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

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

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

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

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	・Cheapest shield to buy ・Weak against fire ・Can be purchased from the beginning for 50 Rupees
Iron Shield	・Stronger than the Wooden Shield ・Weak against electricity ・Can be purchased after completing the Skyview Temple for 100 Rupees
Sacred 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	・indestructible shield ・Obtained after defeating eight bosses in the Boss Rush (Boss Rush) minigame

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	・Wooden Shield ・Monster Claw x1 ・Jelly Blob x1 ・Amber Relic x2
Braced 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

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	・Iron Shield ・Ornamental Skull x2 ・Monster Claw x2 ・Eldin Ore x2
Fortified 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

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	・Sacred Shield ・Ornamental Skull x3 ・Dusk Relic x1 ・Bird Feather x2
Goddess 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

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

Related Guides

Tips and Tricks

Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Tips and Tricks