Can You Still Play Skyward Sword After You Beat It? A Deep Dive
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Yes, you absolutely can continue playing Skyward Sword after defeating Demise! However, there’s a crucial catch: you need to be mindful of your save files. The game allows you to continue exploring Hyrule, tackling side quests, and collecting items even after the final credits roll. But the way you approach saving after the final boss dictates whether you can return to pre-Demise Hyrule.
After beating Demise, the game gives you the option to save. Saving at this point essentially stamps your save file with a “completion” mark. This allows you to unlock Hero Mode, a significantly harder difficulty setting. Choosing Hero Mode overwrites your existing file. To keep playing your pre-Demise game and tackle the side quests and collectibles you may have missed, you must avoid saving directly after the end credits roll.
This gives you the best of both worlds: you can witness the grand finale and still revisit the world to achieve 100% completion at your own pace. Skyward Sword provides players with a robust post-game experience designed to encourage exploration and mastery of its various systems.
Maximizing Your Post-Game Skyward Sword Experience
Once you’ve beaten the game, you’ll find yourself with several new avenues to explore. This is where Skyward Sword truly shines, offering a host of activities that extend far beyond the main storyline.
Engaging with Hero Mode
After completing the game, you’ll unlock Hero Mode. This mode offers a significant increase in difficulty. Enemies deal double damage, and heart recovery items are much less readily available. However, this mode offers a new challenge for seasoned players looking for an intense experience. It’s the perfect way to experience the game again with a heightened sense of danger and strategic planning.
Completing Side Quests and Collectibles
Skyward Sword is brimming with side quests and collectible items. Post-game is an ideal time to hunt down those elusive Goddess Cubes, capture all the varieties of bugs, and complete any remaining side quests that contribute to the game’s rich tapestry. Focus on finding all Gratitude Crystals, completing all Goddess Chests, and acquiring those final Heart Pieces. Aiming for 100% completion in Skyward Sword is a rewarding goal.
Upgrading Equipment
The world of Skyward Sword has a variety of upgrades. A fully upgraded inventory shows mastery and dedication to the world. Now is the best time to find all of the materials needed to make your gear the best!
Experiencing the Game at Your Own Pace
One of the most satisfying aspects of playing after beating the main story is the freedom to explore at your own pace. With the pressure of the main quest removed, you can take your time to appreciate the details of the world, experiment with different combat strategies, and simply immerse yourself in the rich atmosphere of Skyward Sword.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly happens when you finish Skyward Sword?
After defeating Ghirahim and Demise, you’ll witness the ending cutscenes. Afterwards, the game presents you with the option to save. Saving here flags your file as “completed” and unlocks Hero Mode, potentially overwriting your existing save. Choosing not to save allows you to return to your pre-Demise game state.
2. Can you refight bosses in Skyward Sword after beating the game?
Yes, you can refight bosses. However, it requires progressing through Hero Mode. You can then fight the bosses you’ve previously defeated by visiting the Thunder Dragon. Unfortunately, the final boss, Demise, is off-limits until you progress back to him in Hero Mode.
3. What is considered 100% completion in Skyward Sword?
Achieving 100% completion requires obtaining all Heart Containers, collecting all upgrades, acquiring all items, and finding all collectibles. This includes all Gratitude Crystals, Goddess Chests, Heart Pieces, the Hylian Shield, fully upgraded equipment (including shields), all side quests related to gratitude, all bottles, and medals.
4. How long does it take to beat Skyward Sword and achieve 100% completion?
Focusing on the main objectives takes approximately 38 hours. Achieving 100% completion can take around 58 hours or more.
5. What is the point of no return in Skyward Sword?
The point of no return is entering the battle with Demise. Before initiating this fight, ensure you’ve collected all Heart Pieces and Gratitude Crystals and upgraded Link’s equipment as desired.
6. Is Skyward Sword considered a difficult Zelda game?
Fans generally consider Skyward Sword to be among the easier games in the Zelda franchise, although its boss fights require more precision than in other entries. Hero Mode can be an exception for new players.
7. Is there a permanent shield in Skyward Sword?
Yes, the Hylian Shield is the best and most durable shield in the game. It is indestructible and can never be shattered.
8. How many total hearts can you get in Skyward Sword?
You can acquire a total of 20 hearts (including the starting three). This is accomplished by collecting 24 Heart Pieces (forming 6 additional Heart Containers) and equipping two Life Medals (providing two extra hearts).
9. What are Goddess Cubes and why are they important?
Goddess Cubes are collectibles that activate Goddess Chests located in the sky. These chests contain valuable items, such as Heart Pieces and upgrades.
10. How many empty bottles can you find in Skyward Sword?
You can find a total of five empty bottles throughout the game. They are essential for carrying potions, bugs, and other helpful items.
11. 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 less readily available.
12. Can you replay the game with all your upgrades and items in Skyward Sword?
Yes, you can in Hero Mode. But it’s important to know that overwriting your existing save file is how this is done.
13. What’s the difference between Skyward Sword and Skyward Sword HD?
Skyward Sword HD is a remastered version of the original game for the Nintendo Switch. It features improved graphics, smoother motion controls (or optional button controls), and various quality-of-life improvements.
14. Is there DLC planned for Skyward Sword HD?
As of now, there are no plans for DLC for Skyward Sword HD.
15. What can I learn from playing games like Skyward Sword?
Games like Skyward Sword, provide valuable learning experiences that go beyond simple entertainment. They teach players about problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning. They can also promote creativity, collaboration, and communication skills. For more information on the educational value of video games, consider exploring the resources offered by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.