Does The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Autosave? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD features an autosave function in addition to the traditional manual save system. This was a significant quality-of-life improvement implemented in the HD remaster of the game for the Nintendo Switch, making the experience more forgiving and convenient for players.

The Autosave Feature: A Modern Zelda Staple

The implementation of autosaving in Skyward Sword HD brought it in line with more recent Zelda titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, which heavily rely on autosaving to ensure players don’t lose significant progress. While the original Skyward Sword solely relied on manual saves at Bird Statues, the HD version provides a safety net, reducing the frustration of repeating lengthy sections after an unexpected defeat or console shutdown.

How Autosaving Works in Skyward Sword HD

While Nintendo didn’t explicitly detail the exact intervals or triggers for the autosave feature, observations and player experiences reveal a few key points:

• Statue Interactions: Approaching a Bird Statue typically triggers an autosave. Even if you choose not to manually save, the game likely records your progress at this point.
• Room Transitions: Entering a new area or room often initiates an autosave. This helps prevent significant backtracking if you die shortly after progressing.
• Cutscenes: After viewing a cutscene, the game usually autosaves. This ensures you don’t have to re-watch story sequences if something goes wrong.
• Significant Events: Completing a mini-dungeon, solving a puzzle, or achieving a notable objective typically triggers an autosave.

Benefits of Autosaving

The autosave feature in Skyward Sword HD offers several advantages:

• Reduced Frustration: Losing progress due to unexpected deaths or errors is minimized, leading to a more enjoyable gaming experience.
• Convenience: Players can explore freely without constantly worrying about finding and interacting with Bird Statues to save their game.
• Accessibility: The autosave feature makes the game more accessible to players who may not be familiar with the traditional Zelda save system or who have limited time to play.

Manual Saving: Still a Vital Option

Despite the addition of autosaving, manual saving remains an important feature in Skyward Sword HD. Bird Statues scattered throughout the game world allow players to manually save their progress at any time. This provides an extra layer of security, especially before tackling challenging sections or bosses.

Why Manual Saving Matters

• Control Over Progress: Manual saving gives players direct control over when and where their progress is saved.
• Backup System: It serves as a backup in case the autosave system fails or if a player wants to revert to an earlier point in the game.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a recent manual save can provide peace of mind, especially during difficult encounters.

How to Manually Save

To manually save your game in Skyward Sword HD:

1. Locate a Bird Statue.
2. Approach the statue and press the “A” button to interact with it.
3. Select “Save” from the menu options.
4. Choose an available save slot and confirm your selection.

Skyward Sword HD: A Modernized Classic

The inclusion of autosaving is just one of many improvements that make Skyward Sword HD a more enjoyable and accessible experience than the original Wii version. Alongside enhanced graphics, smoother controls (with optional button-only controls), and various quality-of-life tweaks, the autosave feature ensures that players can focus on the adventure without being bogged down by archaic save systems. Games like Skyward Sword HD offer interesting opportunities for exploration in learning and engagement. The Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org is a great place to explore the research in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about saving and other related aspects of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD:

1. Can you only save at Bird Statues in Skyward Sword HD? No, you can manually save at Bird Statues, but the game also autosaves at various points.

2. Does the autosave replace manual saving? No, manual saving is still available and recommended as a backup.

3. How often does Skyward Sword HD autosave? The exact interval is unclear, but it seems to occur after room transitions, cutscenes, and significant events.

4. Is it possible to lose progress in Skyward Sword HD despite the autosave? While unlikely, it’s always best to manually save periodically, especially before challenging encounters, to avoid losing significant progress.

5. Does Skyward Sword HD have multiple save slots? Yes, you can have multiple save files.

6. Are there any missable items in Skyward Sword HD? Almost nothing is missable, but once a Palace is completed and turns to stone, it can’t be re-entered.

7. How long does it take to beat Skyward Sword HD? Roughly 38 hours for the main story, and around 58 hours for 100% completion.

8. Is Skyward Sword HD considered an easy Zelda game? Some fans consider it to be easier than other Zelda titles, though the boss fights can be challenging.

9. Can you play Skyward Sword HD without motion controls? Yes, the HD version offers button-only controls, eliminating the need for motion controls.

10. What are some essential upgrades in Skyward Sword HD? The Bow upgrade and Beetle speed upgrade are very useful.

11. What does 100% completion entail in Skyward Sword HD? Gathering all gratitude crystals, goddess chests, heart pieces, Hylian Shield, all upgrades, side quests, bottles, and medals.

12. Why is Skyward Sword HD different from other Zelda games? It’s unique due to its focus on motion controls (in the original) and its role as the earliest game in the Zelda timeline.

13. Is Skyward Sword HD a direct sequel to any other Zelda game? No, it’s the first game chronologically in the Zelda timeline, establishing the origins of Hyrule.

14. How do you unlock the ability to swim underwater in Skyward Sword HD? By obtaining the Water Dragon’s Scale after completing the “The Silent Realm – Faron Woods” quest.

15. Does Skyward Sword HD have a good ending? Yes, the ending is considered satisfying, though it involves a curse that sets up the recurring conflict in the Zelda series.