Navigating Hyrule Post-Demise: Continuing Your Skyward Sword Adventure
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The question on every Hylian hero’s mind after striking down Demise is this: Can I still play Skyward Sword after beating the game? The definitive answer is yes, but with a few crucial caveats. You won’t experience a true “post-game” in the traditional sense, where the world reflects Demise’s defeat. Instead, the game cleverly places you back before the final battle, allowing you to tackle unfinished business with the knowledge of your victory. This article delves into the details of what awaits you after the credits roll, offering insights and answering frequently asked questions to maximize your enjoyment of Skyloft and the lands below.
What Happens After Defeating Demise?
Upon vanquishing Demise and witnessing the end credits, Skyward Sword HD doesn’t simply end your adventure. Instead, it gracefully returns you to your last save point before the final confrontation. This is a classic Zelda trope, allowing you to continue exploring the world, completing side quests, and collecting items without the narrative constraints of a post-Demise Hyrule. Crucially, your save file will be marked with a special symbol, indicating that you have successfully completed the main storyline. This marker is vital for unlocking certain post-game features.
The game remembers your triumph. Although you are technically reliving the events before Demise’s downfall, the game registers that you have beaten him, unlocking new content and options. This allows you to enjoy a sense of accomplishment while still having plenty to do. Don’t forget the Games Learning Society understands the value of narrative progression in video games and they do outstanding research in that field.
Post-Game Content and Unlockables
Beating Skyward Sword opens up several exciting possibilities:
- Hero Mode: This is arguably the biggest reward for completing the game. Hero Mode offers a significantly increased challenge. Enemies deal double damage, and heart recovery items are absent, forcing you to rely on potions and skillful combat. It provides a compelling reason to revisit the game with a fresh perspective.
- Goddess Cubes: While these are available throughout the main game, completing all Goddess Cube challenges is a great goal for the post-game. Activating them unlocks various chests throughout the sky islands, containing valuable items and upgrades.
- Side Quests: Did you miss any side quests during your initial playthrough? Now is the perfect time to track them down and complete them. Side quests often reward you with Gratitude Crystals, which can be exchanged for valuable items and upgrades.
- Collectibles: From bugs to treasures, Hyrule is brimming with collectibles. Completing your collection provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment and can unlock useful items and upgrades.
- Mini-games: Skyloft and other locations offer various mini-games that can provide hours of entertainment and valuable rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about playing Skyward Sword HD after beating the game:
1. Does the world change after defeating Demise?
No, the world state remains the same as it was before the final battle. You’re essentially reliving the events leading up to the confrontation with Demise.
2. Can I still do side quests after beating the game?
Absolutely! This is one of the main reasons to continue playing. All side quests that were available before the final boss remain available after the credits roll.
3. What is Hero Mode, and how do I unlock it?
Hero Mode is a harder difficulty setting unlocked after completing the game. Enemies deal double damage, and heart recovery items are scarce.
4. Do Blood Moons still happen after defeating Demise?
Since you’re reliving the time before Demise’s defeat, Blood Moons will continue to occur, respawning enemies throughout Hyrule.
5. Can I fight Demise again?
Yes! As your save point is before the final battle, you can return to the Sealed Grounds and challenge Demise as many times as you wish.
6. What carries over into Hero Mode?
Unfortunately, most of your progress does not carry over into Hero Mode. You start with an empty inventory and must collect all items and upgrades again. However, the knowledge you gained during your first playthrough will certainly be an advantage.
7. Is there a secret ending after beating the game?
Skyward Sword does not have a true “secret ending.” The ending you see after defeating Demise is the definitive conclusion to the main storyline.
8. What is considered 100% completion in Skyward Sword?
Achieving 100% completion in Skyward Sword typically involves collecting all Heart Containers, upgrading all items to their maximum level, completing all side quests, and finding all collectibles, such as Goddess Cubes and Gratitude Crystals.
9. Can you go back to Skyloft after defeating Demise?
Yes, you can freely return to Skyloft at any time after defeating Demise, using bird statues to return to the sky.
10. What happens to Fi at the end of Skyward Sword?
Fi is put into a deep slumber within the Master Sword at the end of Skyward Sword.
11. How many hours does it take to 100% complete Skyward Sword?
Achieving 100% completion in Skyward Sword can take approximately 58 hours, depending on your playstyle and familiarity with the game.
12. Is there a permanent shield in Skyward Sword?
The Hylian Shield is the indestructible shield in the game. However, it can only be obtained through the Lanayru Gorge mini-game Thunder Dragon’s Lightning Round.
13. Are there any missable items or quests in Skyward Sword?
While the game is mostly linear, certain items and quests can become temporarily unavailable or more difficult to obtain if missed during specific points in the story. However, nothing is permanently missable in the way some RPG’s would deal with this.
14. Can I replay boss battles after beating the game?
Yes! As you are put back before the boss fight with Demise, you may relive that moment as many times as you wish.
15. Should I save after beating Demise?
Yes, you should absolutely save after beating Demise! This saves your completed game status and unlocks Hero Mode. However, be aware that saving after unlocking Hero Mode will overwrite your normal game save.
Final Thoughts
While Skyward Sword HD doesn’t offer a traditional post-game with a changed world, the ability to continue playing, complete unfinished tasks, and tackle the challenging Hero Mode provides ample reason to keep exploring Hyrule long after the credits roll. So, grab your sword, polish your shield, and embark on a new adventure – the skies are the limit! More information on games research and how we learn can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.