and let go of the R Button to equip it.

If done correctly, the shield will appear on Link's back and be ready for use!

How to Use the Shield

Shake the Left Joy-Con or Press the Left Joystick to Block

Zelda Skyward Sword HD - Using the Shield to Block
Once you have the shield equipped, shake the left Joy-Con or press the left joystick to use the shield and perform a shield bash. When timed right before an enemy attack comes into contact with Link, you can use this maneuver to parry attacks or deflect projectiles.

Controls and Best Settings

Recommended Shields

Wooden Shield in Early-Game

Zelda Skyward Sword HD - Wooden Shield
If you want to use a shield on your journey, using a Wooden Shield is enough to provide you a defense against enemies.

How to Get the Wooden Shield

Sacred Shield in Mid-Game

Zelda Skyward Sword HD - Sacred Shield
The Sacred Shield can be obtained midway in the story and is comparable to the indestructible Hylian Shield.

Although it is inferior in terms of durability, the shield can repair itself so you won't need to use Revitalizing Potions or buy another one.

How to Get the Sacred Shield

List of Shields and Shield Upgrades

Base Shields and Effects

Shield Features
Wooden Shield IconWooden Shield ・Cheapest shield to buy
・Weak against fire
・Can be purchased from the beginning for 50 Rupees
Iron Shield IconIron Shield ・Stronger than the Wooden Shield
・Weak against electricity
・Can be purchased after completing the Skyview Temple for 100 Rupees
Sacred Shield IconSacred Shield ・Immune to fire, electricity, and curses
・Shorter durability bar but can repair itself
・Can be purchased after learning the Ballad of the Goddess for 500 Rupees
Hylian Shield IconHylian Shield ・indestructible shield
・Obtained after defeating eight bosses in the Boss Rush (Boss Rush) minigame

Wooden Shield

Zelda Skyward Sword HD - Wooden Shield

The Wooden Shield is the cheapest shield that you can buy from the Gear Shop. It is weak against fire and is resistant to electricity. We recommend using this shield in the early game due to its ease of use.

Wooden Shield Upgrades

Item How to Get
Banded Shield IconBanded Shield Wooden Shield
Monster Claw x1
Jelly Blob x1
Amber Relic x2
Braced Shield IconBraced Shield Banded Shield
Tumbleweed x2
Ornamental Skull x1
Monster Claw x2
Amber Relic x3

In addition to the above materials, it also costs 50 Rupees and 100 Rupees to upgrade it to the Banded Shield and Braced Shield respectively.

Iron Shield

Zelda Skyward Sword HD - Iron Shield
The Iron Shield is the second type of shield that you can obtain from the Gear Shop. It is weak against electricity and is resistant to fire.

Iron Shield Upgrades

Item How to Get
Reinforced Shield IconReinforced Shield Iron Shield
Ornamental Skull x2
Monster Claw x2
Eldin Ore x2
Fortified Shield IconFortified Shield Reinforced Shield
Tumbleweed x3
Monster Claw x3
Eldin Ore x3
Blue Bird Feather x1

In addition to the above materials, it also costs 50 Rupees and 100 Rupees to upgrade it to the Reinforced Shield and Fortified Shield respectively.

Sacred Shield

Zelda Skyward Sword HD - Sacred Shield

The Sacred Shield is the third type of shield that you can obtain from the Gear Shop. It costs 500 Rupees to buy one and is stronger than the Wooden Shield and Iron Shield.

Despite its low durability, the shield can repair itself over a period of time and is immune to fire, electricity, and curses.

Sacred Shield Upgrades

Item How to Get
Divine Shield IconDivine Shield Sacred Shield
Ornamental Skull x3
Dusk Relic x1
Bird Feather x2
Goddess Shield IconGoddess Shield Divine Shield
Monster Horn x3
Dusk Relic x4
Blue Bird Feather x1
Bird Feather x3

In addition to the above materials, it also costs 100 Rupees and 150 Rupees to upgrade it to the Divine Shield and Goddess Shield respectively.

Hylian Shield

Zelda Skyward Sword HD - Hylian Shield
The Hylian Shield, Link's most iconic shield, is an indestructible shield that has the same features as the Sacred Shield. It can only be obtained after defeating eight bosses in the Boss Rush minigame.

How to Unlock Boss Rush and Rewards

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