Bug Catching

Learn how to acquire and use the Bug Net for collecting essential critters in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD to upgrade your gear.

Beyond battling monsters and solving ancient puzzles, Skyward Sword HD offers a relaxing, yet rewarding, side activity: bug catching! These tiny critters aren't just for show; they're essential for upgrading your gear and potions, making Link a more formidable hero. To begin your entomological adventures, you'll first need the right tool for the job.

Acquiring the Bug Net

The Bug Net is your primary tool for catching all manner of insects. Fortunately, it's available quite early in your journey:

• Location: Beedle's Airshop.
• Availability: Beedle's Airshop can be found flying above Skyloft during the day. Simply ring the bell below his shop to have him descend.
• Cost: The Bug Net costs 50 Rupees. Make sure you have enough currency saved up before approaching him.
• Strategy: Once purchased, the Bug Net will be stored in your Adventure Pouch. Equip it to a quick-select slot for easy access.

How to Catch Bugs

Catching bugs is a straightforward process, but requires a bit of timing and precision:

1. Equip the Bug Net: Select the Bug Net from your Adventure Pouch and assign it to a quick-select button.
2. Approach Stealthily: Many bugs are skittish. Approach them slowly to avoid startling them. Crouching (by pressing down on the D-pad) can help you get closer without being detected.
3. Swing the Net: Once you are within range, swing your Bug Net by performing a horizontal motion with your Joy-Con (or pressing the Y button if playing with traditional controls). Aim for the bug's general vicinity.
4. Collect Your Prize: If successful, the bug will be caught and added to your inventory.

Pro Tip: Some bugs, particularly those that fly, are easier to catch if you use a spin attack with the net (swinging the Joy-Con in a circle or holding Y and rotating the left stick). This creates a wider sweep.

Bug Locations and Uses

Bugs are found throughout Skyloft and the various surface regions. Each bug serves a unique purpose, primarily for crafting upgrades at the Bazaar's Scrap Shop or for enhancing potions at the Skyloft Potion Shop.

Skyloft Bugs

• Skyloft Bug: Common. Found almost anywhere on Skyloft, especially in grassy areas.
  • Uses: Potion upgrades (e.g., Stamina Potion+).
• Lanayru Ant: Uncommon. Found near the Goddess Statue or in the Lumpy Pumpkin's garden.
  • Uses: Potion upgrades (e.g., Guardian Potion+).

Faron Woods Bugs

• Faron Grasshopper: Common. Abundant in the tall grass of Faron Woods.
  • Uses: Potion upgrades (e.g., Revitalizing Potion+).
• Woodland Rhino Beetle: Uncommon. Often found clinging to trees in Faron Woods. Use a dash attack into the tree to knock them down.
  • Uses: Shield upgrades (e.g., Iron Shield to Reinforced Shield).
• Deku Hornet: Common. Found in Deku Hornet nests, particularly in the Deep Woods. Strike the nest with your sword to make them swarm, then quickly swing your net.
  • Uses: Potion upgrades (e.g., Air Potion+).

Eldin Volcano Bugs

• Eldin Roller: Uncommon. Found rolling around on the hot surfaces of Eldin Volcano. They are quite fast, so anticipate their path.
  • Uses: Item upgrades (e.g., Bug Net to Big Bug Net).
• Volcanic Ladybug: Common. Often found near lava flows or on hot rocks in Eldin Volcano.
  • Uses: Potion upgrades (e.g., Heart Potion+).

Lanayru Desert Bugs

• Sand Cicada: Common. Found in the sandy areas of Lanayru Desert, often near Timeshift Stones.
  • Uses: Potion upgrades (e.g., Stamina Potion++).
• Gerudo Dragonfly: Uncommon. Flies quickly around the oasis areas of Lanayru Desert. These are among the trickiest to catch due to their speed.
  • Uses: Item upgrades (e.g., Scattershot to Quickshot).

Thunderhead Bugs

• Starry Firefly: Rare. Found exclusively within the Thunderhead, particularly on the Isle of Songs. They glow brightly, making them easy to spot in the dark.
  • Uses: Potion upgrades (e.g., Revitalizing Potion++).

Upgrading Your Bug Net

For the serious bug collector, an upgraded net is a must:

• Big Bug Net: This upgrade significantly increases the range of your net, making it much easier to catch elusive bugs.
  • Requirements:
    • Bug Net (already owned)
    • 3 Eldin Rollers
    • 2 Amber Relics
    • 1 Monster Horn
  • Location: Head to the Scrap Shop in the Bazaar on Skyloft.

Happy hunting, hero! A well-stocked bug collection will prove invaluable on your quest to save Zelda.