A shield slide, often referred to as shield surfing, is an exhilarating and practical traversal technique in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW) that allows Link to slide down various slopes and surfaces using his shield as a snowboard. This maneuver is not only stylish but also helps cover ground quickly and can even be used creatively in combat or exploration.
Understanding Shield Surfing
Shield surfing involves using any equipped shield as a temporary sled to glide down inclines. While it's a fun way to navigate Hyrule's diverse terrain, it's important to note that prolonged or rough use will degrade your shield's durability.
How to Execute a Shield Slide
Performing a shield slide in BOTW requires a precise combination of button presses. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Equip a Shield: Ensure Link has a shield equipped. You can do this by opening your inventory, selecting a shield, and choosing "Equip," or by holding the ZL button (the shield button located on the left side of your controller) to ready your shield.
- Find an Incline: Locate a suitable slope, hill, or even a set of stairs. Shield surfing works best on steeper declines.
- Jump: While standing on the incline, press the X button to jump into the air.
- Initiate the Slide: Immediately after jumping, while Link is still airborne, press the A button. This action will cause Link to land on his shield and begin sliding.
Quick Steps Summary:
- Hold ZL (to guard with your shield).
- Press X (to jump).
- Press A (while still in the air).
Once you've started sliding, you can steer Link using the left analog stick. To stop shield surfing, simply release the ZL button, or run into an obstacle.
Tips for Effective Shield Surfing
- Shield Durability: Different shields have varying durability. While any shield can be surfed, more durable shields like the Royal Shield or Guardian Shield will last longer. Avoid using your most precious shields for extensive surfing, especially the Hylian Shield, unless you have a reliable way to repair or replace it.
- Surface Type: Surfing on smooth surfaces like snow, sand, or grassy hills causes less durability loss than rough terrain like rocky mountainsides or stone steps.
- Speed Boost: You can gain a slight speed boost by jumping while surfing. However, this also causes additional wear on your shield.
- Combat and Exploration:
- Quick Escapes: Use shield surfing to quickly descend from high places or escape from enemies.
- Puzzle Solving: Occasionally, shield surfing can be used to reach areas or activate mechanisms that might otherwise be difficult.
- Creative Attacks: Some advanced players use shield surfing in conjunction with arrow shots or other abilities for unique combat maneuvers.
- Stamina Management: While shield surfing itself doesn't directly consume stamina, climbing to higher points to initiate a slide often does. Plan your routes accordingly.
Benefits of Shield Surfing
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Rapid Descent | Quickly travel down steep slopes, saving time compared to walking or paragliding. |
| Increased Mobility | Navigate varied terrain with ease, bypassing smaller obstacles. |
| Exploration Efficiency | Cover vast distances in Hyrule more effectively, uncovering hidden areas faster. |
| Tactical Advantage | Potentially evade enemies or set up advantageous attack positions by quickly repositioning. |
| Pure Fun | Enjoy one of the most entertaining traversal mechanics in the game, adding to the immersive experience. |
Shield surfing is a core element of exploration and movement in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Mastering this technique will enhance your gameplay experience, making travel more efficient and enjoyable.
