Skyward Sword: Boss Strategies

Demon Lord Ghirahim (Skyview Temple)

Your first major test comes in the form of the flamboyant and dangerous Demon Lord Ghirahim. This pretty boy is more than just talk; he’s a skilled fighter who will try to disarm you – literally.

Phase 1: The Hand is Quicker Than the Eye

Ghirahim will slowly advance, his hand outstretched, attempting to snatch your sword. Keep your blade moving, feigning attacks to bait his grab. When he commits, quickly slash from the opposite direction he’s anticipating. If he does manage to grab your sword, don’t panic! Create distance and retrieve it quickly. He’ll also try to unnerve you by licking his blade – don’t let his theatrics distract you!

Phase 2: Projectiles and Dashes

After taking a few hits, Ghirahim will summon a series of red, dagger-like projectiles. You can send these flying back at him with well-timed sword slashes that match their formation (horizontal for a horizontal line of daggers, etc.). He’ll also employ a quick dashing attack. A well-timed shield bash can stun him, leaving him open for a counter-attack. If you find yourself without a shield, a spin attack or quick side-step and slash will be your go-to. Sometimes, he’ll warp close with his sword raised; a swift horizontal slash can catch him off guard.

Stay nimble and observant, and you’ll put this preening demon in his place, securing your first Heart Container and a step closer to Zelda.

Scaldera (Earth Temple)

Deep within the scorching Earth Temple, the molten monstrosity Scaldera awaits. This enormous, flaming boulder with legs is a fiery menace that requires quick thinking and a good throwing arm.

The Uphill Battle

Scaldera will relentlessly chase you up a long ramp. Your primary weapon against this beast is bombs. As it charges, toss a bomb into its gaping maw. A successful hit will cause it to swallow the bomb and roll back down the incline, shedding some of its rocky armor and briefly exposing its vulnerable eye.

Eye Spy a Weakness

Rush down after it and unleash a flurry of slashes on its exposed eye. Be ready to retreat quickly as it recovers.

Leg Day

As the fight progresses, Scaldera will occasionally stand tall on its legs, attempting to scuttle over you. When it does this, position yourself safely between its legs and let it pass. It will then likely curl into a ball and roll back down – dash to the side to avoid being crushed.

Resource Management

If you run low on bombs or need to recover hearts, there’s a safe alcove at the very top of the ramp. Be warned, Scaldera can still launch fireballs at you while you’re up there.

Keep your cool, aim true with your bombs, and exploit those openings to shatter Scaldera and claim the treasures of the Earth Temple.

Moldarach (Lanayru Mining Facility)

Within the dusty confines of the Lanayru Mining Facility, you’ll face Moldarach, a colossal cybernetic scorpion. This battle is a test of precision and your ability to adapt to changing tactics.

Phase 1: Claw Cracker

Moldarach will attack with its large claws, each housing a vulnerable eye. Lock onto a claw and wait for the eye to open. Deliver a precise sword strike, matching the angle at which the eye is exposed (e.g., a horizontal slash for a horizontally open eye). If an eye glows red, it’s about to attempt a grab – dodge quickly! After enough damage, the claw will be destroyed. Repeat this process for the other claw.

Phase 2: Sandy Deception

With both claws gone, Moldarach will burrow into the sand, attempting to ambush you. Watch for the moving lump in the sand. Use your Gust Bellows to blow away the sand and expose the boss. Once unearthed, it will likely charge or swing its tail. Its main eye is now your target. A well-aimed sword thrust is the most effective way to deal damage here.

Stay focused on the eyes, utilize your Gust Bellows effectively in the second phase, and this mechanized menace will soon be a pile of scrap.

The Imprisoned (Sealed Grounds – First Encounter)

The ancient evil bound within the Sealed Grounds breaks free, and it’s up to you to stop The Imprisoned from reaching the Sealed Temple. This massive, black, multi-legged beast requires a strategy focused on immobilization and striking a critical weak point.

