The Pegasus Boots are an iconic piece of equipment in the The Legend of Zelda series, granting players the ability to dash at incredible speeds. Among their most notable appearances is in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, where they serve as a crucial tool for both traversal and puzzle-solving. This guide delves into the function, acquisition, and strategic use of the Boots of Hera in that specific title.
Acquiring the Boots of Hera
To obtain the Pegasus Boots in A Link Between Worlds, Link must first complete the Eastern Palace and defeat its boss, Moldorm. Upon victory, the Pendant of Courage is awarded, which is necessary to progress the main quest. Following this, the boots become available for purchase from the mysterious Traveling Merchant who appears near Kakariko Village. This merchant offers the boots for 500 Rupees, a significant investment that pays off immensely for speedrunning and accessing hidden areas.
Function and Mechanics
When equipped, tapping the dash button allows Link to sprint forward at high velocity, breaking through certain cracked walls marked with eye symbols. This mechanic is central to the game's design, as it opens up new pathways and shortcuts that were previously inaccessible. The boots consume no rupees or durability; they are a permanent upgrade that enhances mobility the moment Link acquires them.
Navigating Cracked Walls
Cracked walls are a recurring element in Zelda dungeons, and A Link Between Worlds is no exception. These specific walls are distinguished by a glowing eye pattern and require the Pegasus Boots to pass through. Plowing into these barriers allows access to secret rooms containing valuable items, rupees, and sometimes entire shortcut passages that can save hours of backtracking.
Strategic Usage in Puzzles
Beyond simple traversal, the Pegasus Boots are integral to solving several puzzles throughout the game. Certain dungeons require precise dashes to hit switches located in dangerous rooms, or to align blocks in a specific pattern. Mastering the dash mechanics is essential for progressing efficiently, as some solutions rely entirely on the momentum and distance covered while sprinting.
Speedrunning and Efficiency
For players interested in speedrunning or completing the game with a high score, the Pegasus Boots are indispensable. The ability to quickly traverse the overworld and navigate dungeons drastically reduces completion time. Savvy players often practice wall-kicking techniques off these boots to maintain momentum, effectively chaining dashes to cover ground at astonishing speeds.
Comparison to Other Titles
While the concept of the Pegasus Boots exists in other Zelda games, such as A Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time, their implementation in A Link Between Worlds feels particularly refined. The integration with the game's unique mural-based dungeon structure means that the boots feel like a key that unlocks the true depth of the interconnected world design.
