How to Unlock Hero Mode in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD?

Occasionally obtuse puzzles aside, games in the Legend of Zelda series aren’t known for being especially difficult. I’ve certainly never ragequit any of them. Not for… long, anyway. But if you’re hankering for a little more challenge out of your Legend of Zelda experience, perhaps it’s time you give Hero Mode a spin. So, how do you unlock Hero Mode in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD?

Alongside all of the little technical and quality-of-life tweaks made to Skyward Sword HD, Hero Mode is an entirely new difficulty setting that makes getting through the game much harder. If you find the base game a little too easy, or just feel like punishing yourself, Hero Mode can put a spicy spin on a game you thought you already knew front and back. Of course, you will have to know the game front and back anyway, because in order to unlock Hero Mode, you’ll need to have cleared Skyward Sword HD’s story at least once, then start a new game in a separate save file. 

How Do You Unlock Hero Mode in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD?

So what’s actually different about Hero Mode that makes it so challenging? Well, all of this stuff:

• All enemy attacks deal double damage
• Falling from heights deals double damage
• Hearts and Heart Flowers don’t appear; you can only restore health with Potions and resting in chairs (though Hearts will reappear if you have a Heart Medal)
• Stamina and Oxygen gauges empty more quickly
• All bosses (including Demise) are available in the Lightning Round minigame immediately

In addition to these tricky changes, there are also a few tweaks that’ll make your life a little easier.

• Bugs and treasures found in your original save file carry over
• All Gossip Stones offer hints from the beginning
• The Skyward Strike requires little-to-no charging

There’s no further reward for beating the game again in Hero Mode, it’s just there if you want to challenge yourself or need an excuse to spend a little more time with the game.