Toe Takedown

The Imprisoned’s primary weakness is the sealing spike atop its head. To bring it down, you must first destroy all of its “toes” – the bulbous appendages on its feet. Lock on and slash at them. Spin attacks can be effective against the clusters of toes. Destroying all toes on one foot will temporarily slow it. Beware, as it stomps, it creates damaging shockwaves.

Head Trauma

Once all its toes are destroyed, The Imprisoned will topple over. This is your chance! Rush to its head and deliver upward sword strikes to drive the sealing spike back into its skull.

Rinse and Repeat (with a Twist)

You’ll need to repeat this process three times. In the final round, its stomps will generate more powerful red shockwaves that you’ll need to carefully time your attacks to avoid.

Alternative Strategy: Going Up!

You can also use the large air geysers around the arena to launch yourself onto The Imprisoned’s back or head, allowing you to strike the spike without needing to destroy its toes. This can be faster but requires more precise maneuvering.

Sealing the Deal

After driving the spike in for the third time, approach the seal on the ground, perform a Skyward Strike, and then trace the on-screen pattern with your sword to reinforce the seal.

Patience and persistence are key to re-sealing this colossal threat.

Koloktos (Ancient Cistern)

Guarding the sacred flame in the Ancient Cistern is Koloktos, a massive, multi-armed golden automaton brought to life by Ghirahim’s dark magic. This fight is all about using its own weapons against it.

Phase 1: Whip It Good!

Koloktos will initially be rooted in the center of the room. It will attack by slamming its arms down or sending spinning blades your way. Dodge these attacks. When an arm slams down, use your newly acquired Whip to grab and pull its joints apart. Repeat this for all its arms (it has six!). Once disarmed, its caged chest will be exposed. Rush in and slash at the red core. You’ll need to do this a couple of times.

Phase 2: Rise of the Machine

Enraged, Koloktos will pull itself from the floor, revealing legs and wielding massive curved swords. It will also summon Cursed Bokoblins – take them out quickly. The strategy remains similar: wait for it to slam its arms (usually three at a time) onto the ground. Use your Whip to disarm it. This time, it will drop its giant swords. Pick one up!

Turning the Tables

With Koloktos’s own sword in hand, wait for it to try and stomp or slam its remaining arms. Use the giant sword to break its legs or remaining arms. This will eventually cause it to fall, exposing its chest cage again. Use the giant sword to smash the cage and then wail on its core. Be wary of its powerful, continuous swinging sword attack after it rebuilds itself; create distance when you see it winding up.

This battle is a fantastic spectacle. Stay reactive, use the Whip strategically, and enjoy the satisfaction of dismantling this golden giant piece by piece.

Tentalus (Sandship)

Aboard the ghostly Sandship, the monstrous Abyssal Leviathan Tentalus will attempt to crush you with its massive tentacles and fearsome gaze. This fight takes place in stages, requiring you to adapt as the battlefield changes.

Phase 1: Tentacle Terror (Below Deck)

As you try to reach the deck, Tentalus’s tentacles will burst through the ship. Charge a Skyward Strike and unleash it horizontally or diagonally to sever these writhing appendages. If a tentacle grabs you, shake your controllers to break free.

Phase 1 Part 2: Eye of the Storm (On Deck)

Once on deck, Tentalus will reveal its massive eye. It will continue to attack by slamming its main tentacles down. You can sever these with Skyward Strikes to create an opening. Your main goal is to shoot its enormous eye with an arrow from your Bow. A successful hit will stun the beast, causing it to slump onto the deck. Rush in and slash at its eye with your sword. Repeat this process. Important Note: Avoid exclusively using the Bow to damage the eye after it’s stunned, as this may trigger a glitch preventing the fight from progressing.

