Post-Game Content

Congratulations, Hero of Skyloft! You've vanquished Demise and brought peace to the land. But your adventure doesn't have to end there. Skyward Sword HD offers a wealth of activities and challenges to undertake after the credits roll. From collecting every last upgrade to facing the ultimate gauntlet, there's plenty to keep you soaring.

Hero Mode: A New Challenge

Upon completing the game for the first time, you'll unlock Hero Mode. This isn't just a simple New Game+; it significantly ramps up the difficulty, offering a fresh perspective on your journey:

• Increased Damage: Enemies hit harder, making combat more perilous.
• No Heart Drops: Hearts will no longer drop from defeated enemies or cut grass. You'll need to rely on potions, Heart Flowers, and Great Fairy Fountains for recovery.
• Starting Gear: You begin Hero Mode with all your collected Treasures, Bugs, and upgraded equipment from your previous save file. This includes your upgraded Bug Net, Seed Satchels, Bomb Bags, Quivers, and Potions.
• Boss Rush Availability: The Thunder Dragon's Lightning Round (Boss Rush) is immediately accessible from the start of Hero Mode, allowing you to test your skills against all bosses without replaying the entire story.

Hero Mode is perfect for players seeking a true test of their mastery over Skyward Sword's combat and exploration mechanics.

Completing Your Collection

Even if you've finished the main story, chances are you haven't found every last item. The post-game is the ideal time to become a true completionist.

Upgrading All Equipment

To fully upgrade all your gear, you'll need a significant amount of Rupees, Bugs, and Treasures. Focus on these key upgrades:

• Swords: Ensure your Goddess Sword has been fully upgraded to the Master Sword, and then to the True Master Sword. This requires specific items from the Silent Realms.
• Shields:
  • Wooden Shield: Max upgrade requires 2x Amber Relic, 1x Jelly Blob, 1x Monster Claw.
  • Iron Shield: Max upgrade requires 3x Amber Relic, 2x Monster Claw, 1x Eldin Ore.
  • Sacred Shield: Max upgrade requires 3x Dusk Relic, 2x Bird Feather, 1x Ornamental Skull.
  • Hylian Shield: Obtained from the Thunder Dragon's Lightning Round (see below). This shield is unbreakable and resists all elemental damage.
• Slingshot: Max upgrade requires 2x Amber Relic, 3x Jelly Blob, 1x Monster Horn.
• Bow: Max upgrade requires 3x Dusk Relic, 2x Tumbleweed, 1x Goddess Plume.
• Bomb Bag: Max upgrade requires 3x Eldin Ore, 2x Monster Claw, 1x Ornamental Skull.
• Seed Satchel: Max upgrade requires 3x Amber Relic, 2x Tumbleweed, 1x Monster Horn.
• Quiver: Max upgrade requires 3x Dusk Relic, 2x Bird Feather, 1x Goddess Plume.
• Bug Net: Max upgrade requires 2x Amber Relic, 1x Tumbleweed, 1x Monster Horn.

Remember to visit Gondo in the Bazaar's Item Check to initiate upgrades, and consult your Adventure Pouch for required materials.

Finding All Heart Pieces

There are 24 Heart Pieces scattered across Skyloft, The Surface, and the Silent Realms. Each four pieces combine to form a full Heart Container. Use your Dowsing ability to locate any you might have missed. Some notable locations include:

• Skyloft: Inside the Knight Academy, on a small island near the Waterfall Cave, from Batreaux after fulfilling his requests.
• Faron Woods: In the Great Tree, behind a waterfall.
• Eldin Volcano: In the Volcano Ascent, near the Mogma's hideout.
• Lanayru Desert: In the Temple of Time, after activating the Timeshift Stone.

Collecting All Goddess Cubes

There are 27 Goddess Cubes hidden throughout The Surface. Striking these with a Skyward Strike will send a corresponding treasure chest to Skyloft. Make sure you've opened all of them in the Sky to claim their valuable contents, which often include rare Treasures or Heart Pieces.

Completing Gratitude Crystal Side Quests

Batreaux, the friendly demon living beneath Skyloft, will reward you handsomely for collecting Gratitude Crystals. There are 80 crystals in total, obtained by completing side quests for the residents of Skyloft. His rewards include:

• 10 Crystals: Medium Wallet (holds 500 Rupees)
• 30 Crystals: Big Wallet (holds 1,000 Rupees)
• 40 Crystals: Cursed Medal (increases Bug and Treasure drops, but prevents use of Adventure Pouch items)
• 50 Crystals: Giant Wallet (holds 5,000 Rupees)
• 70 Crystals: Tycoon Wallet (holds 9,000 Rupees)
• 80 Crystals: A Heart Piece

Many of these quests become available or are easier to complete after certain story events or with specific items. check in with Cawlin, Fledge, and the various shopkeepers for their requests.

The Thunder Dragon's Lightning Round (Boss Rush)

Located in the Lanayru Gorge, the Thunder Dragon offers the ultimate combat challenge: the Lightning Round. Speak to him after he's recovered from his illness (which occurs after completing the Lanayru Silent Realm). You can choose to fight individual bosses or undertake a full Boss Rush.

• Individual Bosses: Practice against any boss you've previously defeated. This is excellent for honing your skills or farming specific boss-related Treasures.
• Boss Rush: Face every boss in succession without healing between fights (unless you use a Potion from your Adventure Pouch). The more bosses you defeat in a row, the better the rewards.
  • 8 Bosses Defeated: Earn the legendary Hylian Shield, an unbreakable shield resistant to all elemental damage. This is a must-have for any completionist.
  • Subsequent Runs: After obtaining the Hylian Shield, subsequent full Boss Rush completions will reward you with rare Treasures like Goddess Plumes, Blue Bird Feathers, or even a Rupee worth 900.

Strategy for Boss Rush:

1. Potions are Key: Bring several Potions, especially Guardian Potions and Revitalizing Potions. Stamina Potions can also be useful for certain fights.
2. Hylian Shield: If you're attempting the full Boss Rush for the first time, consider having a Sacred Shield as your best option, but once you earn the Hylian Shield, it makes subsequent runs much easier.
3. Know Your Enemies: Each boss has a specific weakness and attack pattern. Master these to minimize damage taken.
4. Save Your Fairy: If you have a Fairy in a bottle, save it for critical moments.

Refining Your Skills

Even after all collectibles are found and challenges conquered, you can always return to refine your combat and exploration skills. Practice precise sword swings, master your Dowsing abilities, and discover new ways to traverse the environments. Skyward Sword HD's unique motion controls (or button controls) offer a depth that rewards continued practice.