How to Beat The Imprisoned

Defeat The Imprisoned in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD with specific strategies for all three encounters, focusing on combat mechanics.

The Imprisoned is a recurring boss battle that tests your mastery of various combat mechanics and environmental awareness. This guide covers all three encounters, providing specific strategies to ensure your victory against Demise's monstrous form.

First Encounter: Sealing the Beast

Your initial confrontation with The Imprisoned occurs after the events at the Sealed Temple. This battle focuses on using the environment to your advantage.

Preparation:

• Recommended Items: Bombs, Stamina Potion (optional, but helpful for quick ascents).
• Gear: Goddess Sword, Wooden Shield (or better).

Walkthrough:

1. Initial Approach: The Imprisoned will slowly lumber up the Sealed Grounds. Your primary goal is to reach its head and strike the sealing spike.
2. Toes of Fury: The creature's main attack involves stomping its massive feet. These stomps create a shockwave that can knock you down. Avoid standing directly in its path.
3. Targeting the Toes: Each of The Imprisoned's toes has a glowing, crystalline weakness. You must destroy all three toes on each foot to stun it.
   • Sword Strikes: Get close to a foot and unleash a flurry of horizontal or vertical sword slashes to break the crystals.
   • Bomb Blasts: If you have Bombs, you can toss them at the toes from a safer distance, especially if you're struggling with close-quarters combat.
4. Stunning and Climbing: Once all six toes are destroyed, The Imprisoned will fall forward, stunned. This is your window to climb onto its head.
   • Ramp Ascent: Run up its body, which now acts as a ramp, towards its head.
   • Striking the Spike: Once on its head, deliver several powerful downward thrusts with your sword to the sealing spike embedded there. The spike will glow red when hit correctly.
5. Repeating the Process: After a few hits, The Imprisoned will recover, and its toes will regenerate. You'll need to repeat the process of destroying its toes and climbing to its head several times.
6. The Final Blow: After enough hits to the spike, it will be fully driven in, sealing The Imprisoned.

Second Encounter: The Imprisoned's Flight

The second battle introduces a new mechanic: The Imprisoned's ability to fly. This encounter requires more precise timing and the use of the Groosenator.

Preparation:

• Recommended Items: Stamina Potion, Heart Potion (if needed).
• Gear: Goddess Longsword (or better), Iron Shield (or better).

Walkthrough:

1. Groose's Aid: Groose will be operating the Groosenator at the top of the Sealed Grounds. His assistance is crucial.
2. Toe Destruction (Phase 1): Similar to the first encounter, begin by destroying all six of The Imprisoned's toes to stun it.
3. Head Strike (Phase 1): Climb onto its head and strike the sealing spike.
4. The Ascent: After taking damage, The Imprisoned will begin to ascend the Sealed Grounds at a faster pace. It will also occasionally flap its arms, creating powerful gusts of wind that can push you back.
   • Wind Avoidance: When it flaps, try to stand behind its legs or use the pillars for cover.
   • Groosenator Bombs: Groose will periodically launch bombs from the Groosenator. These bombs are essential for knocking The Imprisoned back down.
   • Guiding the Bombs: Use your sword's Skyward Strike to hit the bombs as they descend, aiming them directly at The Imprisoned's head. A direct hit will stun it and send it tumbling back down a level.
5. Repeating the Cycle: You'll need to alternate between destroying its toes, striking the spike, and using the Groosenator to knock it back down.
   • Stamina Management: Conserve your stamina for climbing and dodging.
   • Prioritize Bombs: If The Imprisoned is getting too close to the top, prioritize guiding Groose's bombs.
6. Final Sealing: Continue this pattern until the sealing spike is fully driven in.

Third Encounter: The Imprisoned's Rage

The final confrontation is the most challenging, featuring The Imprisoned's full power and a more aggressive attack pattern.

Preparation:

• Recommended Items: Stamina Potion, Heart Potion, Revitalizing Potion (for shield repair).
• Gear: Master Sword, Hylian Shield (highly recommended).

Walkthrough:

1. Initial Strategy: The battle begins similarly to the previous encounters. Destroy the six toes and strike the sealing spike.
2. Arm Attacks: The Imprisoned will now use its arms more actively, attempting to swipe at you. These attacks are powerful and can send you flying.
   • Dodge and Weave: Focus on dodging these arm swings. Roll to the side or back away quickly.
   • Shield Guard: Your shield can block these attacks, but it will take significant damage. The Hylian Shield is ideal here.
3. The Flying Threat: Once it starts ascending, The Imprisoned will fly more frequently and for longer durations. Its wind gusts are stronger, and it will attempt to land on you.
   • Groosenator Reliance: Groose's bombs are even more critical here. Guide them precisely to knock The Imprisoned down.
   • Strategic Positioning: Try to stay on the higher platforms to get a better angle for guiding the bombs.
4. Demise's Aura: As its health dwindles, The Imprisoned will emit a dark aura that can damage you if you get too close.
   • Maintain Distance: When the aura is active, focus on ranged attacks (Bombs) or wait for it to dissipate before engaging in close combat.
5. Final Ascent and Spike: The Imprisoned will make a desperate final push towards the top. You must be relentless in guiding Groose's bombs and striking the spike.
   • Stamina Management: This is where a Stamina Potion can make a huge difference, allowing you to quickly scale its body.
   • Don't Give Up: Keep striking the spike with powerful downward thrusts. The Master Sword's power will be essential.
6. Sealing Success: Once the spike is fully driven in, The Imprisoned will be sealed for good, and you will have triumphed over this formidable foe.