How can you get Link to dive underwater in The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD for Switch? The ability to start “swimming with the fishes” (or Parella, in this case) might not be completely straightforward, but luckily it’s pretty easy to unlock. Diving underwater becomes essential when exploring later dungeons such as the Ancient Cistern, where you unlock the Whip and Farore’s Flame. Diving is also necessary for doing things like entering the inside of the Great Tree or accessing Lake Floria. Here’s how to start diving underwater in The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD.
How to Unlock Diving Underwater in Skyward Sword HD
(Updated August 1, 2024 – updated links and guide information)
To begin your underwater adventures in Skyward Sword, you will first need to unlock the Water Dragon’s Scale. To unlock this item, you need to complete the Silent Realm Trial in Faron Woods. This Trial can be started by using the Goddess’s Harp in a sparkly spot near the Viewing Platform Bird Statue in Faron Woods. If you’re having trouble finding it, you can dowse for a Trial Gate from this location.
After playing the Goddess’s Harp you will enter the Silent Realm Trial. From here you are trying to collect 15 Tears of Farore without being touched by the guardians in the area. Keep in mind that collecting a Tear will cause the guardians to pause for 90 seconds. Make sure to use that to your advantage as you sneak your way through.
Following the collection of all 15 Tears, you will be awarded the Water Dragon’s Scale and be able to dive to your heart’s content. Since this item is a key item, there’s no need to equip it or swap it out for other items – you will always be able to dive once you have unlocked it.
Actually Taking A Dive
Once you have obtained the Scale you will be able to dive in any deep enough body of water in Skyward Sword. To do this on the Switch simply swing the Joycon downward. Alternatively, you can just press down on the D-pad and you’ll go below the surface. Once underwater you will hold A and use the left joystick to move about.
Make sure that you pay attention to your oxygen meter when diving, taking care to swim towards the air bubbles you will see in various locations. These will allow you to make longer trips under the surface safely. Happy diving!
