Loftwing Controls and How to Fly

This is a guide on basic game controls for your Loftwing in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD for the Nintendo Switch. Read to learn how to fly the Loftwing, how to get maximum speed, and more!

Loftwing Basic Controls

Motion Controls

Motion Controls	Function
X Button	Attack
B Button	Decelerate
Y Button	Reset Gyro
ZR Button	Dive
ZL Button	Look down
Tilt left and right	Turn right Turn left
Tilt up	Ascend
Tilt down	Descend
Swing up and down	Flap wings (soar)

Button-Only Controls

Button-Only Controls	Function
X Button	Attack
A Button	Flap wings (soar)
B Button	Decelerate
ZR Button	Dive
ZL Button	Look down
L stick	Position control
L stick Up	Ascend
L stick Down	Descend

How to Fly

Climb Up and Descend to Speed Up

Loftwing is the most recommended way to travel. Climbing and descending is a must to maintain top speed. When you climb, you can gain a lot of altitude by just flapping instead of ascending.

If you descend and fly straight without increasing the speed, the speed will decrease and the altitude will eventually drop down to the sea of clouds, and you will not be able to move forward properly.

We recommend that you maintain the speed to some extent by repeating the ascent and descent motion periodically.

Utilize the Rocks You See

The sky is dotted with rocks with large holes in various places. By passing through the hole in the rock the Loftwing will accelerate rapidly, and you can move at a speed that is not normally achieved immediately.

You can fly at maximum speed for a considerable distance without sudden deceleration by passing through one rock, so use the rocks when your destination is a little far.

Use Spiral Charge to Attack Enemies

As you travel, enemies flying in the sky and enemies sticking on rocks will appear. These enemies can be defeated by directly tackling with Spiral Charge by pressing the X button.

Also, if you hit an enemy without attacking, you will be damaged, so use an attack just before hitting an enemy.

Skyward Sword HD Related Links

Tips and Tricks

Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Tips and Tricks