Shield Surfing is not a new feature in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, it was an ability Link had in the game’s predecessor, Zelda: Breath of the Wild. However, it is certainly one that comes in handy when having to explore a vast open world as it can save a player’s time.
Since the Horses and Link are crippled by a stamina limit, it’s nice to have some additional ways to save time that don’t drain the meter. Not to mention that with some of the new Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom terrains, Shields can sometimes be the ideal way to get around as they’re fast and convenient.
Getting A Shield
First and foremost, as players might guess, Link needs a Shield. These can typically be found lying around in various locations throughout the Zelda: TOTK map or dropped by enemies. Be sure to grab one with better durability, because even though stamina isn’t drained by shield surfing, it will still affect the shield’s durability and decrease it, causing it to break over time.
The amount of durability that is decreased from the shield depends on the terrain on which it is being used. Rougher terrain will cause it to break faster, while snow and other soft terrains do virtually no damage. Also, if it does break, Link may take damage from the fall.
While it’s best to use more durable Shields for Shield Surfing, players are recommended to save their best Shield for combat. Otherwise, Link may be left with a weak defense in situations that need something more. So while it’s not recommended to use anything easily destructible, don’t waste the best Link has either.
How To Shield Surf
Once Link has a shield equipped, be sure that he is on a sloping piece of terrain, as it will not work in flat areas. Next, simply press the Parry button (ZL) while also pressing the X and A buttons to have Link slip his Shield underneath him and take off. It’s as simple as that. Be sure to avoid obstacles and be aware that when Link reaches the end of the slope, he will automatically put his shield away.
Since this ability can wear through Shields quickly, it’s best to be sure that Link has more than one available at all times, so he is not without one in combat situations.
With that, Link can now use his Shield Surfing as an additional method of getting around when running and horses just won’t cut it. There are plenty of new areas that make excellent areas for Shield Surfing, such as the track rails that circle some of the areas.
Link may also choose to test out the new Zelda: TOTK Fuse ability on Shields, but keep in mind that this will not allow him to Shield Surf on it, so that will be a choice that is up to the player. Either way, be sure to take full advantage of this quick way of exploring The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Franchise:
- The Legend of Zelda
- Platform:
- Nintendo Switch
- Released:
- 2023-05-12
- Developer:
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher:
- Nintendo
- Genre:
- Action-Adventure
- ESRB:
- E10+
- Summary:
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the anticipated follow-up to Breath of the Wild, released in 2017. A rare occurrence in Zelda titles, Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel instead of loosely connected. In Tears of the Kingdom, Link will take to the skies and learn about a mysterious kingdom in the clouds. Additionally, he will discover the secrets of the dark ones that dwell below and above the earth. The sequel is being built on the same engine as the original, with unique physics tools again being utilized. However, little about the plot and gameplay is known.
- How Long To Beat:
- 35-50 hours
- Prequel:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
