Shields have always been an important ⭕staple of ’s core combat loop. In the original 2D games, you simply needed to line up Link&rs💛quo;s shield correctly to block enemy attacks whereas and e set a precedent for the shield as a usable item you need to pull up yourself.
Skyward Sword makes some big changes to ’s shield system, breaking down the equipment into differentꦍ sets with their own upgrade trees. There are three main tiers of shields in , all of which have their own strengths, weaknesses, and materials necessary to fully upgrade.
Banded Shield
The Banded Shield is the first upgrade in the Wooden Shield line. You can obtain a Wooden Shield either by talking to Instructor Owlan af♌ter Zelda falls to the Surface or by purchasing one at the Gear Shop for 50 Rupees. Once you have a Wooden Shield, you need the following treasure to upgrade up to a Banded Shield:
- 30 Rupees
- 2 Amber Relics
- 1 Jelly Blob
- 1 Monster Claw
The Banded Shield has🦂 higher durability than the Wooden Shield, but has the exact same strengths and weaknesses as its predecessor. While the Banded Shield will comfortably block electrical damage, it can’t take too many hits wit🔯hout breaking and fire will burn it on the spot.
Braced Shield
The Braced Shield is the final upgrade in the Wooden Shield line. Once you have a Banded Shield, locate t𓂃he following treasure to upgrade up to a Braced Shield:
- 50 Rupees
- 3 Amber Relics
- 2 Monster Claws
- 1 Ornamental Skull
- 2 Tumbleweeds
Despite burning on flame contact, the Braced Shield has one of the highest durabilities in the game and can sustain a fair bit of damage before finally breaking. So long as you aren’t bringing it intoജ the Earth Temple or Fire Sanctuary, the Braced Shield is a reliable piece of equ♉ipment.
Reinforced Shield
The Reinforced Shield is the first upgrade in the Iron Shield line. The Iron Shield is available for purchase as soon as you complete the first dungeon, Skyview Temple. Once you’re back at Skyloft, head to the Gear Shop and buy the Iron Shield for 100 Rupees. The Iron Shield can be upgraded 🌠into a Reinforced Shield with the following tr🌜easure:
- 20 Rupees
- 2 Eldin Ores
- 2 Monster Claws
- 2 Ornamental Skulls
The Reinforced Shield has higher durability than even the Braced Shield, but electric damage ends up channeled right towards Link instead of being blocked. Conversely, the Reinforced Shield stops fire damage head-on♊ and withstands basic damage without much trouble.
Fortified Shield
The Fortified Shield is the last upgrade in the Iron Shield line. Once you have your Reiꦛnforced Shield, find the following treasure to upgrade it into a Fortified Shield:
- 100 Rupees
- 1 Blue Bird Feather
- 3 Eldin Ores
- 3 Monster Claws
- 1 Tumbleweed
The Fortified Shield has𓆏 the single highest durability in the game (other than the unbreakable Hylian Shield), but still conducts electric damage to Link – an eleme♓nt which appears more commonly as the story goes on.
Divine Shield
The Divine Shield is the first upgrade in the Sacred Shield line. The Sacred Shiel✅d can be purchased at the Gear Shop for 500 Rupees after you defeat the Imprisoned for the first time. Once you have a Sacred Shield, find the following treasure to upgrade into a Divine Shield:
- 100 Rupees
- 2 Bird Feathers
- 1 Dusk Relic
- 3 Ornamental Skulls
The Divine Shield has pitifully low durability and will 🐟break immediately if you’re careless, but it also resists all three main elements – fire, electricity, and curse – while actually regenerating its durability with time. Patience and careful swordplay means your Divine Shield will never break.
Goddess Shield
The Goddess Shield is the final upgrade in the Sacred Shield line. 🦂Your Sacred Shield can be upgraded into a Goddess Shield with the following treasure:
- 150 Rupees
- 3 Bird Feathers
- 1 Blue Bird Feather
- 4 Dusk Relics
- 3 Monster Horns
The Goddess Shield has even less durability than the Braced Shield, but🌳 it regenerates durability fast enough where it may as well have infinite stamina. The mere fact the Goddess Shield comꦆbats all three elements easily makes it the best non-Hylian Shield in the game.