Hookshot

The Hookshot (pronounced ) is a recurring item in. It, or a variation of it, has appeared in several Zelda games since. It is a complex machine consisting of a chain and hook. When used, the chain extends and sends a large hook, which is attached to the chain, flying through the air. If the hook latches onto certain objects, Link is projected towards that object, rather than the chain retracting to its original position.

Location
In nearly all games, the Hookshot is nearly always found in dungeons. A recurring trend in the series is that the Hookshot is typically found inside water-themed or flooded dungeons, such as the Swamp Palace in A Link to the Past, or Catfish's Maw in. The Hookshot is usually guarded by the dungeon's mini-boss, and often becomes necessary to navigate the remainder of these dungeons it is found in. It is also often required to defeat the dungeons' bosses.

In some games however, especially and, the Hookshot is instead not found in a dungeon, but can be found in Dampé's Grave and Pirates' Fortress, respectively. However while these two Hookshots are not found in water dungeons, the Longshoot in Ocarina of Time, which is the upgrade to the original Hookshot, can be found in the Water Temple, whereas in Majora's Mask the Pirates' Fortress where the Hookshot is found is located within an oceanic region. Other exceptions include, where the Hookshot is found in the Wind Temple, and , where the Hookshot can be rented for 50 Rupees or bought for 800 Rupees from Ravio's Shop.

Uses
In Zelda games, the item is used most commonly to grapple onto far away objects so that Link can reach previously inaccessible areas. In addition, the Hookshot can also be used as a replacement for the Boomerang by allowing Link to grab far away objects (like hard to reach Rupees or out of reach switches) and attack enemies. In most cases, attacking an enemy with the Hookshot will only stun them, but some weaker enemies such as Keese will die when hit with the Hookshot. Other enemies, such as Like Likes, will instead pull Link towards them when hit by the Hookshot, which can potentially hurt Link or threaten his other items.

In the 2D Zelda games, the Hookshot will latch onto specific solid objects that stand in either of the four cardinal directions, and can include blocks, chests, specific stones or Pots. It is often used to pull Link over pits and unsafe hazards. In the 3D console games, the 3D environment makes greater use of the Hookshot as it can also be used to reach higher or lower heights. In these games, objects that can be grappled onto are usually marked with a bulls eye target. In Ocarina of Time, the Hookshot also produces a laser light used for aiming the Hookshot. In, the laser dot is surrounded by an extra red ring when the Hookshot is pointed at a viable object. In said game, the Hookshot can also be aimed by moving the 3DS unit. In A Link Between Worlds, the Hookshot gains some additional use as it can also be used to grapple onto switches as well as wooden walls, which Link can then quickly Merge with.

Over the years, the Hookshot has been redesigned many times, but the concept remains the same. A few games include upgraded variations to the regular Hookshot. Ocarina of Time includes the Longshot, which has a much longer chain and can therefore reach farther objects, and is found in the Water Temple. In A Link Between Worlds, the Hookshot can be upgraded to the Nice Hookshot by Mother Maiamai, if Link has purchased the Hookshot from Ravio's Shop and has found at least 10 Lost Maiamais. The Nice Hookshot deals more damage and extends farther.

In a few other games, however, the Hookshot is replaced with other similar items. replaces the Hookshot with the Switch Hook, and includes the Hookshot but also gives Link the Grappling Hook. and SS undefined replaces the Hookshot with a very similar item, the Clawshot.

Super Smash Bros. Series

 * See SmashWiki's article on the Hookshot for more information

The Hookshot is Link's in both  and, except for , where it is been replaced by the Clawshot. Link can use this move as a to grab the edge of the stage and pull himself back up to it. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Toon Link uses the Hookshot as a tether recovery as well. Similarly to Toon Link's character design, his Hookshot is based on the cel-shaded art style of The Wind Waker. Young Link's and Toon Link's versions of the Hookshot have a shorter range compared to the Adult Link version.

The Hookshot also appears as a collectible Sticker in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Hyrule Warriors
In, the Hookshot appears as an item obtained in the "The Shadow King" Scenario. The Hookshot is used to grapple onto ledges, indicated by a bulls eye target overhead and a glowing space when the Hookshot is selected. It can also be used to grapple onto enemies and quickly move towards them, sometimes also while performing an attack on certain enemies in some instances, such as on Aeralfos when it is in flight. The Hookshot can temporarily be upgraded by finding a item upgrade power-up in battles, which increases its strength for its duration. In this state it can also be used to pull and crash a tiny Moon onto enemies. Its duration can be increased by crafting Whip Badges. The Hookshot is also used to pull down and stun Argorok when its tail glows blue, as well as weaken a part of Ganon when his tail glows.

In Adventure Mode, the Hookshot is also an Item Card that allows to unlock a new area of the map upon completion.