TheLegend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HDhas revivedZeldafans' interest in the oft-neglected title. Originally released towards the end of the Nintendo Wii’s life cycle, the game initially received criticism for its linearity, a return to form after the open-world aspects ofTwilight Princess.
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That’s not to say that there’s nothing but the main quest to do, though.Skyward Swordoffers the player special upgradesthrough the Gratitude Crystal system, which can only be earned throughout the game’s many side quests. Some are out in the open, but most of the fun ones are a little bit out of the player’s way.
7The Minecart Roller Coaster
After the player has completed the Sandship dungeon, a minigame unlocks all the way back at the Shipyard. Called Rickety Coaster, the minigame challenges the player tocomplete the minecart course in under a minute and five seconds for a Piece of Heart.
It’s not a simple “dodge the obstacles” course. The player has to lean into turns and navigate the track efficiently to gain speed. It’s a harder minigame, but one that stands out forits non-standard gameplay.
6Earning Two Heart Pieces The Hard Way
At the Lumpy Pumpkin in Pumpkin Landing, the player can look up and see a Heart Piece sitting on top of the tavern’s chandelier. Normally, Link can’t get up there; however, if he rolls into a wall on the second floor, the Piece of Heart will drop to the floor. It seems simple, but there’s a second half to this side quest.
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Upon going downstairs again, the owner comes out and forces Link to do a series of odd jobs to pay for the damages to his establishment. Players must complete tasks like deliveringHot Soup to the Knight Commander, carrying pumpkins, and play a harp to a crowd. The owner is so impressed by Link’s work that he actually gives him another Heart Piece!
5The End-Game Boss Rush
Towards the end of the game, Link resurrects the Thunder Dragon in Lanayru Gorge, who teaches him the third part of the Song of the Hero. Later on, though, the player can return to him to take part in a Boss Rush game mode. Here, Link mustbeat the game’s bosses back to back in a special sequence.
Rewards are given to the player based on how far they make it through the mini-game. Heart pieces, treasures, the Absurdly Sturdy Shield (the Hylian Shield itself), and absolute mountains of Rupees can be earned with enough progression. It’s not easy, though, as nothing changes about the boss fights. For skilled players, it’s an easy way to amass Rupees and treasure.
4Romancing the Peatrice
Peatrice is the clerk at the Item Check building where Link can store his belongings long-term. Once Link has completed the early-game Lanayru Mining Facility, the player canreturn to Peatrice regularly. The two gradually build up a romantic interest in one another. Funnily enough, Fi tells Link to keep his interest a secret around Zelda.
As the relationship blossoms, Link iseventually given a choice: tell Peatrice how much he likes her, or reject her. While this isn’t an official side quest, it does result in Link receiving five Gratitude Crystals no matter how the relationship turns out. If the player accepts Peatrice, future interactions have her make a heart symbol with her hands to Link.
3Something Scary In The Cistern
After speaking with the old woman in the Sealed Grounds, and after Link acquires the Harp, arelatively hidden side quest opens up. Head back to Skyloft to speak with Dovos, who is sitting at a table. He guides Link to the Knight Academy tospeak with another old woman who has been hearing voices at night.
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When Link goes to sleep next, he will hear a voice asking for paper from the bathroom. After this, talking to Cawlin will grant him a Love Letter. This Love Letter can be used as Toilet Paper for the “ghost” in the Knight Academy restroom; alternatively, it can also be given to its proper recipient for 5 Gratitude Crystals either way.
2Half-Price Items For Beedle’s Beetle
Beedle has been an iconic side character since his debut inThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. In his original game, he piloted the humble Shop Ship, while inSkyward Swordhe has an island entirely to himself – as well as an airship shop.
On the island, Beedle tells the player about his missing Beetle. Players can win this item back from Strich on Bug Rock for completing a Bug Heaven challenge. If Link is able tocatch 10 of the required bugs in less than three minutes, Stritch gives back Beedle’s Beetle. Upon finishing this quest Link of course gains Gratitude Crystals, but he additionally is given a half-price discount on his next purchase from Beedle – anifty treatfor the thriftyplayer.
1A Bottle and Crystals For A Missing Sister
The Missing Sister side quest is not particularly notable for having cool gameplay like the Minecart quest or a neat mini-story like the Lumpy Pumpkin chores. What it does offer, though, is thehighest Gratitude Crystal rewardof any side quest (at 10 Crystals) as well as a brand new empty bottle.
Players can only start this quest after completing The Lost Child. It can be picked up on the south-east area of Skyloft from Parrow, whodirects Link to find his missing sister. It turns out she is helping to rehabilitate her injured Loftwing on Fun Fun Island. When the quest is finished, Link gets a bottle as well as 5 Gratitude Crystals from both Parrow and his sister each.
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