Game Progression Checklist — The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Guide

Follow this Game Progression Checklist for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, from Loftwing rescue in Skyloft to defeating Demise in the final battle.

Welcome, brave hero, to the definitive Game Progression Checklist for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD! be your unwavering companion, ensuring you don't miss a single crucial step on your journey to save Hyrule. We've broken down the main quest into actionable steps, highlighting key items, locations, and strategies to keep you on track. Utilize this checklist to conquer every challenge and emerge victorious!

Skyloft & The Surface - Early Game

• Awakening & Loftwing Rescue:
  • Attend the Wing Ceremony practice.
  • Locate your Loftwing in the Waterfall Cave.
  • Obtain the Practice Sword from Knight Commander Gaepora.
  • Learn basic sword controls and defeat the Bokoblins.
  • Rescue your Loftwing and participate in the Wing Ceremony.
• First Descent to the Surface:
  • After Zelda's disappearance, speak with Gaepora and Fledge.
  • Acquire the Goddess Sword and Sailcloth.
  • Leap from the Statue of the Goddess to the Sealed Grounds.
• Faron Woods Exploration:
  • Navigate the Sealed Grounds and defeat the Imprisoned (first encounter).
  • Enter Faron Woods.
  • Locate the Kikwi Elder and learn about the Slingshot.
  • Obtain the Slingshot from the Kikwi Elder.
  • Rescue the missing Kikwis using the Slingshot to clear obstacles.
  • Reach the Deep Woods and enter Skyview Temple.

Skyview Temple & Eldin Volcano

• Skyview Temple Completion:
  • Solve the various puzzles involving the Slingshot and sword.
  • Defeat the Stalfos mini-boss.
  • Acquire the Beetle from a treasure chest.
  • Utilize the Beetle to retrieve keys and activate switches.
  • Defeat the boss, Ghirahim (first encounter).
  • Obtain the Ruby Tablet and place it in the Statue of the Goddess.
• Eldin Volcano Ascent:
  • Travel to Eldin Volcano via the newly opened light pillar.
  • Navigate the volcanic terrain, avoiding lava and fire-breathing enemies.
  • Locate the Mogma and learn about Bomb Flowers.
  • Obtain Bomb Bags (initially small capacity) and Bomb Flowers.
  • Use Bomb Flowers to clear blocked paths and defeat specific enemies.
  • Reach the Earth Temple entrance.

Earth Temple & Lanayru Desert

• Earth Temple Completion:
  • Utilize Bomb Flowers to destroy rock formations and open new areas.
  • Solve rolling boulder puzzles.
  • Defeat the Lizalfos mini-bosses.
  • Acquire the Digging Mitts from a treasure chest.
  • Use the Digging Mitts to unearth hidden passages and items.
  • Defeat the boss, Scaldera.
  • Obtain the Amber Tablet and place it in the Statue of the Goddess.
• Lanayru Desert Expedition:
  • Travel to Lanayru Desert via the new light pillar.
  • Navigate the vast desert, utilizing the Goddess Harp to activate Timeshift Stones.
  • Learn about the Timeshift Stones and their effect on the environment.
  • Locate Skipper and learn about the Bomb Bag upgrade (available from Rupin in Skyloft after certain conditions).
  • Find the Lanayru Mining Facility entrance.

Lanayru Mining Facility & Ancient Cistern

• Lanayru Mining Facility Completion:
  • Master the use of Timeshift Stones to alter the environment between past and present.
  • Solve puzzles involving conveyor belts and robotic enemies.
  • Acquire the Clawshots from a treasure chest.
  • Utilize the Clawshots to grapple across gaps and reach high ledges.
  • Defeat the boss, Moldarach.
  • Obtain the Emerald Tablet and place it in the Statue of the Goddess.
• Faron Woods Revisited & Ancient Cistern:
  • Return to Faron Woods.
  • Locate the Great Tree and use the Clawshots to ascend it.
  • Enter the Ancient Cistern.
• Ancient Cistern Completion:
  • Navigate the dual-layered dungeon, switching between the clean upper and poisoned lower levels.
  • Solve water flow puzzles.
  • Acquire the Whip from a treasure chest.
  • Utilize the Whip to swing across gaps and pull distant objects.
  • Defeat the boss, Koloktos.
  • Obtain the Water Dragon's Scale (not a tablet, but crucial for progression).

Sandship & Fire Sanctuary

• Lanayru Sand Sea & Sandship:
  • Return to Lanayru Desert and access the Sand Sea.
  • Obtain the Small Bomb Bag (if not already acquired) and Bomb Flowers to clear paths.
  • Locate the Sandship.
• Sandship Completion:
  • Master the use of the Timeshift Stone on the ship to alternate between its past and present states.
  • Solve puzzles involving the ship's cannons and internal mechanisms.
  • Acquire the Bow and Arrows from a treasure chest.
  • Utilize the Bow to hit distant targets and activate switches.
  • Defeat the boss, Tentalus.
  • Obtain the Thunder Dragon's Scale.
• Eldin Volcano Revisited & Fire Sanctuary:
  • Return to Eldin Volcano.
  • Use the Clawshots and other acquired items to reach the Fire Sanctuary.
• Fire Sanctuary Completion:
  • Navigate the lava-filled dungeon, utilizing the Mogma Mitts (an upgrade to the Digging Mitts) to burrow through specific areas.
  • Solve puzzles involving lava flows and fire-resistant blocks.
  • Defeat the boss, Ghirahim (second encounter).
  • Obtain the Fire Dragon's Scale.

The Silent Realms & Triforce Hunt

• Faron Woods Silent Realm:
  • Initiate the Silent Realm trial in Faron Woods.
  • Collect all Tears of Farore while avoiding the Guardians.
  • Obtain Farore's Flame.
• Eldin Volcano Silent Realm:
  • Initiate the Silent Realm trial in Eldin Volcano.
  • Collect all Tears of Din while avoiding the Guardians.
  • Obtain Din's Flame.
• Lanayru Desert Silent Realm:
  • Initiate the Silent Realm trial in Lanayru Desert.
  • Collect all Tears of Nayru while avoiding the Guardians.
  • Obtain Nayru's Flame.
• Master Sword Forging:
  • Empower the Goddess Sword with all three Sacred Flames to forge the Master Sword.
• Song of the Hero & Triforce Hunt:
  • Speak with the three Dragons (Faron, Eldin, Lanayru) to learn the three parts of the Song of the Hero.
  • Perform the Song of the Hero at the designated locations to reveal the Triforce.
  • Locate and claim the Triforce of Courage, Triforce of Wisdom, and Triforce of Power.

Final Confrontation

• Sky Keep:
  • Enter the Sky Keep, located above the Statue of the Goddess.
  • Solve the intricate sliding block puzzles to rearrange the dungeon's rooms.
  • Navigate the reconfigured dungeon, utilizing all your acquired items and abilities.
  • Reach the final chamber.
• Sealed Grounds & Demise:
  • Return to the Sealed Grounds for the final confrontation with The Imprisoned.
  • Defeat The Imprisoned for the final time.
  • Descend into the Gate of Time.
  • Confront and defeat Ghirahim (final encounter).
  • Face and defeat the ultimate evil, Demise.
• Epilogue:
  • Witness the conclusion of Link and Zelda's journey.
  • Enjoy the ending cinematic and credits.