How to beat The Imprisoned in Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

Master all three encounters with The Imprisoned in Skyward Sword HD with advanced strategies, common mistake avoidance, and resource optimization tips.

Understanding The Imprisoned Threat

Link confronts The Imprisoned within the Sealed Grounds on three distinct occasions throughout The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD. This guide delivers the definitive tactics for prevailing in each escalating battle.

While its colossal scale is intimidating, The Imprisoned succumbs to a clear, repeatable strategy. The following methods will guide you to efficiently conquer the beast in every story-mandated clash.

This entity, bound beneath the Sealed Grounds, is driven by a singular goal: breaching the Sealed Temple to facilitate the full resurrection of the Demon King, Demise. Failing to halt its advance results in a game over.

Each successive encounter introduces new mechanics and challenges. Critical preparation is non-negotiable: equip multiple Potions (preferably Heart Potions), secure a Fairy in a bottle for an automatic revival, and ensure your Shield is repaired. Stamina Potions are also highly recommended for the final, mobility-intensive fight.

First Encounter: Groundwork Strategy

Once combat initiates, the creature will methodically advance up the slope toward the temple. Your absolute priority is interception. Exercise extreme caution around its massive feet; a direct stomp inflicts severe damage and can launch Link, leaving him vulnerable.

The core strategy is systematic toe destruction. Attack each glowing toe on its feet individually. A successful hit causes The Imprisoned to flinch and reel back slightly. After all toes on one foot are damaged, it will retract that foot. Once all toes are struck, the beast will stagger and collapse onto its back. Immediately sprint sideways to avoid the landing zone and potential crushing damage.

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  • Capitalize on the toppled state by swiftly moving to its head. The central spike is its weak point. Unleash a full combo or, more efficiently, a charged Spin Attack for maximum damage. It will recover and rise after several seconds. This “toe-break, spike-attack” cycle must be repeated until its health is depleted.

    First Fight Common Pitfalls

    Avoid targeting the body or head initially, as they are armored. Do not waste stamina on a dash attack to close distance; normal sprinting is safer. The most common mistake is getting greedy with extra hits on the spike, leaving Link in place when The Imprisoned stands up, resulting in knockback damage.

    Second Encounter: Aerial Adaptation

    Phase One: This stage mirrors the first battle but within a pit and with a critical addition: The Imprisoned now possesses large arms it uses to climb the walls. The strategy remains focused on disabling its toes to make it fall, then attacking the head spike. Increased aggression: It may swipe with its arms, so maintain lateral movement and avoid fighting directly in front of it.

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    Phase Two: Upon reaching the next health threshold, the enemy will begin sliding up the pit wall. Do not chase it. Instead, locate the active wind geysers erupting from the ground. Position Link atop one and hold the ‘A’ button to soar upward. Align your flight path to land on or near its head. Attack the spike mid-air or upon landing to stun it, causing another fall.

    When it’s prone on its back, do not attack the spike. Instead, stand directly on its chest, hold your sword skyward to charge a Skyward Strike, and release it into the glowing weak point. This unique finisher will conclude the battle. Practice the geyser launch timing in a safe moment; mistiming it wastes precious seconds.

    Third Encounter: Grooseanator & Cannonball Finale

    Phase One: The initial segment is identical to previous toe-targeting phases. Execute the now-familiar toe-break and spike-attack cycle. However, you must complete this cycle three separate times to progress. Manage your health and stamina carefully across these repetitions.

    Phase Two: After the third knockdown, The Imprisoned takes flight. Groose will operate the Grooseanator, a stationary cannon on the ledge. Your view will shift. Wait for the crosshair to settle over the flying beast, then press ‘A’ to fire a bomb. A direct hit will crash it to the ground. Rush to its head and attack the spike once more until Groose announces the cannon is jammed.

    Phase Three: This is the climax. Immediately sprint to a wind geyser and ascend to the top ledge where Groose waits. He will load Link into a human cannon. Mash the ‘A’ button during the cinematic to build power, aiming for a perfect shot. You will be launched onto the creature’s head. Deliver final blows to the spike before charging and unleashing a Skyward Strike directly into it to achieve total victory.

    Advanced Optimization & Pro Tips

    Resource Management

    Conserve Potions for the third encounter. Use a single Fairy if you die early in a fight to preserve rarer potions. The Bug Medals (from Beedle) that increase the chance of finding hearts or treasures are invaluable here.

    Movement & Positioning

    Never stand directly in front of or behind The Imprisoned; attack toes from a diagonal angle. When it falls, run in a wide arc to its head, not a straight line over its body. During the second fight’s aerial phase, slight control stick adjustments while flying are crucial for landing precision.

    Damage Maximization

    A fully charged Spin Attack deals more damage to the spike than a standard combo. The Goddess Sword or the later-upgraded Master Sword have optimal reach. If you have the Sacred Shield, its durability makes it ideal for blocking accidental foot slams.

    Final Note: Patience is key. Each encounter tests pattern recognition and execution under pressure. Mastering the toe-targeting rhythm is the foundation for all three victories.

    No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » How to beat The Imprisoned in Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Master all three encounters with The Imprisoned in Skyward Sword HD with advanced strategies, common mistake avoidance, and resource optimization tips.