The world of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is vast, beautiful, and full of surprises. Among the many ways to explore the stunning terrain of Hyrule, shield surfing stands out as one of the most exhilarating. This fun and practical method of travel lets you glide down slopes at high speeds, and it’s not just about speed—shield surfing offers a unique way to interact with the environment, making it a must-try for any Zelda fan. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the secrets of shield surfing, explaining how to do it, tips for mastering it, and troubleshooting common issues.
Shield surfing is a unique mechanic in Zelda: Breath of the Wild that allows Link to ride his shield down slopes or hills, essentially using it as a makeshift snowboard. It’s not just a fun way to travel; it’s a skill that can help you avoid enemies, reach areas more quickly, and even perform stylish moves during combat.
To perform this move, Link uses his shield as a sliding board, and as long as there’s a suitable slope, the fun begins. Shield surfing can be a fast and exciting way to navigate Hyrule, especially in areas with steep terrains or long downward paths.
Getting started with shield surfing in Zelda: Breath of the Wild is relatively simple, but there are a few essential steps that will make your experience much smoother. Follow the step-by-step process below to master this skill.
To begin shield surfing, you’ll first need to equip a shield. You can find various types of shields throughout Hyrule, but for shield surfing, the most important factor is durability. The more durable your shield, the longer you can ride it without worrying about it breaking.
Some shields are better suited for shield surfing than others. For instance, kite shields and wooden shields are typically more stable, while others may be less efficient. You can always experiment to find which shield works best for you.
Next, you need a good hill or slope to ride down. The steeper the slope, the faster you will travel. Look for areas like mountain ranges, cliffs, or any terrain that has a noticeable downhill gradient. Plains and fields can also be suitable, but the steeper the hill, the more thrilling the ride!
Don’t worry if you don’t find a great slope immediately; Hyrule is full of hills and mountains, making it easy to find one for shield surfing.
Now that you have a shield and a slope, it’s time to give it a try. Here’s how you can perform shield surfing:
As you start gliding, you can perform tricks by jumping off ledges or performing spins mid-air. You can also steer left or right using the control stick to guide Link in the direction you wish to go.
One of the critical aspects of shield surfing is managing the durability of your shield. Every time you shield surf, the shield’s durability decreases, so it’s important to know when to stop. If you’re planning to travel long distances or repeatedly shield surf, consider carrying extra shields to avoid breaking your main one.
Shields that are already low on durability can break mid-surf, so keep an eye on their condition by checking your inventory regularly.
Once you’ve learned the basics of shield surfing, you might be wondering how to get better at it. Fortunately, there are several ways to improve your skills and have more fun while riding the slopes of Hyrule.
As mentioned earlier, the steeper the hill, the faster you go. If you want to gain more speed and perform more impressive maneuvers, look for the steepest hills you can find. High cliffs or large mountains provide the best slopes for shield surfing.
Shield surfing doesn’t just have to be about travel; you can incorporate it into combat. By shield surfing towards enemies, you can gain momentum and land powerful attacks, stunning or knocking enemies down as you pass them. This is a great way to take down multiple foes quickly while having fun at the same time.
While all shields can be used for surfing, not all shields handle the same way. Some shields are faster, while others offer better durability. Try using different shields for different terrains and purposes. For example, the wooden shield might be better for general surfing, while a knight’s shield could be more effective in combat situations.
One fun way to spice up your shield surfing is by performing a spin. To do this, hold the shield button and press the jump button just before you go off a ledge. Link will perform a mid-air spin, making the ride feel even more stylish. Mastering this trick can add a lot of flair to your shield surfing, making it look more like an action movie stunt.
Like many mechanics in Zelda: Breath of the Wild, shield surfing can occasionally be tricky. Below are some common problems players face while shield surfing and how to resolve them.
If your shield breaks too soon while surfing, it could be due to the shield’s low durability. Consider using shields with higher durability or keeping extra shields in your inventory for longer surfing sessions. You can also enhance your shields using the Korok seeds to improve their durability.
Ensure that you’re properly equipped with a shield, and that you’re on a slope that’s steep enough to slide down. If you’re pressing the shield button but not moving, the slope may not be steep enough. Try a different location or find a hill with more incline.
If you’re having trouble controlling your direction while surfing, try using the movement controls more precisely. Small adjustments to the joystick or D-pad will help steer Link in the direction you want. Also, keep in mind that your speed may affect how responsive the steering is—faster slopes can make it harder to control your movement.
Shield surfing in Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an exhilarating and practical skill that every player should learn. Not only is it an exciting way to traverse the diverse landscapes of Hyrule, but it also adds a unique element of gameplay that can help you engage with the world around you. Whether you’re racing down a mountain or using your shield to take down enemies, shield surfing offers endless fun and adventure.
By following the tips and steps outlined in this guide, you can easily unlock the secrets of shield surfing and make it a regular part of your Hyrule exploration. So grab your shield, find the nearest hill, and start surfing!
For more tips and tricks on mastering Breath of the Wild, check out our other articles. Don’t forget to visit the official Zelda website for the latest updates!
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by GameMasterHub Team
Discover the intriguing reasons behind Nintendo's sudden focus on multilingual content and its impact on…
Discover the surprising advantages of catching every Pokemon in the game. Explore new strategies, unlock…
Dive into the enigmatic world of Depulso Puzzle Room 2 and uncover the secrets to…
Discover why your GeForce game driver won't update and find expert troubleshooting solutions to keep…
Discover the step-by-step process of linking your Steam account to RPG Maker for seamless gaming…
Discover the secrets of finding Hattram in Pokemon Violet with this comprehensive guide. Uncover hidden…