Learning how to shield surf in Zelda: TOTK will let you easily traverse long, downward slopes and get around faster. Read this guide to master the art.
In Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK), Link can use a shield he has equipped to surf down flat slopes and traverse at incredibly high speed. This feature was also in the previous game, Breath of the Wild (BOTW).
How to Shield Surf
To learn how to shield surf in Zelda: TOTK,
- Ensure that Link has a shield equipped. Otherwise, he can’t surf!
- The shield you choose to equip Link with must be flat. Shields with teeth or bumpy edges will not allow you to surf smoothly, and Link can easily fall or slip when going down a hill.
- Find a soft hill, preferably covered in grass or snow. Face towards a downward slope, and start walking forward to build some basic momentum.
- On your controller, hold ZL, then Press X + A.
- Steer Link with the left joystick.
- Press B to stop surfing.
Note that continuous shield surfing wears down the durability of the shield over time. It may degrade faster depending on the type of terrain you’re surfing on. Yet, surfing on snow or sand does not affect shield durability.
Shield Surfing Tricks
Link can perform some nifty tricks while learning how to shield surf in Zelda: TOTK.
Spin Attack – Link can spin on his shield to attack incoming enemies. Press Y while shield surfing to spin attack.
Bow Attack – Link can attack enemies at range while shield surfing just like he does on foot. Hold ZR to pull out your bow and release to fire arrows at your targets.
Grinding – New to Zelda: TOTK is the ability for Link to grind on sky rails while shield surfing. Simply walk towards a rail, hold ZL then press X + A. It makes for a fast and convenient way to traverse rails without a mine cart.
Fusing – You can use anything fused to Link’s shield as a base material for surfing. Yes, that includes mine carts! Hold L, select Fuse, then release L. Next, stand near the item you want to fuse to your shield. Tap L, then press ZL to complete the fusion.