The “Rescuing the Hero Link” quest begins immediately after the completion of the “Still Missing” quest. Following her victory over Ganon in Hyrule Castle and her reunion with the King, Zelda learns that the hero destined to fight alongside her against the encroaching evil, Link, has been captured by the enemy. The goddesses provide a crucial hint, suggesting that Zelda may find the hero she seeks within the ancient forest watched over by a sacred tree. The primary objective of this quest is to locate Link and rescue him from his captors, as he holds a vital piece of the Prime Energy necessary to stop the forces of darkness. This quest intertwines with the “Lands of the Goddesses” quest, progressing as Zelda explores the new regions and gathers the goddesses’ sanctions, ultimately leading her to the Eternal Forest in her search for the missing hero.
How to Complete the Rescuing the Hero Link Main Quest
After proving her worth in the Eternal Forest and meeting the Deku Tree, Zelda will be led into the Ancient Ruins where the Prime Energy, or Triforce, rests. Before Zelda’s evil Echo can claim it, the Triforce will shatter into pieces, with one piece going to Null, one to Zelda, and the final piece flying into a Stilled World, where Link is presumably held. Zelda must then follow the corrupt Echo into the Stilled Ancient Ruins. This journey begins through floating grasslands, where Peahats pose a threat. Players have a choice in how to proceed: either by climbing trees to reach a watery island filled with Jabul-related monsters or by taking a western path leading to a desert-like area reminiscent of the Gerudo Desert.
The watery path involves navigating through Biri-infested waters, while the desert path requires traversing floating pillars and ruins, with Sand Piranhas and quicksand requiring the use of Gerudo Sandals. Continuing onward leads to an Eldin Volcano Zone, characterized by lava rivers and air vents, necessitating the use of flying Echoes to navigate. Eventually, Zelda will confront the Echo Zelda, who will summon various shadow monsters in waves. After a challenging battle, Zelda will defeat the Echo Zelda and find Link trapped within a crystal prison. To free him, Zelda must use her Swordfighter Form and shoot an arrow at the crystal. This act will trigger a cutscene, marking the completion of the “Rescuing the Hero Link” quest.
Enemy Information
The Stilled Ancient Ruins present a diverse range of enemies drawn from various regions of Hyrule:
- Peahats: Found in the initial floating grasslands.
- Wolfos: Inhabit the field beyond the grasslands.
- Jabul-related monsters: Including Tanglers and Biri, on the watery island.
- Sand Piranhas: In the desert-like terrain.
- Freezards: Populate the icy regions.
- Buzz Blobs: Wander the waters of the Stilled Faron Wetlands section.
- Giant Goponga Flower: Also in the Stilled Faron Wetlands area.
- Zirro & Lizalfos: Encountered in the Eldin Volcano Zone.
- Shadow monsters: Various shadowy forms of common enemies summoned by the Echo Zelda.
Puzzle Solutions
Navigating the Stilled Ancient Ruins involves several environmental challenges:
- A maze of floating platforms requires careful navigation.
- Water Blocks are needed to cross between isolated watery islands.
- The Platboom Echo can be used to ascend to higher platforms in the desert area.
- Ice Spikes in the frozen region might require melting, potentially with a Brazier.
- Flying monster Echoes are essential for traversing lava rivers and air vents in the Eldin Volcano Zone.
Boss Strategy
The boss encounter in this quest is against the Echo Zelda. The Echo Zelda will float and summon waves of shadow monsters, starting with Moblins. Using the Lynel Echo is effective against these groups. Zelda should attack the Echo Zelda with arrows while in Swordfighter Form. Defeating shadow monsters will replenish Zelda’s energy. As the fight progresses, the Echo Zelda will summon stronger combinations, such as Darknuts with Buzz Blobs, which can be countered with bombs.
Landing jump attacks in Swordfighter Form can potentially knock her down. In later phases, she will summon themed groups of enemies from different regions. Throughout the fight, Zelda should continue using the Lynel Echo, along with her own bombs and arrows, to attack the Echo Zelda while managing the summoned enemies. In the final phase, she will summon a large group of powerful enemies, including Level 3 Darknuts. Zelda should support her Echoes and consider using an Automaton to increase firepower, while continuing to target the Echo Zelda with arrows and bombs to knock her out of the sky.