Hero Mode Guide: How to Unlock Hero Mode, Tips, and Reward

This guide will explain Hero Mode in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD for the Nintendo Switch. Learn how to unlock Hero Mode, the differences in Hero Mode, tips for completing Hero Mode, and the reward for beating Hero Mode.

Hero Mode Differences

Hero Mode is an additional game mode unlocked after completing the game. This mode serves as the game's Hard Mode which makes the early game content even more challenging!

What's Different in Hero Mode?

Stronger Enemies Hearts and Heart Flowers Do Not Appear All Bugs and Treasures Are Carried Over Stamina and Oxygen Gauges Deplete Faster No Charging Required for Skyward Strike Face All Bosses in the Boss Rush

Stronger Enemies

All enemies and bosses in Hero Mode deal double damage. This makes one-on-one fights with enemies difficult as most of them require precise sword strikes to defeat them.

In addition, environmental damages such as falling from great height deals double damage so be sure to use the Sailcloth before landing on the ground!

List of Enemies

Hearts and Heart Flowers Do Not Appear

Another feature exclusive to Hero Mode is the removal of hearts and heart flowers. To restore your hearts, you need to use a Heart Potion, Revitalizing Potion, or sit on a chair.
Stool Locations

Alternatively, you can equip a Heart Medal for the hearts and heart flowers to reappear in Hero Mode.

How to Get the Heart Medal

All Bugs and Treasures Are Carried Over

All the bugs and treasures that you have collected from your previous save file will be carried over when starting Hero Mode.

With this in mind, we recommend farming for these first before starting this mode.

List of Materials

Stamina and Oxygen Gauges Deplete Faster

Using up stamina and swimming underwater depletes the Stamina and Oxygen Gauges faster in Hero Mode.

Be sure to stock up some potions such as the Stamina Potions and Air Potions to restore these gauges!

Potion Recipes List and How to Use

No Charging Required for Skyward Strike

Once you have acquired the Goddess Sword, you can perform the Skyward Strike without waiting for it to charge. This is useful when you do not want to face enemies in close quarters combat or use arrows.

Face All Bosses in the Boss Rush

In normal gameplay, you need to defeat eleven bosses in succession to complete this minigame's challenge.

In Hero Mode, all bosses are available as soon as the minigame is unlocked. This includes the final battle with Ghirahim, the Bokoblin horde, and Demise.

Boss Rush Guide

How to Unlock Hero Mode

Complete the Game

Hero Mode can only be unlocked after completing the game for the first time. On the Quest Logs screen, select Hero Mode to start a new game in this mode.

Story Walkthrough

Hero Mode Tips and Tricks

Stock Up on Healing Items

Before you start adventuring, be sure to stock up on healing items such as Heart Potions and Revitalizing Potions. The enemies in Hero Mode deal double damage so you having these items may come in handy.

Potion Recipes List and How to Use

Sit on Chairs to Restore Health

In Hero Mode, you only have a few ways to restore health. If you do not want to use your healing items, find a chair and sit on it to restore your health.

Where to Find Stools

Equip a Heart Medal

Equipping a Heart Medal spawns hearts and heart flowers that are normally not present when playing in Hero Mode.

Note that the Heart Medal's effect can stack, which increases the likelihood of finding hearts in an area.

How to Get the Heart Medal

Use Skyward Strike

The Skyward Strike is always at full power and is around the same level as the Master Sword. This makes the maneuver powerful even if you still have the Goddess Sword.

Take advantage of the fully powered Skyward Strike as this allows you to defeat tough enemies in the early game.

Reward for Beating Hero Mode

Triforce Next to Your Save File

Once you beat the game in Hero Mode, the post-credits screen will offer you to create a save file from just before the final boss battle.

When you do, you'll receive a shiny Triforce symbol on your save file as proof you've achieved this undertaking! Congratulations!

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Tips and Tricks

Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Tips and Tricks

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Guides
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FAQs
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