How to Equip Your Shield in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

Right from the very first entry in The Legend of Zelda series, Link has always used a shield to protect himself from enemy attacks. In the first few entries in the franchise, all Link had to do was face enemies to block attacks, but things got more complicated as the series went 3D. Being one of these more modern 3D games, using shields in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is not as intuitive as it was in the 2D games, so you will need to actively put your shield up to block enemy attacks.

Here’s how to equip and use your shield to block enemy attacks and survive the harshest enemy encounters of the game.

How to Equip Your Shield in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

To equip a shield in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, first you will need to get one. Thankfully, it doesn’t take a long time to find, although the base Wooden Shield isn’t a particularly good shield once things really get going. Once you pick it up, all you need to do to equip it is press the R button to bring up the Pouch menu, select the shield you want to equip, and then let go of the button.

How to Use The Shield in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

Using the Shield changes depending on the control types you are currently using. If you’re using motion controls, you will have to shake the left Joy-Con to unleash the Shield Bash technique and bring the shield up. If you are using traditional controls, you will have to press the left stick. The Shield Bash is an especially important maneuver to master, as it can be used to parry attacks, deflect projectiles so as to retaliate as quickly as possible. Learn the right, and you will start disposing of enemies left and right.