Hookshot

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

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 has been used as a replacement for the Boomerang by allowing Link to grab far away objects (like hard to reach Rupees or that switch that is just out of his reach) 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.

Over the years, the Hookshot has been redesigned many times, but the concept remains the same. However, a few games in the series have replaced the Hookshot with other similar items. replaces the Hookshot with the Switch Hook, and includes the Hookshot but also gives Link a Grappling Hook. The Switch Hook has never made a second appearance. and SS undefined replaces both the Hookshot and the Grappling Hook with a single item called the Clawshot.

Many versions of the Hookshot and its variations are found in water dungeons. One of the few exceptions is the version found in the Wind Temple in The Wind Waker.

A Link to the Past
In, the Hookshot is the big chest item in the Swamp Palace. As with most dungeon items, the chest guarding it can only be opened with the Big Key. In that dungeon, it is needed not only for puzzles and collecting items but also for defeating the boss, Arrghus. It is also required for easier exploration of the Dark World, and is commonly used in later dungeons to progress or complete puzzles. It can latch on to many objects, including Treasure Chests, Pots, blocks and trees. It can also be used to defeat smaller enemies, stun larger ones and retrieve far away items.

Link's Awakening
In, the Hookshot is the hidden item in Catfish's Maw. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as opening a chest. Master Stalfos has stolen the Hookshot, and Link must defeat him four times before he will hand it over. The Hookshot will be useful when fighting some enemies and bosses including Slime Eel and Evil Eagle.

Ocarina of Time
is the first 3D Zelda game that contains the Hookshot. For the release of the game, the Hookshot was redesigned, and the game was designed to rely on it more than ever. The Hookshot becomes less useful as a weapon and more useful as a means of solving puzzles and accessing unreachable areas or items.

The Hookshot is the first new item Link will acquire in Ocarina of Time after becoming an adult. In order to retrieve it, Link must enter Dampé's Grave, where he is challenged to a "race." Although Dampé calls it a race, Link's job is not to win the contest, but rather to not get left behind. If Link manages to keep up with him through the entire maze, he will reward Link with the Hookshot. This Hookshot can latch onto any surface made of wood, including trees, bridges, and rafters. There are also several bull's-eye targets that are made especially for the Hookshot. It utilizes a red dot to aim. In, the red dot is surrounded by an extra red ring when the Hookshot is pointing at a viable target; in said game, the Hookshot can be aimed by moving the 3DS unit.

Longshot
Ocarina of Time also includes a second version of the Hookshot called the Longshot. It functions the same way as the Hookshot but has a longer chain, allowing Link to reach areas and items that are out of the reach of the regular Hookshot. The Longshot is found in the Water Temple after defeating the mini-boss, Dark Link.

In the Master Quest version, the Longshot is found early on in the Water Temple, rather than after facing Dark Link.

Majora's Mask
In, the Hookshot was again redesigned, now sporting a golden-colored appearance. This time, it is located within the Pirates' Fortress, in a room where a group of Gerudo Pirates are discussing the location of some Zora Eggs. It is essential for navigating the Fortress and for accessing the village in Ikana Canyon. Its chain length seems to be between the Hookshot and Longshot of Ocarina of Time. Other than the aforementioned differences, this Hookshot functions much like its Ocarina counterpart.

The Wind Waker
In The Wind Waker the Hookshot has been redesigned with a handguard. Link acquires it in the Wind Temple after defeating a powerful Wizzrobe, and it is key in fighting the Temple's boss, Molgera. Like in Ocarina of Time, this Hookshot can latch onto wood and special targets. It features a new targeting cursor that becomes a rotating starburst when over a possible target. It can also be used in conjunction with the Iron Boots to pull heavy objects, like statues, down. The Hookshot is found relatively late in this game, as the Wind Temple is the second-to-last dungeon in The Wind Waker.

A Link Between Worlds
The Hookshot reappears in as one of the items in Ravio's Shop. Link can rent the Hookshot for 50 Rupees, or purchase it for 800 (if it is the first item bought, Ravio will only charge 400 Rupees). It is required to complete the Swamp Palace and Lorule Castle. The Hookshot has the same red color-scheme as the one from A Link To The Past, but it is more bulkier. It has some new features, such as the ability to latch onto Switches. The Hookshot can also latch onto wooden walls, which Link can Merge into. Link can also steer rafts by latching onto wood. Unlike A Link to the Past, the Hookshot cannot latch onto Treasure Chests or Pots.

Nice Hookshot
If Link returns 10 Lost Maiamais to Mother Maiamai, she will upgrade the Hookshot to the Nice Hookshot, provided the young hero has purchased it from Ravio's Shop. This upgrade gives it a three-pointed hook and allows it to deal damage and extend farther.

Super Smash Bros. Series

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

The Hookshot is Link's grab move in both and, though not in , where it has been replaced by the Clawshot. Link can use this move as a tether recovery 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.

Trivia

 * The Hookshot and its variants, the Longshot and Clawshot, are often obtained and extensively used in water-themed dungeons, being one of the few items that can be used underwater.