Phase 2: High Ground Havoc

After taking enough damage, Tentalus will partially destroy the deck. A crate will fall, creating a makeshift platform. Climb up. Now, Tentalus will attack with snake-like tentacles that emerge from its head, complete with snapping mouths. Stand your ground and slash at these smaller tentacles as they approach. Once you’ve cleared a few, Tentalus’s main eye will be vulnerable again. Shoot it with an arrow, and when it slumps, unleash your sword attacks.

Keep your Skyward Strikes charged, your arrows true, and don’t get overwhelmed by the chaos. Send this sea horror back to the depths!

Bilocyte (Thunderhead – Parasite of Levias)

The great sky spirit Levias is afflicted by a massive ocular parasite, Bilocyte. This battle takes place in the skies and then on Levias’s back, requiring skilled Loftwing maneuvers and precise swordplay.

Phase 1: Aerial Assault

Mount your Loftwing and pursue the infected Levias. Four large eye-stalks will be protruding from its body. Use your Loftwing’s Spiral Charge attack (press A) to ram into these eyeballs and destroy them. Take your time to line up your charges. If you need health, there are small islands in the Thunderhead where you can recover.

Phase 2: On the Back of the Beast

Once all four eye-stalks are gone, fly above Levias and jump off your Loftwing to land on the flat part of its head where Bilocyte’s main body is exposed.

Phase 3: Projectile Tennis

Bilocyte will spit green bile projectiles at you. You need to deflect these back at it using your sword. Swing your sword diagonally (left or right) to hit the projectiles towards Bilocyte’s wing-like feelers on either side of its main eye. After hitting both “wings,” its central eye will be vulnerable. Hit a projectile straight back (vertical slash) into its main eye. This will stun it, allowing you to run up and slash its eye directly.

Phase 4: Shifty Tactics

As it takes more damage, Bilocyte will start moving its head left or right to dodge your deflected shots. You’ll need to anticipate its movements and adjust the direction of your sword swings accordingly to continue hitting its eye.

Master your Loftwing, perfect your projectile deflection, and free Levias from this disgusting parasite!

Demon Lord Ghirahim (Fire Sanctuary)

Ghirahim returns, more determined and powerful than before. This encounter in the Fire Sanctuary will test your mastery of sword combat and your ability to read his telegraphed attacks.

Phase 1: Familiar Foes, New Tricks

Ghirahim again starts by trying to catch your sword, his hand glowing. Bait his grab and strike from an unguarded angle. This time, however, he’ll often summon small floating daggers around him that can block your attacks or damage you. You’ll need to aim your strikes carefully to bypass these daggers. If he catches your sword, be ready to quickly slash upwards or perform a shield bash to reclaim it.

Phase 2: Armed and Dangerous

After taking some damage, Ghirahim will summon two swords. He’ll use these to block your attacks. You must strike from an opening, similar to fighting a Stalfos. He may also jump into the air and try to dive bomb you – dodge this and counterattack while he’s vulnerable with his swords stuck in the ground. He will also continue to use his projectile daggers (which you can still deflect) and his dashing attack.

Knock Him Down

A key strategy in this phase involves knocking Ghirahim off the elevated platforms. Successful combos can push him towards the edge. Once he’s down, you can perform a Fatal Blow.

This fight demands more precision and quicker reactions than your first encounter. Stay patient, exploit his openings, and show Ghirahim he’s no match for the hero of the skies.

The Imprisoned (Sealed Grounds – Second Encounter)

The beast is back, and it’s learned a few new tricks. This time, The Imprisoned has sprouted arms, making its ascent towards the Sealed Temple even more dangerous. Thankfully, you have an ally: Groose and his Groosenator catapult!

Familiar Strategy, New Obstacle

Your primary goal is still to attack the toes to make it fall, then strike the sealing spike on its head. The arms can be a nuisance, trying to grab you or push you away.

Groose is on the Loose!

