Summary
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis a title that gives players seemingly limitless methods to get around its world. From hot air balloons tounicycles inTears of the Kingdom, if there is one thing the gamedoes not lack, it is ways Link can see all Hyrule has to offer. Most of the contraptions players come up with are impractical for varying reasons, whether due to a high cost of Zonite to rebuild or simply from being unusable, but much of the game’s fun does stem from creating something that can theoretically work with any practicality acting as a nice bonus.
One of the most entertaining and versatile ways to practically navigate is also the simplest since the concept involves little more than Link and his shield. The aptly namedshield surfing is a traversal method introduced inBreath of the Wildand was not only reintroduced inTears of the Kingdombut improved to such a degree that it’s one of the game’s best features.
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Tears of the Kingdom Makes Shredding Through Hyrule So Much Fun
Skateboarding was not a feature advertised to be inThe Legend of Zelda:Tears of the Kingdomand is technically not in the game, but the Fuse mechanic does create instances where it feels like a part of it. Part of this stems from the fact that shields and carts can be fused, creating an improvised skateboard that vastly increases the distance players can ride. This alone would make shield surfing far more viable than inBreath of the Wild, but the idea was taken a bit further to make Link feel like a pro skater.
Grinding is a staple of skateboarding in real life and skating games, and Link is a master at it. Beyond creating viable skateboards, grinding is doable on most rails scattered throughout Hyrule, adding to the new skater vibe present in shield surfing. Players have been able to beat shrines inTears of the Kingdomby grinding to victoryas Link is incredibly talented at a more radical way to finish several shrines.
Going beyond the fact the Hyrule can act as a giant skate park with the right mentality, shield-surfing is also a blast even without this stand-out element. One of thebest glitches players have found inTears of the Kingdominvolves players engaging and canceling shield surfing to make Link soar if he has a weapon fused with a rocket equipped. While this is not an intended quirk by any means, it is still a funny way to quickly gain altitude without needing to build an entirely new vehicle.
Another situation shield-surfing is surprisingly effective in is combat because, like almost any other item in the game, explosives such asthe incredibly useful bomb flowercan be attached to a shield and function as an AOE attack by exploding under Link’s feet if he attempts to shield surf. A bonus to this strategy is that he will be launched in the air, allowing dealing even more damage by aiming with a bow midair, slowing down time.
Shield surfing inBreath of the Wildwas a fun way to navigate down slopes and hills in a way that was faster than walking, but its use inTears of the Kingdomelevates it to another level. It’s a bizarre experience to see Link channel his inner skater whenever near any rails, but once that feeling dissipates, it becomes another layer to explore with varying combinations to experiment with and create the best skateboard seen in the land. Beyond that, there are so many new ways shield surfing has become a cool technique with several practical applications players can use if they are willing to experiment with the game’s systems.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis available now for Switch.
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