In Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK), one of the most exciting and fun activities you can try is shield surfing. This unique mechanic allows you to ride your shield like a snowboard, gliding down slopes and performing tricks. However, unlocking this ability requires some effort. In this article, we will guide you through the process of unlocking shield surfing in TOTK, from the basics of the mechanic to the steps you need to take to get it.
What is Shield Surfing?
Shield surfing is a unique feature in Tears of the Kingdom that allows you to use your shield to ride down slopes and hills at high speeds. It is similar to snowboarding, but instead of a board, you use a shield to glide. Shield surfing adds a fun element to exploration and provides a quick way to get around the vast open world of Hyrule.
Once unlocked, shield surfing can be used in a variety of ways, from traveling down mountain paths to engaging in combat or completing puzzles. It’s not just for fun; shield surfing can be practical and efficient in certain scenarios.
How to Unlock Shield Surfing
Shield surfing is not immediately available when you start the game. You need to complete a few steps to unlock it. Here’s a detailed guide to help you unlock the shield surfing mechanic.
1. Progress Through the Main Story
The first thing you need to do is progress through the main story of Tears of the Kingdom. Shield surfing is unlocked during a specific part of the game’s main quest. You can’t access it from the beginning, so you’ll need to complete several key objectives before it becomes available.
Focus on advancing through the story, completing the quests, and reaching the point where the shield surfing mechanic is introduced. This typically involves visiting certain locations, meeting specific characters, and completing important story events.
2. Reach the Right Location
Once you have progressed through the main story, you will eventually reach a specific area where you can unlock shield surfing. This will most likely be in one of the regions that offers large open spaces or high mountains, such as the Hebra region or the Faron regions. These places feature large slopes and hills that are perfect for practicing and performing shield surfing.
You will need to seek out a location that is known for its steep terrain, as this will be the key to unlocking the ability. The game will guide you to the specific area, so you can follow the main quest markers to find it.
3. Talk to the Right NPC
Once you have arrived at the correct location, you will need to speak with an NPC (non-playable character) who will explain the shield surfing mechanic to you. This NPC is typically someone who is knowledgeable about the game’s mechanics or has some kind of connection to shield surfing. They will provide you with the information you need to start using the ability.
Make sure you pay attention to the dialogue, as the NPC will explain how shield surfing works and what you need to do to perform it successfully. Sometimes, the NPC might give you additional tips or tricks to improve your surfing skills.
4. Get the Required Shield
Before you can start shield surfing, you’ll need a shield. Not all shields can be used for surfing, so make sure you have a shield that is suitable for the activity. Usually, a specific type of shield, like a wooden shield or a special surfing shield, will be required for the mechanic.
The NPC might give you a shield for free or direct you to a location where you can find one. Once you have the correct shield, you’re ready to start shield surfing.
5. Learn the Controls
Once you’ve unlocked shield surfing, you’ll need to learn the controls. The game will teach you how to ride your shield, but it’s essential to understand the mechanics before you start. The controls are simple, but they may take some practice to master.
To start shield surfing, follow these steps:
Equip Your Shield: You need to equip the shield that is suitable for surfing. You can do this by opening your inventory and selecting the shield.
Find a Steep Slope: Look for a hill or mountain with a good slope for surfing. You can’t surf on flat ground, so find a location with a decent incline.
Start the Ride: Once you’re on the slope, jump onto the shield by pressing the appropriate button. You’ll land on the shield and begin gliding down the hill.
Control Your Movement: While shield surfing, you can control your speed and direction by using the analog stick. You can also perform tricks by pressing the right buttons at the right time.
Perform Tricks: As you become more comfortable with shield surfing, you can start performing tricks. These include jumps, spins, and flips. Practice timing your button presses to execute these moves.
Stopping the Ride: To stop your shield surfing, you can either slow down or hit an obstacle that will bring you to a halt. Alternatively, you can jump off the shield if you want to stop immediately.
6. Mastering Shield Surfing
Now that you have unlocked shield surfing and learned the controls, it’s time to practice and master the mechanic. Shield surfing can be tricky at first, especially when it comes to controlling your speed and performing tricks. However, with practice, you’ll be able to zip down slopes at high speeds and pull off impressive stunts.
Tips for Mastering Shield Surfing
Here are a few tips to help you get better at shield surfing:
Pick the Right Shield: Some shields are faster than others. Experiment with different types of shields to find one that suits your style of surfing.
Use the Terrain to Your Advantage: Look for hills and slopes that have bumps or ramps. These are perfect for performing tricks.
Timing is Everything: The key to performing tricks is timing. Practice jumping and pressing the right buttons at the right moments to execute flips, spins, and other stunts.
Watch for Obstacles: While shield surfing is fun, be careful of obstacles like rocks, trees, or cliffs. These can cause you to lose speed or even crash.
Upgrade Your Shield: Some shields can be upgraded for better performance. Look for ways to improve your shield to make your surfing experience even better.
7. Shield Surfing in Combat
While shield surfing is primarily a fun exploration mechanic, it can also be used in combat. You can ride your shield into enemies, knocking them back and dealing damage. This adds a fun twist to battles and allows you to incorporate shield surfing into your overall strategy.
To use shield surfing in combat:
Find an Enemy on a Slope: The key to using shield surfing in combat is finding an enemy near a slope. You need a good incline to perform the move.
Charge at the Enemy: Once you’re on your shield, charge toward the enemy. As you get closer, press the attack button to knock them back and deal damage.
Follow Up with Attacks: After knocking the enemy back, you can follow up with additional attacks to finish them off.
8. Shield Surfing for Fast Travel
In addition to its use in combat and exploration, shield surfing can also be a fast way to travel across large areas. If you need to get from one side of the map to another, shield surfing can save you a lot of time compared to walking or riding a horse.
Look for slopes that lead in the direction you want to go, and use shield surfing to quickly travel from one area to another. Keep an eye out for fast downhill paths to make your travels even quicker.
Conclusion
Unlocking shield surfing in Tears of the Kingdom is a fun and rewarding experience. It adds a new level of excitement to exploration and combat and gives you a unique way to interact with the world. By following the steps outlined above, you can unlock this exciting mechanic and begin mastering the art of shield surfing. Whether you’re zipping down slopes, performing tricks, or using it in combat, shield surfing will add a whole new dimension to your Tears of the Kingdom experience. Happy surfing!