The Dark Cloud

The Dark Cloud is the second stage in the Realm of the Heavens in Four Swords Adventures. This is said to be the longest level in the entire game. The first part of the stage plays in a side-scrolling perspective. After entering a beam of light to get to the next area, it returns to the traditional top-down view.

The Links may take one of two routes, both leading to the final battle with Shadow Link and the exit of the stage.
 * The first route is a lengthy maze of hidden spikes. If Link approaches these spikes, they will appear from the ground and cause him to lose health and Force Gems. These spikes can be revealed temporarily by hitting the ground forcefully with the hammer. Alternatively, one may pick up a Link and throw him in search of a clear path. Hitting the switches will cause safe paths to appear. Link must navigate through this maze until he reaches a Moon Gate.
 * The second route requires Link to find a slingshot and use a platform to move through four barriers. Once he's on the other side, Link will find a room with 18 chests which contain two big bombs, a Moon Pearl, a Crystal Ball, a total of 1514 Force Gems. The Links must take the Moon Pearl to a Moon Gate two screens east.

At the end of the stage the four Links must defeat Shadow Link in a final battle. They continue regenerating each time one is defeated, until Princess Zelda appears and uses her power to seal the Dark Mirror, when all Shadow Links are defeated, Zelda reclaims the mirror and creates a bridge leading to the Palace of Winds for the final battle.

Enemies encountered in this area:
 * Vulture
 * Keese
 * Castle Guards
 * Shadow Link
 * Wizzrobe
 * Hardhat Beetle
 * Stalfos
 * Tektite
 * Chief Soldier

Items obtained in this area:
 * Bow
 * Bomb
 * Blue Bracelet
 * Hammer
 * Lamp
 * Boomerang