Groose will periodically announce that the Groosenator is ready. When The Imprisoned is in range (especially when it tries to climb the walls of the pit), hit the catapult to fire a large bomb at the beast. This will stun it, often knocking it down or halting its advance, giving you a prime opportunity to attack its toes or head. The Groosenator can also destroy toes if aimed well.

The Bow Advantage

If you have the Bow, you can use it to snipe toes from a safer distance, especially the hard-to-reach rear ones.

Shockwave Warning

Its stomps still create damaging shockwaves, and now they are larger and more frequent. Time your movements carefully.

Three Times the Charm

Just like before, you need to drive the spike into its head three times and then perform the Skyward Strike sealing ritual.

Coordiate with Groose, use your full arsenal, and push this abomination back into its prison.

The Imprisoned (Sealed Grounds – Third Encounter)

Just when you thought it was over, The Imprisoned breaks free for a third and thankfully final confrontation. This time, it can FLY!

Phase 1: Grounded (Briefly)

Initially, the fight is similar. Get above The Imprisoned using the spirit geysers. Wait for Groose to call out that the Groosenator is ready, then have him fire a bomb. While it’s stunned, jump onto its head and whale on the sealing spike.

Phase 2: Taking Flight

After the first takedown, The Imprisoned will grow a halo and begin to float upwards, attempting to reach the temple much faster. Groose’s Groosenator is again your key. Hit it with a bomb to bring it crashing down. Then, rush to its fallen head and drive in the spike. You’ll need to be quick and position yourself effectively, as it falls in different spots.

Phase 3: Human Cannonball!

For the final round, the Groosenator will be damaged. Groose, in a stroke of genius (or madness), will modify it to launch you! Climb the geysers to reach Groose. He’ll load you into the catapult. Aim carefully at The Imprisoned’s head, specifically the spike, and launch yourself. Once you land, repeatedly strike the spike to finally defeat it. If you miss, you’ll have to climb back up and try again.

Final Seal

Once it’s down for good, perform the Skyward Strike sealing ritual one last time.

This is the most dynamic fight against The Imprisoned. Use the environment and Groose’s invaluable assistance to put an end to this recurring nightmare.

Demon Lord Ghirahim (Sealed Grounds – Penultimate Battle)

As you race to prevent Zelda’s revival of Demise in the past, Ghirahim makes his stand, throwing hordes of Bokoblins at you before engaging you directly in a multi-stage battle that tests your endurance and sword skills.

The Gauntlet

First, you’ll battle waves of Bokoblins as you descend the spiraling path of the Sealed Grounds. Use spin attacks and prioritize Bokoblin leaders with horns to prevent them from summoning reinforcements. There are Stamina Fruit scattered around if you need them. You can choose to run past many of these enemies if you’re quick.

Phase 1 (Platform Battle)

You’ll confront Ghirahim on a series of descending platforms. Your goal is to knock him off the edge to the platform below. He’ll block many of your attacks, but each hit pushes him back slightly. Unleash combos to send him over the edge, then perform a Fatal Blow.

Phase 2 (Glowing Hands)

After a few knockdowns, Ghirahim will change tactics. His hands will glow with purple energy. If your sword strikes these glowing hands, he’ll counter and potentially swap places with you, putting you dangerously close to the edge. You must carefully aim your slashes to avoid his guarded hands.

Phase 3 (Ground Level – Swordplay)

Once you reach the bottom, Ghirahim will draw his own sword, which looks suspiciously like a darker version of the Master Sword. He will block almost all direct attacks. Keep your distance. He will eventually launch a red energy beam from his sword. Slash your sword with the same orientation as the beam (horizontal for horizontal, vertical for vertical) to deflect it back at him. He may volley it back a few times – play this deadly game of energy tennis until it hits him. This will stun him, allowing you to rush in and deliver thrusts to his chest.

Phase 4 (Breaking the Blade)

In the final part of this phase, you need to shatter his sword. When your blades clash, repeatedly attack. With enough sustained pressure, his sword will crack and eventually break, leaving him vulnerable for a final series of attacks to his chest.

This is a true test of everything you’ve learned. Manage the crowds, adapt to his changing tactics on the platforms, and master the art of the sword duel to finally overcome Ghirahim’s penultimate form.

Demon Lord Ghirahim (Final Form – Servant of Demise)

Just as Demise is about to be fully resurrected, Ghirahim undergoes his final, most powerful transformation, becoming a true demon warrior. This is a pure, intense sword duel.

Aggression is Key

Ghirahim, now clad in metallic armor, is incredibly aggressive. He will relentlessly attack you with his large sword.

Exposing the Core

Your target is the large red gem on his chest. However, it’s heavily protected by his armor plates.

Breaking Through

You need to attack his armor repeatedly. Focus your slashes on specific sections of his armor (arms, torso). After sustained attacks on one area, the armor will crack and eventually break away, revealing a section of the gem.

Counter and Strike

Shield bashes are crucial here. Successfully parrying his attacks will create openings for you to strike the exposed gem. He hits hard, so precise timing is essential.

Persistent Assault

Ghirahim will try to regenerate his armor. You need to be relentless in your attacks, constantly pressuring him and breaking through his defenses to strike the gem whenever an opening appears. Deliver enough direct hits to the fully exposed gem to defeat him once and for all.

This is a battle of attrition and skill. Stay focused, parry effectively, and shatter Ghirahim’s final form to face the true evil.

Demise (The Final Battle)

The Demon King himself, Demise, is unleashed. This is the ultimate confrontation, a true test of your courage, skill, and the power of the Master Sword. The fate of the world rests on your shoulders.

Phase 1: The Duel

Demise is a powerful swordsman. He will attack with strong, deliberate slashes.

• Offense and Defense: You need to be both aggressive and cautious. If you stay too far away, he will unleash a devastating charging attack that can be hard to dodge (a well-timed backflip is your best bet). Get in close and trade blows.
• Exploiting Openings: He will block many of your initial attacks. Look for openings after he attacks or when he shifts his guard. A common tactic is to bait his attack, dodge or shield bash it, and then counter. Alternating slashes (right-to-left, then left-to-right) can sometimes slip past his defenses. After landing a hit, immediately prepare to dodge or block, as he will likely retaliate.

Bringing Him to His Knee: After several successful hits, you can bring Demise down to one knee, leaving him open for a flurry of attacks.

Phase 2: Lightning Strikes

Enraged, Demise will infuse the battlefield and his blade with lightning. The sky will darken, and lightning will periodically strike the ground.

• Harnessing the Storm: You can no longer charge a regular Skyward Strike. Instead, hold your sword aloft. If lightning strikes your blade, it will become imbued with electrical energy. You can then unleash a powerful lightning-infused Skyward Strike at Demise.
• Lightning Duel: Demise will also charge his sword with lightning and fire his own Skyward Strikes at you. If your charged strike collides with his, they will cancel each other out. You need to hit him with your lightning strike before he unleashes his, or dodge his and then quickly retaliate.
• Stunning the Demon King: A successful lightning Skyward Strike will temporarily paralyze Demise. This is your crucial opening! Rush in and unleash a barrage of sword attacks.

The Fatal Blow (Patience is a Virtue)

After he’s been stunned and damaged enough, Demise will fall, and you’ll get the prompt for a Fatal Blow. Crucially, do NOT attempt the Fatal Blow the first time he falls in this phase. He will dodge it, and you’ll be left vulnerable. Let him get up. Repeat the process of charging your sword with lightning, striking him, and attacking while he’s paralyzed. It’s generally safer to wait until he has fallen for the third time in this phase before attempting the Fatal Blow. This time, it will connect, and you will vanquish the Demon King.

This is it, hero. Give it everything you’ve got. Be patient during the lightning phase, learn his patterns, and use the Master Sword to its fullest potential. Your courage will become legend!